They need to hear!
Righteous by law observance = no-one
Righteous by faith through God’s grace = anyone
We don’t need to look for Jesus in heaven or anywhere else, he is close at hand. Close at hand when people like us open our mouths and tell others. Verse 9, which we use in baptism services, tells us if we believe in our heart and speak out that Jesus is Lord, (which can only be done by the Spirit, 1 Corinthians 12:3) we will be saved. The gospel is easily accessible to all, v.11,13. There is no difference or favouritism, because anyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.
If we trust him, we will never be put to shame – v.11
If we call on him, he will richly bless us – v.12
If we call on his name, we will be saved – v.13.
Hearing leads to believing, leads to calling on the name of the Lord. We must be a people who tells others about the wonderful grace of God, so that their hearing leads to believing and calling on the name of the Lord.
In verses 16-21 Paul addresses some more reasons for why the Jews are not believing in Jesus.
Did they hear? Yes.
Did they understand? They chose not to and chose to be angered by the Gentiles being included.
Israel is being disobedient and obstinate. In chapter 9 we saw that the unbelief of Israel was a factor. In chapter 10 we see their disobedience.
Paul asks yet another question at the start of chapter 11. Has God rejected his people? Perish the thought! There is still a believing remnant even today!
Lord please save many Jews and reveal that you are their Messiah, Amen.
Andy Moyle
