Christ For All Who Believe

There's something deeply unsettling about the idea that our best efforts might not be enough.

We live in a world that celebrates hard work, self-improvement, and personal achievement. From childhood, we're taught that dedication and discipline lead to success.

Yet when it comes to our relationship with God, this familiar formula completely breaks down.

The ancient Jewish people understood this struggle intimately.

They had God's law—detailed instructions for righteous living.

They studied it, memorized it, and built their entire culture around following it.

Meanwhile, the Gentiles—people without God's law, without religious training, without even trying to find God—somehow stumbled into the very righteousness the Jews had been pursuing for centuries.

How could this be?

Romans Israel’s Unbelief of the Gospel / 9:30-10:21

Sometimes we are like those people who try to achieve God’s approval by keeping his laws.

Romans 9:30-10:4.

The paradox that Apostle Paul has created, comes down to a basic contrast-

Righteousness based on the Law

Righteousness based on Faith in Christ.

The main point being-

God’s Gift of Salvation is accessible to ALL that believe.

Regardless of background or past failures

EVERYONE who believes in their heart that Jesus Christ is Lord of all, Confesses that with their mouth,

In other words- Makes a public declaration of their Faith-.

Is accounted by God as Righteous and living in the Saving Grace relationship with God.

So if you struggle with feelings of inadequacy-

Or live under some self- imposed sense of guilt or condemnation...

Understand that Salvation is not something to be earned...

But received as a Free Gift from God, through Faith in Jesus Christ.

So let’s look at this paradox a bit deeper.

Finding Righteousness Without Looking

Romans 9:30–31 ESV

What shall we say, then? That Gentiles who did not pursue righteousness have attained it, that is, a righteousness that is by faith; but that Israel who pursued a law that would lead to righteousness did not succeed in reaching that law.

It is vital to note that the Gospel message was presented to both Jew and Gentiles.

But even throughout Jesus’ ministry, far more Non-Jews received and accepted the message than Jews.

An interesting fact is that:

The Gentiles were without God’s Law

Did not even recognize God as a single Deity

Were in no way even trying to “Find” God or behave righteously

Yet they found God’s Righteousness far more frequently then the Jews.

Why?

Instead of rules and rituals...

They found FAITH in God.

As Paul has taught elsewhere, in the NT,

The Jews had the Law, but made the Law their god.

They worked so hard to comply with the word of the Law

Missing the point entirely that hard work does not bring about Righteousness

They could not comply to the entirety of the Law- So they could not keep it at all.

Since they chose to try to comply with the Law

Instead of finding their Holy Messiah in the Law- God rejected them.

The early Christian martyrs, many of whom were from diverse backgrounds, stood united in their faith.

Despite facing persecution, they proclaimed that Christ’s love was not just for a select few but for all who would believe.

This conviction brought hope and unity during a time of turmoil, illustrating the powerful truth that Christ came for everyone, transcending culture, ethnicity, and social status as they stood together in faith.

So, knowing that it is God’s Grace that makes His Righteousness accessible to all.

Including those feeling unworthy of His Grace.

Or those who may consider themselves to far gone to be acceptable

This should inspire all to embrace that special sense of belonging and hope that can only come from a relationship with God through Jesus Christ.

2- Tripping Over the Cornerstone

Romans 9:32–33 ESV

Why? Because they did not pursue it by faith, but as if it were based on works. They have stumbled over the stumbling stone, as it is written, “Behold, I am laying in Zion a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offense; And whoever believes in him will not be put to shame.”

In pursuing the works of the flesh find their own righteousness,

The Jews tripped over the very thing they needed for a firm foundation.

Illustrating the need for Humanity to have Faith in God

Self-Reliance will get you a long ways in terms of material success

But it would get you any closer to Heaven.

Too often, we make the same mistake the Ancient Jews made.

Not willing to humbly admit we cannot measure up to God’s standard on our own-

We find ways to try to work or earn our way into God’s favor

While the intentions may be good...

Going about it the wrong way does nothing for the end result.

Apostle Peter, in one of his letter, puts it like this:

1 Peter 2:4–9 ESV

As you come to him, a living stone rejected by men but in the sight of God chosen and precious, you yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. For it stands in Scripture: “Behold, I am laying in Zion a stone, a cornerstone chosen and precious, and whoever believes in him will not be put to shame.” So the honor is for you who believe, but for those who do not believe, “The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone,” and “A stone of stumbling, and a rock of offense.” They stumble because they disobey the word, as they were destined to do. But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.

Because the world, expected their life’s hero to come in and save the day...

Jesus was not what anyone expected.

So there was no way for them to respond.

The world today, still rejects Christ for many reasons- Chiefly among them:

Most folks in the world, today, refuse to humble themselves to the teachings of the Gospel of Christ.

