There has been much debate about some of the verses in chapter 9 of Romans. It is true that they can certainly make us feel a bit uncomfortable. Some have tried to take the "uncomfortable" verses and reinterpret them so that they "sit" better with human reasoning. I think that is quite unfortunate. Paul knew that what he was writing was difficult and quite controversial. Why else would he have included verses such as vs14,19? Of course this is difficult to comprehend, but then again, we must realize that we're dealing with the mind and purpose of an infinite, sovereign God here! We shouldn't be surprised that it's difficult, but rather expect it to be so! In all of this difficulty, let us glory in the wisdom of God and His grace toward us who believe. Let us not get so caught up in trying to make all the connections here fit together in a nice, neat box (you'll never get there anyway) and instead praise the Lord that He has shown mercy to us! Let's let God be God and trust Him. He knows what He is doing!
If chapter 8 of Romans contains the "Golden Chain of Salvation" (8:29-30), then chapter 10 contains the "Golden Chain of Evangelism" (10:13-15). Starting in reverse order, Paul speaks of those who are "saved" (vs13). How did they get there? Well, they called upon the Name of the Lord. Why did they do that? Because they believed (vs14). Why did they believe? They heard (vs14). How did they hear? Someone preached the gospel to them (vs14). Why did those who preached preach? Because someone sent them (vs15). So the order goes like this: God sends all of His people to preach the gospel to the whole world (Matthew 28:19-20; Mark 16:15; Acts 1:8). While they are going they preach. There are those who hear the preaching and as a result, they believe. The outward manifestation of that inward belief is a calling on the Name of the Lord unto salvation. Let us all do our part in preaching this good news about Jesus Christ so that many may hear, believe, call and be saved!
Chapter 11 of Romans contains Paul's reminder to the Gentile believers in Rome that they are "wild" olive branches. The Jewish people are the natural olive branches. Some unbelieving national Jews were cut off (vs20), and some believing Gentiles have been grafted in (vs17). Paul's charge to these Gentiles is "do not be arrogant" (vs18). The reason is this, "You are not the root. You are only branches, and wild grafted branches at that!" (vs18). How thankful must we be for the kindness of God toward us "wild" branches (vs22)! Therefore let us continue in His kindness and so prove to be a genuine part of His people!
This chapter ends the "doctrinal" section of the book of Romans. Before moving to the "practical" section, Paul includes a doxology to close out the first section. It truly is a "word of glory" concerning our great God. Take a minute to reread this portion of Scripture. Pray this to our God from your heart:
Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways! “For who has known the mind of the Lord, or who has been his counselor? Or who has given a gift to him that he might be repaid?” For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen.
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