¹Brethren, my heart’s desire and my prayer to God for them is for their salvation. - Romans 10:1

Why is Paul praying for Israel for their salvation? What is the point of praying if the hardening here is permanent regardless if it's an individual or a corporate hardening? (For details on this see our studies on Romans 9.) I mean if it's something that God decided before the foundation of the world, why is Paul praying contrary to what God wants? Or is it that maybe this judicial hardening isn't permanent and Paul's kinsmen still have a chance? (Rom. 11:11, 23). We should pray for those that seem hardened as is Paul's example and not fall for the lie that our prayers are in vain and not effective.

² For I testify about them that they have a zeal for God, but not in accordance with knowledge. - Romans 10:2

Paul acknowledges these Israelites, his kinsmen, have a genuine zeal for God. In otherwords, they have a genuine desire to please God, to be right with God. But... it's not in accordance with knowledge. Like Paul wrote at the end of Romans 9, they are pursuing it by works of the law and not by faith. Unfortunately, though they may want to please God and have a genuine zeal to do so, it's not in accordance with faith and without faith it's impossible to please God (Heb. 11:6). God doesn't save anyone because they're passionate or zealous, I would argue that if they are truly zealous they would learn the law properly and if learned properly, it's meant to be a tutor to lead them to Christ (Gal. 3:24). This may be an example of what Paul meant in Romans 9:16 when he states it doesn't depend on the man who wills...

"Not in accordance with knowledge" their theology was wrong, specifically their theology surrounding salvation and how they get saved. This can not only be applied to Jews, but mormons, Jehovah witnesses, Catholics, Muslims, and other world religions that are works based.

³ For not knowing about God’s righteousness and seeking to establish their own, they did not subject themselves to the righteousness of God. - Romans 10:3

Legalism defined in one verse. Not knowing about God's righteousness, meaning they didn't understand that God is perfect (Matt. 5:48) and that God is holy [1 Pet. 1:16), and to the highest standard God is is what is required of them to be right before Him. Anything less can not be in the presence of God. If we seek to establish our own righteousness we are deceived into thinking we can obtain it through our efforts as if God somehow was reduced to our standards. Sometimes the best thing that can happen to someone struggling with legalism is not for them to avoid the law or become less strict about it, but to dive into it further and become more strict, to realize the full extent of what is required of them, let them try harder and harder, until one day they finally come to the end of themselves and realize they just can't. It is only then the law serves it's highest purpose, that is, to tutor someone to Christ (Gal. 3:24).

Question: What would a gentile think who may be observing these zealous Jews in their pursuit of righteousness by way of the law?

Answer: We may be pretty impressed huh? Many people would be. What did Jesus say to those who were acquainted with these Jews pursuit of righteousness?

²⁰ “For I say to you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven. - Matthew 5:20

This would have been disturbing for everyone who heard Him. Gentiles would ask "then who can be saved?" (Matt. 19:25, Luke 18:26). and Jews would be frustrated because they may have had confidence that that which they were seeking by way of the law they were also obtaining, but Jesus here is telling them that is not so. Sometimes the best thing a legalist needs to hear is "you need to try harder" not to the extent they will eventually arrive by their own doing, but that they may arrive at the realization they can't by their own doing. This was the wisdom and insight given to the Rich Young Ruler (and observing disciples) being spoken of in Matthew 19:16-26.

To seek to establish your own righteousness (keep in mind righteousness means right standing with God) is to say your goodness is as good as God's. It's to say that by your own doing you have made yourself as good as God is and therefore worthy to bask in the presence of God. Or, and what is equally as bad is, it's bringing God down to your level. It's making God out to be as good as you. If you think the righteousness that you work for as obtained that righteousness then it's one or the other. Psalms 50:21 God states to the wicked "...You thought that I was just like you...".

⁹ And He also told this parable to some people who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and viewed others with contempt: ¹⁰ “Two men went up into the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. ¹¹ The Pharisee stood and was praying this to himself: ‘God, I thank You that I am not like other people: swindlers, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. ¹² I fast twice a week; I pay tithes of all that I get.’ ¹³ But the tax collector, standing some distance away, was even unwilling to lift up his eyes to heaven, but was beating his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me, the sinner!’ ¹⁴ I tell you, this man went to his house justified rather than the other; for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but he who humbles himself will be exalted.” - Luke 18:9-14

Two choices when it comes to righteousness before God. You can be deceived like the Pharisee who thought he was doing good or you can beat your chest like the Tax Collector who pleaded for mercy (whom left justified by God). You can trust in yourself or trust in God.

