Lesson 434

(Lesson 434)(10-23-12) Romans 10:12-21, "For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him.
For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.
How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?
And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!
But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Esaias saith, Lord, who hath believed our report?
So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
But I say, Have they not heard? Yes verily, their sound went into all the earth, and their words unto the ends of the world.
But I say, Did not Israel know? First Moses saith, I will provoke you to jealousy by them that are no people, and by a foolish nation I will anger you.
But Esaias is very bold, and saith, I was found of them that sought me not; I was made manifest unto them that asked not after me.
But to Israel he saith, All day long I have stretched forth my hands unto a disobedient and gainsaying people."

In this lesson Paul further demonstrates how the exclusive title of "chosen" is now given to both Jews and Gentiles, "For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him."

There are many today who earnestly believe that we Christians are supposed to stand up for the Jews as a nation, no matter what they do. I believe that Paul makes it very clear in this lesson that the Jews are no better than the Gentiles in the sight of God. Therefore, if the Jewish nation does something adverse to the teachings of Christianity, we should not stand with them, but should instead pray for deliverance and their eventual salvation.

Also, Paul again makes clear all one needs to do to achieve eternal salvation, "For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved."

Paul is obviously referring to, believing in, or having faith, when he speaks of calling on the name of the Lord because he goes on to say, "How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?"
In this lesson Paul also extols those who carry God's message, of grace through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, to the world.~