But I say, Did not Israel know? First Moses saith, I will provoke you to jealousy by them that are no people,and by a foolish nation I will anger you. Romans 10:19 (KJV)
The book of Romans guides us step by step through the innate depravity of sinful man, and our great need of a Saviour. He talks of God’s gracious offer of salvation and walks us through the treasures of justification and sanctification, election and adoption.. and he opens up the wonderful identification truths where Christ’s resurrected life is imparted to us.. and we are positioned in Him. Paul then goes on to explain that in Christ we are dead to sin and released from the bondage of the Law.. alive in Christ and set free, by the Spirit of Life in Christ Jesus – so that we may live our lives to His praise and glory.
Paul traces the great plan of redemption from the first Man-Adam to the last Adam-Jesus.. from the old creation in the flesh to the new creation in the spirit.. from the old sin nature to the new life in Christ.. from the curse of the Law to the freedom of grace – and points out that salvation is by grace through faith in Christ alone, and not by personal merit or through works of the flesh.
He explains the reason why God selected one man.. one kingly line; one particular tribe; one earthly people; one nation under God – i.e. the nation of Israel.. He explains that they were was chosen, to be God’s mouthpiece on earth and to bring forth the promised Seed.. Who would save His people from their sins and redeem the lost race of fallen man.
He explains God’s sovereign choices and Israel’s unique privilege.. as God’s adoptive son. He describes the incarnation and Christ’s mission to Jews and reminds us that everyone who calls on the name of Lord will be saved. He describes Israel’s stumbling and the partial blindness they entered into.. due to unbelief and the rejection of their Messiah King – and He incorporates warnings from Old Testament saints like Moses, Abraham, David and Isaiah to authenticate the truth of his words.
These and other foundational facts were carefully laid by Paul in His letter to the Romans to show that Israel would be set aside during this Church age because they heard the truth.. but rejected the message of salvation. Paul made it very clear that Israel plainly understood that the Lord required godly righteousness–by grace through faith and not man’s fleshly righteousness–by works of the Law.. but they refused to receive their heavenly-Kinsman, Who was God’s chosen sacrifice for the sin of Israel as well as the Redeemer of the whole world.
Did Israel know what was required? – yes is Paul’s answer. Did Israel understand the message of salvation? – yes is Paul’s emphatic reply. Prophets of old had foretold of the unrighteous choices Israel would make and how they would reject the Lord’s Anointed. It was Moses who foretold that Israel would be provoked to jealousy and anger.. by a rag-tag group of foolish gentile believers.. who would receive the free gift of salvation from the God of Israel.. by faith, before they did, and it was Isaiah who foretold that Israel’s Messiah was also to be a light to lighten the gentile nations.. and that they would become God’s children as a result of Israel’s transgression, rebellion and apostasy.
But Paul also goes on to rejoice that in His goodness and grace God’s offer of salvation continues to be extended to Israel and that His punishment for their sin will not remain forever. For the day is coming when all Israel will be saved.. and on that day they will cry out together: blessed is He Who comes in the name of the Lord.
My Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for Your Word and the truth that it contains. Thank You that the message of Salvation is clearly set out and that it is by grace through faith and not by works of the Law that we are saved. Thank You that You have not rejected Your people Israel, but that You have graciously included the gentile Church into Your plan of salvation – praise Your holy name AMEN
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