Romans 10, and pressing on

As we continue going forward with our weekly studies, we learn that Romans 10 is the chapter explaining Israel's need to confess their Messiah, (based on the fact of their election and purpose from Chapter 9) and their failure to do so (And Paul says, "Did not Israel know?).

"Brethren, my heart's desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they might be saved.

For I bear them record that they have a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge." - Romans 10:1-2

Verse one of Chapter 10 shows that Paul's still talking about the same audience that he was talking about in Chapter 9. And that his heart's desire and prayer to God for Israel, is that they might be saved. They have a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge.

They may be searching for their righteousness in the law which Moses gave. But the law allows no mistakes, neither does it help with their performance. If you remember back from Romans 3, "Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin. But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets;" - Romans 3:20-21

Which is why Paul states in Romans 10:4-5 "For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth. For Moses describeth the righteousness which is of the law, That the man which doeth those things shall live by them."

Something (Someone) better than the law is right there for Israel. It's the Lord himself. If they would just confess this before others, as the Lord commanded Israel to do so. "Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven. But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven." - Matthew 10:32-33

The Little Flock of Israel does exactly that. Which is why Paul states to rest of Israel: "That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation." - Romans 10:9-10 (If you're hearing that in your church/denomination/religion today as "the gospel"? Get out. They don't have a clue.)

Paul continues to ask questions such as "How shall they hear without a preacher? How shall they call on him in whom they have not believed?" But Israel has had opportunity, and can not claim ignorance. They've had the law, the prophets, John the Baptist, and the Lord himself to give them information regarding the Kingdom, prophetic information, and truth regarding their situation, and their need for their Messiah. The Little Flock sure jumped on the chance, and all of Israel should have too.

Paul says in verse 19 "But I say, Did not Israel know?" They sure did. Aside from those that came with the message for them to confess their messiah, they could read in the Law that they needed to learn and look for their Lord who would say the things he said for them.

And yet the chapter ends..."But to Israel he saith, All day long I have stretched forth my hands unto a disobedient and gainsaying people." Romans 10:21

To Israel, he saith? Just as in the beginning of Romans 10 Paul was talking to Israel, (and all of Romans 9) So at the end and all through Romans 10, Paul was talking to Israel, and about Israel? Ok then. So then there's no "Church, the Body of Christ" to be found in Romans 9 and 10 thus far. Only Paul talking about Israel. So what makes you think we'll find the Body of Christ in Romans 11? That's right. We won't find us in that Chapter either. Join us next time as we continue.

.