READ: Rom. 9:1–7 … to whom pertain the adoption … For they are not all Israel who are of Israel …
In the first chapters of Romans, Paul has pointed out the error and utter insufficiency of performing good works in order to stand righteous before God. In contrast, he set forth the gospel of righteousness through faith in Christ alone.
But what then about the people of Israel; what future do they still have? They were privileged to bring forth the Christ, yet the majority of the Jews rejected Him. What, then, is now the power of God’s promises?
Paul himself is a Jew. Does it not affect him that the Jews do not believe in their Saviour? Paul emphatically rejects that thought (v.1). He would even wish himself accursed in order to save Israel (v.3; cf. Moses’ plea in Ex. 32:30ff.).
The sinful and ruinous path Israel follows is all the more sorrowful because, as God’s chosen children, they received God’s law, His covenant promises, and His presence and glory.
God had already given His irrevocable promises of salvation to the fathers from whom they descended (vv.4–5). Their greatest privilege was that they were permitted to bring forth the Christ, who is God over all (v.5), according to the flesh.
That Israel despises the Christ is not caused by any failure of God’s Word. God’s Word does not depend on human beings for what it accomplishes. Moreover, the LORD has mercy on whom He wills (9:18). In doing so, He uses His efficacious Word.
It is indeed only few Jews who, despite God’s benefits and Word, have accepted the Christ; yet God Himself has, through His glorious promise, truly done great things by bringing hearts to faith.
Paul further points out that there are two kinds of Israelites, not all of whom are the true offspring of Abraham. They are all descendants, but not all have believed the promises received from God, as Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob received and believed those promises. There is a Jew outwardly and a Jew inwardly (2:28–29).
Does the Lord also harden the hearts of “Christians”?
Sing: Ps. 95:4