The Gospel's Open Invitation

Bible Passage:

Romans 9:30–10:13 NKJV

What shall we say then? That Gentiles, who did not pursue righteousness, have attained to righteousness, even the righteousness of faith; but Israel, pursuing the law of righteousness, has not attained to the law of righteousness. Why? Because they did not seek it by faith, but as it were, by the works of the law. For they stumbled at that stumbling stone. As it is written: “Behold, I lay in Zion a stumbling stone and rock of offense, And whoever believes on Him will not be put to shame.” Brethren, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for Israel is that they may be saved. For I bear them witness that they have a zeal for God, but not according to knowledge. For they being ignorant of God’s righteousness, and seeking to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted to the righteousness of God. For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes. For Moses writes about the righteousness which is of the law, “The man who does those things shall live by them.” But the righteousness of faith speaks in this way, “Do not say in your heart, ‘Who will ascend into heaven?’ ” (that is, to bring Christ down from above) or, “ ‘Who will descend into the abyss?’ ” (that is, to bring Christ up from the dead). But what does it say? “The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart” (that is, the word of faith which we preach): that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. For the Scripture says, “Whoever believes on Him will not be put to shame.” For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek, for the same Lord over all is rich to all who call upon Him. For “whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.”

INTRO:

AG: Famous passage. Romans Road of Salvation ends in v. 13. IN fact, many gospel presentations end here.

Romans 10:13 NKJV

For “whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.”

TS:

Summary: In this passage, Paul contrasts the righteousness that comes from faith with the righteousness that comes from the Law, illustrating that salvation is available to all who believe, regardless of their background. His readers in Rome were a mixed group of Jewish and Gentile believers and they needed this point reemphasized.

Application: This message empowers Christians to recognize that salvation is not exclusive but open to everyone. It encourages outreach to all people, reinforcing the belief that faith in Christ is sufficient for one's salvation, regardless of their past or present circumstances.

Teaching: The sermon teaches that salvation is accessible to all, emphasizing the importance of belief in Jesus Christ as the cornerstone of salvation. It highlights the sufficiency of faith over the works of the Law.

How this passage could point to Christ: This passage reveals Christ as the fulfillment of the Law and the source of righteousness through faith. It underscores the notion that through Him, everyone can find salvation and is invited into a relationship with God.

Big Idea: God's offer of salvation transcends cultural, moral, and circumstantial barriers, inviting everyone to respond in faith to the gospel.

Recommended Study: As you prepare, consider exploring the theme of righteousness in Paul’s writings through your Logos library. Pay attention to any exegetical variances in the understanding of 'faith' versus 'works.' It would also be beneficial to study historical backgrounds that illustrate the Jewish understanding of righteousness and how Paul redefines this concept in Christ.

I. Righteousness by Faith vs. Works (9:30-33)

Romans 9:30–33 NKJV

What shall we say then? That Gentiles, who did not pursue righteousness, have attained to righteousness, even the righteousness of faith; but Israel, pursuing the law of righteousness, has not attained to the law of righteousness. Why? Because they did not seek it by faith, but as it were, by the works of the law. For they stumbled at that stumbling stone. As it is written: “Behold, I lay in Zion a stumbling stone and rock of offense, And whoever believes on Him will not be put to shame.”

A. Unexpected Righteousness

Gentiles, who did not pursue righteousness, have attained it through faith.

They didn’t work hard to keep the Law and the Teachings.

They were versed in the Talmud and other traditions.

Surprisingly (at least to the Jewish mindset) they became righteous!

This righteousness came by faith!

This contrasts with Israel, who pursued righteousness by works but didn't attain it.

Israel worked hard to be righteous.

They focussed on studying and keeping the law

They explained and expanded God’s law to include many interpretations and worked to keep them

They had the mindset that if they were “good enough” they would be declared righteous.

Sadly, they missed the mark

Which is really the whole point

Not only did they miss the mark, the stumbled over the very one sent to bring them to righteousness.

B. Stumbling Stone

Israel stumbled over Christ, who was set as a "stumbling stone and rock of offense" because they sought righteousness by the law rather than by faith.

Paul here quotes from Isaiah where he predicted that a remnant would be saved, but not all Israel would be saved.

II. Israel's Misguided Zeal (10:1-4)

Romans 10:1–4 NKJV

Brethren, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for Israel is that they may be saved. For I bear them witness that they have a zeal for God, but not according to knowledge. For they being ignorant of God’s righteousness, and seeking to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted to the righteousness of God. For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes.

A. Paul's Heart for Israel

Paul expresses his desire for Israel's salvation, acknowledging their zeal for God but not according to knowledge.