⁴ For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes. - Romans 10:4

"Christ is the end of the law for righteousness", in other words, Christ is the attaining of righteousness of the law to those who believe. Christ is the finish line in the race for righteousness and those in Christ enjoy His accomplishments on their behalf. This truly is good news!

Can you imagine this. Jews who were zealous for God, trying so hard to be righteous before Him, working day and night, trying to control every action, every thought burdened with the ought and ought nots. Working so diligently, so much sacrificed, so much sweat and tears, running the race so painstakingly, only to look over and see a Gentile celebrating on the other side of the finish line? Resting as one who obtained the righteousness which you've worked so hard for, even a righteousness they weren't seeking (Rom. 9:30)? Something you've pressed on for they received as a free gift? How would that make you feel? Well, if you were a Gentile, pretty good huh? But as a Jew it may make you envious, jealous, unless though, unless you take an honest look at what is required of you. For one who takes an honest look realizes righteousness is not obtainable through the law, if that were the case, then Christ died needlessly (Gal. 2:21).

This is the deception of the Legalist, namely, that man is able through his own merit to reach the finish line in the race for righteousness. Now if such a man believes that he can obtain it by his own merit, he would indeed be envious of those who received it without working for it. But if the same man who truly wants righteousness so bad but in taking an honest look at the law and the requirements of God correctly, and as it was intended (Gal. 3:24), realizes he's never going to reach the finish line by his own doing, the gospel of Christ bringing us to the finish line and therefore truly righteous before God wouldn't be a stumbling block but rather it indeed would be good news!

The Legalist either fails to take a rightful look at what God requires, understanding it's great and self-unobtainable commands, or fails to take a rightful look at himself and his measuring up to what the law requires.

⁵ For Moses writes that the man who practices the righteousness which is based on law shall live by that righteousness. - Romans 10:5

Moses made it clear that all of the commands are required (Lev. 18:5), and one who practices righteousness based on the law is required not to merely practice it, but is to live by it in it's entirety (Gal. 5:3) and without fail (Jam. 2:10). Now this isn't to say that observing the law and commands of God is bad, but rather to recognize the obtaining of righteousness will not be found by works of the law. If you want to obey God's command out of love, because it glorifies God, because it spreads the gospel, then great! But you are no longer under obligation of these things in order to obtain righteousness before God so when you want to do these good things, know you are free from being obligated too. That righteousness is accomplished in Christ and you keeping or not keeping the commands will not sway that, ever. For if our righteousness was not obtained by works but rather by what Christ has done for us, then we should equally be confident that we will not lose it by works, because this doesn't diminish what Christ has done for us. Our failing to keep God's commands doesn't constitute that Christ failed to live a perfect and righteous life on our behalf. Our failing to obtain righteousness in our flesh does not mean Christ fails in being righteous and bestowing that on us FREELY (Rom. 6:23, Eph. 2:8). Somehow we get focused on the waves and begin sinking and assume that Christ is sinking too. Keep your eyes on Jesus (Heb. 12:2) and His successful obtaining of righteousness, understand He imputes that to you freely 2 Cor. 5:21), and you'll have confidence in your salvation.

⁶ But the righteousness based on faith speaks as follows: “Do not say in your heart, ‘Who will ascend into heaven?’ (that is, to bring Christ down), ⁷ or ‘Who will descend into the abyss?’ (that is, to bring Christ up from the dead).” ⁸ But what does it say? “The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart”—that is, the word of faith which we are preaching, - Romans 10:6-8

This section is better understood only after you understand what is meant by the original scriptures Paul is quoting from Deuteronomy 30:12-14. This is a hope-filled statement. In Deuteronomy God promised restoration to Israel if they would turn to Him and then stated He would bless them with all these blessings based on this condition. Then in the verses Paul is referencing here God made it known to them that they need not go to heaven in order to find out from God these requirements, nor is there a need to traverse great seas as if it's a far off knowledge they must seek at great lengths. But rather God brought it to them direct, so direct that it's within their reach and in their heart, that it is "very near" (Deut 30:14, Rom. 10:8). Though Deuteronomy was referencing the giving of the law, Paul doesn't misquote it here as if he were claiming the original verses were about the Messiah but rather shows them it's in like fashion that God has brought to them Messiah. In the same way God brought the law to the Israelites God has also brought the Messiah. Like Paul did when referencing Pharaoh in the last chapter Paul is doing again here, namely showing them that if God did this with one thing then can they not also see that He may work the same way again in other thing. Paul is meeting them according to their thinking, but then applying it anew. We don't have to climb to heaven to be righteous but rather Christ came down and brought His righteousness and therefore it's not a task to difficult but one that is very near and obtainable. "Behold I stand at the door and knock..." (Rev 3:20) and because it has been brought to us, we are without excuse (Rom. 1:20).

