Romans 10

Paul expresses his fervent desire for Israel's salvation, noting their zeal for God, but a lack of true knowledge regarding His righteousness. He explains that salvation comes through faith in Christ, who is the end of the law for righteousness, requiring confession and belief in His resurrection. This salvation is universally available to all, Jew and Greek alike, who call upon the Lord, emphasizing the crucial role of preaching the gospel for faith to arise.

Paul begins by expressing his deep desire and prayer for the salvation of Israel, acknowledging their zeal for God, yet lamenting that it is not based on true knowledge. He explains that Israel, being ignorant of God's righteousness, sought to establish their own, thereby failing to submit to divine righteousness. Paul clarifies that Christ is the culmination of the law, providing righteousness to all who believe. He contrasts the righteousness of the law, which demands doing, with the righteousness of faith, which is near and accessible through the "word of faith." Salvation is attained by confessing Jesus as Lord and believing in His resurrection, a path open to both Jew and Greek. The chapter concludes by stressing the necessity of hearing the gospel through preaching for faith to develop, and lamenting Israel's continued disobedience despite having heard God's message.

The apostle Paul opens Romans 10 by articulating his profound heart's desire and prayer to God for the salvation of Israel. He testifies to their fervent zeal for God, yet critically observes that this zeal is "not according to knowledge." Paul explains that Israel, being unaware of God's righteousness, endeavored to establish their own righteousness, thereby failing to submit to the divine standard. He then declares that Christ is the "end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth," contrasting the righteousness derived from the law, which demands adherence to its precepts for life, with the righteousness that comes by faith. This righteousness of faith is presented as readily accessible, being "nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart," which is the "word of faith" preached by the apostles. The core message for salvation is then laid out: if one confesses with their mouth "the Lord Jesus" and believes in their heart that God raised Him from the dead, they "shalt be saved." Paul emphasizes that belief in the heart leads to righteousness, and confession with the mouth leads to salvation, citing scripture that "whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed." He powerfully asserts that there is "no difference between the Jew and the Greek," as the same Lord is rich unto all who call upon Him, promising salvation to "whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord." This universal access then raises the critical question of how people can call, believe, or hear without a preacher, and how preachers can preach unless they are sent, highlighting the beautiful mission of those who bring the gospel of peace. Despite the widespread proclamation, Paul acknowledges that not all have obeyed the gospel, referencing Isaiah's lament, "Lord, who hath believed our report?" He concludes by affirming that "faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God." Paul then addresses Israel's culpability, stating that their sound has gone "into all the earth," and that God, through Moses and Isaiah, had foretold that He would provoke them to jealousy by a "no people" and be found by those who sought Him not, while Israel remained "a disobedient and gainsaying people."