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. “