Remember ch 9…

Romans 9:3 NKJV

For I could wish that I myself were accursed from Christ for my brethren, my countrymen according to the flesh,

Paul’s heart was full of love for his countrymen and wanted them ALL to be saved. Sadly, he knew that many would not be. Instead of building their life on the Rock, they stumbled over Him.

B. The End of the Law

Israel's ignorance leads them to seek righteousness through the law, which Christ has brought to completion.

Paul is not saying that God has completly discard the law and all of its moral lessons. Sin was defined in the law.r and your mother.’ ” Mark 10:19

Mark 10:19 NKJV

You know the commandments: ‘Do not commit adultery,’ ‘Do not murder,’ ‘Do not steal,’ ‘Do not bear false witness,’ ‘Do not defraud,’ ‘Honor your father and your mother.’ ”

Jesus re-emphasized  the 10 and often made them more strict (lust = adultery)

Jesus fulfilled the Law

Matthew 5:17 NKJV

“Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfill.

The Law

Had moral requirements (10 commandments)

Had National Laws for Israel

Had Consequences and Payments

stoning for murderers

sacrifices for sins of various kinds

Jesus was the final sacrifice needed. He took the final penalty for sin so that we no longer have to!

We don’t have to sacrifice animals any longer

We don’t have to work to “make up” for our wrongs

We can’t earn salvation, it is GOD’s gift by grace.

III. Righteousness Through Faith (10:5-10)

Romans 10:5–10 NKJV

For Moses writes about the righteousness which is of the law, “The man who does those things shall live by them.” But the righteousness of faith speaks in this way, “Do not say in your heart, ‘Who will ascend into heaven?’ ” (that is, to bring Christ down from above) or, “ ‘Who will descend into the abyss?’ ” (that is, to bring Christ up from the dead). But what does it say? “The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart” (that is, the word of faith which we preach): that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.

A. Contrast Between Law and Faith

Moses describes the righteousness that comes from the law, which is unattainable for man.

Asks “who will go to heaven and bring Him down or into abyss to bring Him up.

He is describing our efforts and these questions have the obvious answer: NOBODY CAN

Faith, however, brings righteousness near, quoting Deuteronomy about the word being in your mouth and heart.

The gospel isn’t hidden

B. Confession and Belief

Salvation comes through confessing with the mouth that Jesus is Lord and believing in the heart that God raised Him from the dead. Confess: Not a simple acknowledgment that He is God and the Lord of the universe, since even demons acknowledge that to be true (Jas 2:19).

This is the deep personal conviction, without reservation, that Jesus is that person’s own master or sovereign. This phrase includes repenting from sin, trusting in Jesus for salvation, and submitting to Him as Lord. This is the volitional element of faith

It is agreeing with the Father’s declaration that Jesus is Lord.

Believe in your heart.

God raised Him from the dead. Christ’s resurrection was the supreme validation of His ministry (cf. Jn 2:18–21).

John 2:18–21 NKJV

So the Jews answered and said to Him, “What sign do You show to us, since You do these things?” Jesus answered and said to them, “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.” Then the Jews said, “It has taken forty-six years to build this temple, and will You raise it up in three days?” But He was speaking of the temple of His body.

Belief in resurrection is necessary for salvation because it proved that Christ is who He claimed to be and that the Father had accepted His sacrifice in the place of sinners

Without the resurrection, there is no salvation

MacArthur Study Bible NASB Commentary

Not a simple acknowledgment that He is God and the Lord of the universe, since even demons acknowledge that to be true (

IV. Universal Salvation Offer (10:11-13)

Romans 10:11–13 NKJV

For the Scripture says, “Whoever believes on Him will not be put to shame.” For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek, for the same Lord over all is rich to all who call upon Him. For “whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.”

A. No Distinction

Quoting Isaiah, Paul states that "whoever believes in Him will not be put to shame," emphasizing no distinction between Jew and Greek.

By quoting Isaiah, Paul is emphasizing that Gentiles were NEVER excluded from salvation and that it was always by grace through faith!

There is but 1 gospel!

There isn’t a Jewish way to heaven and a Buddhists way to heaven, and a baptist way to heaven, etc

There is 1 gospel!

B. The Lord for All

For "everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved," highlighting the universal call to salvation through faith in Christ.

Paul here quotes Joel and again emphasizes that all who call on the Lord (not just any God) will be saved.

Calling on God was a familiar OT expression

Psalm 105:1 NKJV

Oh, give thanks to the Lord! Call upon His name; Make known His deeds among the peoples!

Conclusion:

Share this inclusive gospel invitation with boldness.