In Romans 9, Paul dives into God’s sovereign choice — the doctrine of election — that challenges every believer. The passage is thick with theology, yet as we move into Romans 10, the focus shifts subtly but significantly towards the response of those whom God has called. This shift is a practical encouragement, illustrating what it truly means to be the elect: to believe by faith. This belief is what distinguishes the chosen, not because of any inherent merit on their part, but because of their response to God’s call. Faith is the mechanism through which we receive the righteousness of Christ, a theme Paul revisits with urgency and clarity.
The elect are known by their response to the gospel. As we delve deeper into the teachings of Romans, it becomes evident that while election is a work of God, it is realized in our lives through a very human act of faith. This blend of divine initiative and human response helps us navigate this theological concept without losing sight of our personal journey toward faith in Christ. This is the beauty of Paul’s message as we transition into the core of Romans 10: righteousness and salvation are received not through human effort or understanding, but by faith alone.
1. By Faith Alone We Receive the Righteousness of Christ
In Romans 9:30-10:4, Paul’s discourse underscores a profound truth that has historically divided many: righteousness does not stem from adherence to the law, nor is it a birthright of any ethnic group, but it is a gift granted through faith in Christ. This is particularly emphasized as Paul discusses the inclusion of Gentiles — a group historically perceived by Jews as unlikely recipients of God’s promise. Yet, their acceptance by God illustrates that the divine election is not about ethnic lineage or observing the law but about faith.
The Jews, who diligently observed the law and rigorous religious routines, might have appeared as the ideal candidates for righteousness. However, Paul deconstructs this notion by claiming that legalistic adherence cannot procure righteousness. Instead, righteousness is a gift that one receives through faith — faith in the redemptive work of Christ, not through the exhaustive observance of religious duties. This teaching places every human, Jew or Gentile, on the same ground — sinners saved by grace. This grace is accessed through faith, a simple yet profound trust in Christ as the one who fulfills the law’s demands and offers righteousness as a gift.
Engaging in gospel conversations reveals the ‘elect’ — those who demonstrate their election through their faith response. These interactions vividly illustrate Paul’s teaching: while God’s sovereign election is a divine mystery, it manifests clearly in the lives of those who believe. However, Paul does clarify that the election is not a matter of human effort but a response to God’s call — a response made possible through faith. This aligns with the narrative of scripture from Genesis to Revelation.
As we navigate the complexities of Paul’s teachings, we see that the righteousness of Christ, which is imputed to believers through faith, is the cornerstone of our relationship with God. It transforms our standing before Him from condemned to justified — not because of our actions or lineage but because of our faith in Christ alone. This understanding should not only deepen our theological understanding but should also inspire profound humility and gratitude. We stand righteous before God not because of our efforts but because of Christ’s perfect obedience and sacrifice. It reminds us that at the heart of Christianity is not a call to moral or ritual perfection but a call to faith — a faith that trusts wholly in Christ for salvation.
2. Don’t Confuse Zeal for Truth-Based Faith
Romans Chapter 10 serves as a pivotal reminder that zeal must be rooted in truth rather than mere emotion or tradition. Paul begins with a vivid expression of his deep concern for his fellow Israelites, who, despite their fervor for God’s laws, missed the essence of true faith. Paul’s personal journey from a zealous persecutor of Christians to a devoted apostle of Christ illustrates the transformative power of genuine, truth-based faith. He understood firsthand how religious zeal, if not aligned with correct knowledge, could lead one astray. His concern urges us to scrutinize our motivations and the foundations of our beliefs.
In this passage, Paul addresses a critical misconception: the righteousness of God is not attained by vigorously observing the law but through faith in Jesus Christ. This is a corrective for all who, like the Israelites, might believe that heritage or diligent law-keeping could secure their righteousness. Paul stresses that true righteousness is a gift received through faith, not a status earned through deeds or lineage. This distinction is crucial in a world where religious and spiritual zeal can sometimes lead to division, exclusion, or even violence. Paul’s words are a call to ensure that our enthusiasm for God is informed by a correct understanding of His word and His grace. He warns against the danger of a zeal that is not according to knowledge, which can lead to a distorted view of God and His plan for humanity.
Through Paul’s teachings, we are reminded of the importance of grounding our faith in the truth of Scripture. It is easy to be carried away by the passion of charismatic leaders or a community. However, true faith is not measured by the intensity of our zeal but by the depth of our commitment to the truths of the Gospel. As we engage with our communities and the world, let us not be only enthusiastic about our beliefs but deeply rooted in the truths of Christ. Let our zeal be a reflection of our profound grasp of God’s grace, compelling us to share the love and truth of Christ with clarity and compassion.
This call to a well-informed faith challenges us to examine the basis of our convictions and to align our fervor with the foundational truths of Christianity. In doing so, we not only safeguard ourselves against the pitfalls of misguided zeal but also become effective ambassadors for Christ, equipped to address the complexities of faith with wisdom and grace.
