Monday, March 26, 2007

Romans 10:11-13

As the Scripture says, "Anyone who trusts in him will never be put to shame" [Isaiah 28:16]. For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile--the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on Him, for, "Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved" [Joel 2:32].

Notice again that Paul, as he has done throughout this passage, is emphasizing that the Old Testament teaches the way of salvation by grace through faith in the Messiah. Why should people, especially the Jews, trust in God for salvation? Because their Scriptures say so. Even the law, says Paul, teaches salvation by grace through faith. And if we truly believe on Christ then we will not be ashamed of Him, and therefore we will gladly confess Him and obey the Gospel from the heart as He enables us and works in us to do so.

Paul says in v12, “There is no difference,” and he said the same thing in Romans 3:22. In that passage “there is no difference,” because Jew and Gentile alike have sinned and are condemned. In this passage “there is no difference,” because Jew and Gentile alike have the same Savior who will pour out the riches of His glory (Romans 9:23) to all who call on His name. All kinds of men without distinction are condemned due to the same sinfulness; all kinds of men without distinction are saved by the same Savior. Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord (with sincere saving faith) will be saved. Praise God!

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