⁹ that if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved; - Romans 10:9

The gospel is very complex and yet very simple. This verse above is often quoted explaining to others how easy it is to be saved, and rightfully so. We just spent Romans 9 and now part of 10 learning from Paul who is walking us through the old Testament in depth and diving into theology so the "thinkers" or those looking on with scrutiny (such as his fellow Jews) can see this is indeed true, but for those not looking on with scrutiny, can hear the very simple message of the gospel and rejoice in the simplicity yet profoundness of it! Is it this easy to be saved? Yes. When a person believes they free God, like the prodigal son, to bless them even when they don't fully understand how it all works as also attested to by the story of the prodigal (Luke 15:20-21). As Gentiles we often overlook the complexity involving Israel and this long standing plan of God but we get the simplicity of what Paul states here in verse 9, and that's just fine! If that's all you have, that's all you need, and I would encourage you to keep sharing it with others! For the believer who loves to dive, the complexity is there, for those who love a straight forward answer, the simplicity is there! God is so good.

To my fellow complex thinkers, don't let your complex thinking rob you from enjoying the simplicity of the gospel, it really is that easy! For my fellow simpletons, don't, in your simple way of thinking, conclude that the gospel is not amazingly profound and therefore rob you of enjoying the depth of God's plan of salvation.

¹⁰ for with the heart a person believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth he confesses, resulting in salvation. - Romans 10:10

You never see in scripture someone who doesn't believe because they are unable but rather because they are unwilling. Meaning they don't want too. Have you ever refused to believe something? Perhaps you got a report of something tragic that happened to a love one and immediately you entered denial. Right now Covid-19 and the fear of it is ravishing the world, maybe  you got a snivel and refused to consider that could be it? So you kept on working, kept on pressing, decided to not go to the hospital because doing so would admit maybe there's something more going on here. Ironically, for people like this it would be better if they had never known about the pandemic than having known about it and turned away from it. For if they had not known about the pandemic, maybe they would have went to the hospital when they realized they couldn't get oxygen, but now that they are aware of Covid-19, because they absolutely won't acknowledge it, they refuse to go to the hospital.

²¹ For it would be better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than having known it, to turn away from the holy commandment handed on to them. - 2 Peter 2:21

Wrath rests on a person because of their sins. Wrath remains on a person because of their deliberate unbelief. In Romans 1 you don't see an inability to believe but rather a deliberate exchanging the truth of God for a lie (Rom. 1:18-32) which is seen heavily throughout scripture (John 5:40, 2 Pet. 3:5, Acts 7:51). This is why it's harder for a rich man to get into heaven than for a camel to go through an eye of a needle (Matt. 19:23-24). He has a lot to lose (Matt. 19:22). The reason we refuse to believe our loved one was in a terrible car accident is because we don't want too. An officer at the door, a son who did not come home, a host of witnesses, and still we'll refuse to accept it. The reason people don't believe in Jesus is similar, they don't want too. Belief in this sense is a heart issue. The term "heart" in the bible denotes more than a central for feelings or affections to also include intellect and will.

The question isn't then can a person believe, but rather, do they want to?

"With the mouth he confesses". It's not necessarily that your lips speak it, otherwise how will the mute be saved and along those lines why are those referenced Matthew 7:21-23 not. But rather it's an outward sign of an inward desire. To make Jesus "Lord" is to recognize His deity as God and His authority over you. Confessing this to others demonstrates this acceptance.

In our last study we covered the first half of Romans 10 where Paul is showing us that the word of faith is near and not some difficult thing requiring us to ascend into heaven or voyage to the depths of the abyss. But rather how it is near, in our mouths and our hearts. So it's not the inability but rather a deliberate refusal. We'll see later in Romans 12:3 that God has given to each a measure of faith.

