Jan 5, 2020
Originally Presented: March 2nd, 2008
Scripture Reading: Romans 9:30-33
If the Jews are God's chosen people, then why aren't they all being saved? Is there some deficiency in the promises of God? These are the questions Paul is writing about in Romans 9-11. He presents two answers to the question, "Why aren't all Jews saved?"
The first answer is the statement of divine sovereignty in election (Rom 9:6-29). Salvation ultimately depends on God to show mercy and He does not shower all with His saving mercy (Rom 9:16,18). The only Jews being saved are the Jews God has chosen to be saved. Along with some Gentiles, these are the "vessels of mercy" mentioned in Romans 9:23.
The second answer is the statement of human responsibility (Rom 9:30-10:21). Not all Jews are being saved because some of them have refused to believe in Christ (Rom 9:32). The doctrine of divine election is presented in Romans right next to the doctrine of human responsibility. The fact that God chooses some people to be children of His promises does not absolve other people from their obligation to believe in Christ. Having refused to trust in Jesus, people are held accountable. The tension felt from the juxtaposition of these two doctrines is one of the great mysteries of Holy Scripture.
The Jews, following the propensity of every sinful human heart, sought to establish righteousness before God based on their performance. They pursued righteousness "as though it were by works" (Rom 9:32). People all over the world seek to establish their righteousness in this manner. Instead of the Jewish "works of the law" you could substitute baptism, prayer wheels, Hail Marys, fasting, church attendance. No one stands acceptable before God on the basis of religious or moral activity. ". . . by the works of the Law no flesh will be justified in His sight" (Rom 3:20). We must hope in the righteousness of Christ. He, alone, is sufficient to satisfy the demands of a holy God on our behalf.