Lesson 4745

 (Lesson 4745) (01-31-25) Romans 10:5-9 

   “For Moses describeth the righteousness which is of the law, That the man which doeth those things shall live by them. But the righteousness which is of faith speaketh on this wise, Say not in thine heart, Who shall ascend into heaven? (that is, to bring Christ down from above:) Or, Who shall descend into the deep? (that is, to bring up Christ again from the dead.) But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach; That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.” 

 

   Today’s quote is one of the most important messages in the New Testament, as it clearly states the means of eternal salvation. Paul contrasts righteousness by the law, which requires perfect obedience (v. 5), with righteousness by faith, which is accessible to all (v. 6-7). He emphasizes that salvation is not about striving to bring Christ down from heaven or up from the dead but about believing in Him. In verse 9, Paul gives the heart of the gospel: “If you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.” This verse makes it clear that salvation is through faith in Christ, not works, and is available to anyone who believes. ~ 

Lesson 4744

(Lesson 4744) (01-30-25) Romans 10:1-4 

   “Brethren, my heart's desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they might be saved. For I bear them record that they have a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge. For they being ignorant of God's righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God. For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth.” 

 

   Today’s lesson emphasizes Paul’s deep desire that Israel be saved, acknowledging that they had zeal for God but lack true knowledge. He explained that they sought righteousness through the law rather than through faith in God. In verse 4, Paul made it very clear that the sacrifice of Jesus was the end of the law for all who believe, meaning that Jesus' sacrifice fulfilled the law’s requirements for believers, and now righteousness, for us, comes through faith in Him, not by physical works of the law. ~ 

Lesson 4743

(Lesson 4743) (01-29-25) Romans 9:27-33 
    “Esaias also crieth concerning Israel, Though the number of the children of Israel be as the sand of the sea, a remnant shall be saved: For he will finish the work, and cut it short in righteousness: because a short work will the Lord make upon the earth. And as Esaias said before, Except the Lord of Sabaoth had left us a seed, we had been as Sodoma, and been made like unto Gomorrha. What shall we say then? That the Gentiles, which followed not after righteousness, have attained to righteousness, even the righteousness which is of faith. But Israel, which followed after the law of righteousness, hath not attained to the law of righteousness. Wherefore? Because they sought it not by faith, but as it were by the works of the law. For they stumbled at that stumblingstone; As it is written, Behold, I lay in Sion a stumblingstone and rock of offence: and whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.” 

 

   In today’s quote, Paul cited Isaiah, declaring that although Israel was numerous, only a remnant would be saved. He emphasized that God’s judgment would be swift and decisive, fulfilling His word. Paul explained that the Gentiles, who did not pursue righteousness, attained it through faith, while Israel, who pursued righteousness through the law, failed because they sought it by works instead of faith. He referred to Isaiah’s prophecy about the stumbling stone, identifying Jesus as the rock over which Israel stumbled. Paul concluded that those who believe in Christ will not be put to shame, reinforcing that righteousness comes by faith, not by water baptism nor works of the law. “  

Lesson 4742

 (Lesson 4742) (01-28-25) Romans 9:19-26 

   “Thou wilt say then unto me, Why doth he yet find fault? For who hath resisted his will? Nay but, O man, who art thou that repliest against God? Shall the thing formed say to him that formed it, Why hast thou made me thus? Hath not the potter power over the clay, of the same lump to make one vessel unto honour, and another unto dishonour? What if God, willing to shew his wrath, and to make his power known, endured with much longsuffering the vessels of wrath fitted to destruction: And that he might make known the riches of his glory on the vessels of mercy, which he had afore prepared unto glory, Even us, whom he hath called, not of the Jews only, but also of the Gentiles? As he saith also in Osee, I will call them my people, which were not my people; and her beloved, which was not beloved. And it shall come to pass, that in the place where it was said unto them, Ye are not my people; there shall they be called the children of the living God.” 

 

   In today’s quote, Paul addressed the question of why God still finds fault if His will is irresistible. He explained that as the Creator, God has the right to shape His creation for His purposes, just as a potter has authority over the clay. God demonstrates His power and patience by enduring vessels of wrath prepared for destruction, making His glory known to vessels of mercy prepared for eternal life. Paul emphasized that God calls people not only from among the Jews but also from the Gentiles, fulfilling Hosea’s prophecy that those who were not His people would be called His people, and those unloved would be called beloved. This shows God's sovereign choice to extend His mercy and grace to all who believe, be they Jew or Gentile. ~ 

Lesson 4741

(Lesson 4741) (01-27-25) Romans 9:17-18 

   “For the scripture saith unto Pharaoh, Even for this same purpose have I raised thee up, that I might shew my power in thee, and that my name might be declared throughout all the earth. Therefore hath he mercy on whom he will have mercy, and whom he will he hardeneth.” 

 

  In today’s lesson, Paul cited the example of Pharaoh, explaining that God raised him up to demonstrate His power and proclaim His name throughout the earth. Paul emphasized that God has mercy on whom He will and hardens whom He will, showing His sovereign authority over all. While this demonstrates God’s predestined purposes, it also reveals that individuals like Pharaoh and Judas were given ample time and opportunities to repent and believe, yet they chose to reject God. Their hardened hearts served to fulfill God's greater plan, showcasing His almighty will and ultimate purpose for His glory. ~