Romans 9

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Romans 9:30-33, What then shall we say? That the Gentiles, who did not pursue righteousness, have obtained it, a righteousness that is by faith; but the people of Israel, who pursued the law as the way of righteousness, have not attained their goal. Why not? Because they pursued it not by faith but as if it were by works. They stumbled over the stumbling stone. As it is written:

“See, I lay in Zion a stone that causes people to stumble
    and a rock that makes them fall,
    and the one who believes in him will never be put to shame.”

This was a bit of a difficult chapter for me.  In chapter 9, Paul has been making the argument that God’s promise to Israel has not failed.  Rather, Israel has failed God by not obeying his word and recognizing God’s plan and purpose found throughout the Old Testament.  Because of their stubborn refusal to acknowledge that salvation is by faith rather than works, it is Israel’s own fault that they are excluded from God’s new people. 

Does this mean that the Jews will not be saved?  I grew up believing that the Jews are God’s chosen people and thus, there must be some pathway for them to reach heaven.  But this Scripture certainly bucks up against such a teaching.  Paul spends a lot of time outlining Old Testament prophecy which basically states that only a remnant will be saved.  Then why, Paul asks, are we surprised that more Jews are not accepting righteousness by faith? 

More on this tomorrow…

Let’s pray…Lord God, there is much in your word that we don’t understand.  We pray that your Holy Spirit meets us on the pages of Scripture so that we can glean what you need us to know.  In Jesus’ Name, Amen.