¹¹ For the Scripture says, “Whoever believes in Him will not be disappointed.” - Romans 10:11

Believe differs from experience. Paul said in Corinthians "for we walk by faith, not by sight" (2 Cor. 5:7). Sight = experience. But notice the future tense of this verse and those which preceded it. Verse 9 says "will be saved", and here in verse 11 it speaks of not being disappointed. These denote future looking. Now don't get me wrong, when you receive Jesus you receive life (1 John 5:12), and are born again (John 3:3, 2 Cor. 5:17) but there is a future event whereas we haven't experienced it yet. When that day comes we will know in full, just as we're fully known (1 Cor. 13:12) and that day our faith shall become sight. Peter walked on water by faith, but when he walked by sight, that is according to his experience, he became frightened and began to sink (Matt. 14:30). Did Peter's doubt cause him to be lost forever? Nope. Why? Because "immediately Jesus stretched out His hand and took hold of him" (Matt. 14:31). Did Peter's doubt hurt his walk? Yes, but did it hurt his position with God? No. Why? Because it only takes a mustard seed of faith to move mountains (Matt. 17:20). Even a mustard seed of faith in Christ will not be disappointed.

¹² For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, abounding in riches for all who call on Him; - Romans 10:12

God is no less eager to save the Gentile than He is the Jew. God wants to save both equally being the same Lord who is Lord of all. Riches of Christ abound to all who call on Him. We're all equal candidates for God's grace, there is no distinction though God will deal once again with Israel as we'll see in the next chapter.

¹³ for “Whoever will call on the name of the Lord will be saved.” - Romans 10:13

Peter quotes this verse from Joel 2:32 as well in Acts 2:21. Paul is using it here to support the simplicity of the gospel. Want to be saved? Then call on Jesus!

¹² But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name, - John 1:12

"God, be merciful to me, the sinner!" (Luke 18:13b) is a prayer that has always been answered.

¹⁴ How then will they call on Him in whom they have not believed? How will they believe in Him whom they have not heard? And how will they hear without a preacher? ¹⁵ How will they preach unless they are sent? Just as it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news of good things!” - Romans 10:14-15

In these two verses contain the entire motivation for sending out missionaries, that those whom they are sent to would hear, believe, and be saved! Paul is breaking down the process in reverse order through rhetorical questions. Who calls on someone whom they don't know or believe, and how are they to know and believe if they have not heard, and how are they going to hear if someone doesn't tell them, and how is someone going to tell them if nobody with knowledge goes to them. To provoke these questions in the recipient is a call for them to think about these things critically.

"How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news of good things!". My wife Jamie had the opportunity to work for UPS years ago during the holidays. One thing that was a pleasant surprise, something they explained during the application process is that pretty much everyone is happy to see you! Not necessarily that they were happy to see Jamie, but they delighted in her because of what she represented. Sometimes that was be good things from a friend or family member sending gifts, sometimes that would be something they purchased as a gift they were going to give someone else. Sometimes it was things they bought for themselves. Even if one would have buyers remorse, by the time the packaged reached the steps of the recipient they had already gotten over any buyers remorse and were ready to reap the rewards of what all their hard earned money went towards. The warm welcome extended to UPS drivers was a delight pretty much 100% of the time as people often expressed it. The association they had between them and the item in their hand made them fond of the drivers by association. They would offer a warm greeting, a tip, a joke, conversation, sometimes they would share what wonderful thing they were holding in their hands, all with a light spirit and a smile on their face.

Imagine this though. Imagine if this was you and what Jamie was holding was something you worked for your entire life? Having sold your cabin on the lake, cashed in your retirement, withdrew the kids college funds, all for this one item in Jamie's hand. Something you dreamed about every day, worked toward every day, and now, knowing it's coming you've invited all of your friends and family over to be present at it's arrival. Imagine you all sitting around guessing at what time the UPS driver usually comes, imagine sitting there hitting refresh on your web browser to see the present tracking status on your package. You're all closely paying attention to every loud truck noise wondering if that's the UPS truck coming down your driveway. Then, and what seemed all day, you hear the sound of gravel crunching under the tires of someone coming down toward the house, oh what a beautiful sound it is! You look, and yes, the UPS truck has arrived! So eager, everyone floods out of the house and crowds the truck, almost in it's way as it's trying to turn around in the driveway. It comes to a stop, Jamie hopes out, and you all can't stop smiling as she's digging through her boxes. Before she hands it to you though she asks for your signature, stating a signature is required before a package of such value can be given to you. Then as you're signing she points to your box referencing it's logo on the side and begins speaking to those around you that this is the highlight of her job (Phil. 3:8). You're done signing and reach out his hand. Everyone goes silent in anticipation. You open it before even heading back inside and as you open it everyone is crowding around you to gaze upon it's contents. You reach inside and pull it out and everyone lets out great cheers of gladness, some grab Jamie's hand to shake it and before you know it she's been swept into the circle of you all holding each other's hands, jumping in the air with great joy, rejoicing, and celebration!