People would rather live as they choose...

Then submit to the Discipline of Christ

To submit ones will to God- For His use...

Is an unheard of concept- In todays world.

So the “Living Stone”, the Cornerstone of our Faith

Becomes the stone they kick against and eventually stumble over

Tripping over the One thing that could save them.

Paul quotes the same passage in Isaiah that Peter did.

The key to the quote is that:

1 Peter 2:4–9 ESV

“...whoever believes in him will not be put to shame.”

As a final summation on chapter 9, consider this:

Romans Israel’s Unbelief of the Gospel / 9:30-10:21

THE STUMBLING STONE OR THE HUMBLING STONE

3- A Passion for Salvation

Romans 10:1–2 ESV

Brothers, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for them is that they may be saved. For I bear them witness that they have a zeal for God, but not according to knowledge.

For all the good intentions that Apostle Paul’s own people tried to pursue God with...

It was all wasted for lack of understanding AND accepting that-

The only way to God’s Righteousness is through Jesus Christ

In using the term “Brothers”

Paul is not just referring to his ethnic family, but to all believers in the Church Body.

There is no one superior to anyone else- Other than God

And He is Superior to all.

The sticking point is one that has not changed over Two Millenia-

WHY GOOD INTENTIONS CAN’T SAVE US:

Romans (Romans 10)

Starting out with good intentions does not ensure the results will be good.

Possessing good intentions does not guarantee that any action will be taken

Good intentions by themselves do not fulfill the demand to love God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength

These are but a few of the reasons.

But it comes down to-

Our own self will

And God’s Sovereign Will.

Apostle Paul knows of what he speaks of:

As Saul, he was so zealous for his concept of God and his religion that he was pursuing and persecution Christian believers.

Saul’s zeal was based on the misunderstanding of God’s Word.

When Jesus met Saul on the Road to Damascus in that dramatic encounter-

Jesus didn’t change Saul’s zeal-

He changed his focus, heart and understanding.

For Paul, the First Missionary to the Gentiles-

It changed everything.

In your public life, whether at social gatherings or community events, you may feel it's awkward to express that Christ is for all who believe.

When you meet new people, rather than shying away from your faith or worrying about rejection, ask open-ended questions to engage them.

For instance, when discussing life’s challenges, you could share how your faith has provided strength during tough times.

This genuine sharing can open doors for deeper conversations about your beliefs while showing others that Christ’s message is inclusive and relevant to their struggles too.

4- Fulfilling the Law

Romans 10:3–4 ESV

For, being ignorant of the righteousness of God, and seeking to establish their own, they did not submit to God’s righteousness. For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes.

The story of Cornelius in Acts 10 is a profound example of how Christ is for all who believe.

Cornelius was a Roman centurion, a Gentile, yet his sincere faith and prayers caught God’s attention.

When Peter received the vision that led him to Cornelius, it demonstrated that God does not show favoritism.

This pivotal moment marked the expansion of the Gospel to the Gentiles, affirming that faith in Christ is open to everyone who believes.

Once again, Well intended people in today’s world try to define God’s righteousness on their own.

Trying to find parameters and guidelines that they can be comfortable living with.

Terms used today to justify this are, “I’m Spiritual, but not religious”

Or:

“I believe in God, I’m just not into organized religion”

Both of these statements, and others like them-

Attempt to put God in a box of our choosing

By rejecting the full understanding of the Law

They end up in rebellion towards God.

So in summation:

Romans Romans 10

RECEIVE THE GIFT

Paul’s conclusion to this section is clear-

Christ is the end of the Law

Meaning- The Law is Terminated

Justification was never the intent- Justification has always been by Faith.

The Law was replaced

The Law has always directed the believer to Jesus Christ.

The Law, itself, was simply the Teacher, or Mentor

Until the time that Christ appeared Himself to assume those roles

We now have Christ as the everything the Law taught.

Christ was the final and Ultimate sacrifice for our sins.

The Law was Fulfilled.

In human form Christ was the embodiment of the Law.

In Matthew 5:17-20, Jesus emphasized that He did not come to abolish the Law.

But to fulfill it.

Jesus never spoke out against the Law, but continually confronted the Temple leaders of their over-bearing use of the “Traditions of the Elders”

In closing-

Jesus completed the Law and then paid with His life, the final price for our breaking the Law-

Even if it was broken in our own ignorance- it was still broken and the penalty assessed.

That is what allows ALL WHO BELIEVE to share in His Righteousness.

Christ’s righteousness becomes our righteousness.

When we believe, we are dressed in the robe of Righteousness and become acceptable to God.

And there is nothing we, can do to work hard enough, to do enough, to pay enough to become righteous enough any other way.

We must simply come to Him-

In humility, Have Faith in God, believe in God and put our trust in Him.