Indeed how beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news of good things. Before I continue and tie this in, let me let the bible verses going through my mind as I shared this do that for me.

¹⁸ I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, so that you will know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, - Ephesians 1:18

¹⁴ For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, ¹⁵ from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name, ¹⁶ that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with power through His Spirit in the inner man, ¹⁷ so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; and that you, being rooted and grounded in love, ¹⁸ may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, ¹⁹ and to know the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled up to all the fullness of God. - Ephesians 3:14-19

⁴⁴ “The kingdom of heaven is like a treasure hidden in the field, which a man found and hid again; and from joy over it he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field. - Matthew 13:44

⁴⁵ “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant seeking fine pearls, ⁴⁶ and upon finding one pearl of great value, he went and sold all that he had and bought it. - Matthew 13:45-46

⁸ More than that, I count all things to be loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them but rubbish so that I may gain Christ, - Philippians 3:8

 A Jew would have been more familiar with the burden of the law than most. Modern day Christians dealing with legalism struggle in like fashion with their own self imposed laws (Rom. 2:14). Burdened and heavy laden, always trying and never arriving, then Jesus shows up, offers to them not only what they are errantly striving for by way of the law, but in His riches He offers so much more. If accepted, a point of great and everlasting rejoicing, but only if accepted.

"If you only knew"... Jesus said to the woman at the well "If you knew the gift of God, and who it is who says to you, 'Give Me a drink' you would have asked Him, and He would have given you living water." (John 4:10).

I can't stress how important it is to get to know the gospel. Not just unto salvation but for daily living. Only then can you relate to Paul who said everything he's gained in this world, everything he's suffered in this world, is all rubbish, trivial, and not worthy to be compared to the surpassing value of knowing Jesus Christ our Lord (Phil. 3:8).

Did you know this is how God feels over you? Did you know that your redemption gives Him cause to celebrate? Did you know that He's always wanted to have grace and compassion on you? (Isa. 30:18). Did you know that all His hard work was done so that He may gain you into His family? (Eph. 5:2, Isa. 53:10, Heb. 12:2). Ephesians 1:18 states we are "His inheritance", Zephaniah 3:17 states God exults over us with joy, quiet in Hs love, and rejoices over us with "shouts of joy". Indeed all of heaven rejoices over each inclusion into God's family (Luke 15:7-10). Jesus brought God good news! And in Him the Father was well pleased! (Matt. 3:17, 17:5, Mark 9:7, Luke 9:35). Christ work on the cross was good news for us, and good news for God. I hope you're blown away by that, I am.

One way to check someone's preaching is to ask yourself if what your hearing is indeed good news for the recipients. Some distort the gospel and add additional burdens to what is intended to be a free life giving blessing, or through selfish gain pervert it altogether. Sometimes stepping back and asking the question "is this indeed good news of good things?" can help you assess and discern what's being taught.

¹⁶ However, they did not all heed the good news; for Isaiah says, “Lord, who has believed our report?” - Romans 10:16

Can you imagine having the very thing people need the most only to have them reject it? Not only is it what they need the most but if they'd give it a try, just a taste, they would see it is so good (Psa. 34:8). Not merely discovering it's fulfilling a desperate need they have but their wants as well (John 10:10). What's worse is, it's free (Rom. 6:23) with no strings attached and yet they refuse. Heart breaking. But for those that want it, it's good news of glad tidings!

¹⁷ So faith comes from hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ. - Romans 10:17

Faith comes by hearing. One believes only after they hear, and after they believe they call on Him who they believe. Think about your own salvation. If you shared your testimony with me what events led up to you receiving Christ?

Having just explained the process in detail Paul now summarizes the process of where faith comes from. Israelites may be frustrated or try and offer a defense that they haven't had a fair shot at hearing and responding to the gospel. Many today argue for those around the world who do not hear the gospel in the same way. Paul argues with Israel the same way he argued in Romans 1:8 & 1:20 toward those who have not heard the gospel. That is, the preaching has indeed gone out:

¹⁸ But I say, surely they have never heard, have they? Indeed they have;