“The Message” is our lesson title this week. We sometimes try to make the message complex and difficult but it in reality it is simple and straightforward. The simple message is this – Jesus saves! He saves by grace through faith (belief) and there is nothing we can do to earn our salvation. It is truly a gift from God. The ideal of unmerited grace sets Christianity apart from all other belief systems in which adherents must earn the favor of their god(s). They live and die in a constant tension as to whether or not they have done enough to earn their god’s favor. The structure of the Roman letter is important to remember. Paul wrote this to prepare the church for his planned visit. He presents the truths of our redemption, framing concepts of righteousness, justification, salvation, and sanctification in chapters 1-11. Chapter 12 and onward relate how those truths are applied to daily living for the believer.
Romans 8-10 – Paul is quoting here from Deut. 30:14. Many of the Jewish Christians in the church were not fully accepted by the Gentile believers because the former were still holding on to some of their dietary laws and customs. On the other hand, the Jewish believers did not accept the Gentile believers because they failed to adhere to the Law. The message is that salvation is nearer than they thought. It is not in the works of the hands, but it is found in the heart’s belief and in the mouth’s confession. In verses 9 and 10 Paul moves deeper into the message of faith and its role in righteousness. We act in faith when we confess “Jesus is Lord.” By this we pledge our obedience and our allegiance to Him above all others. Additionally, this was a recognition of the fact that Jesus and the Father were one. Accepting this was a major hurdle for many of a Jewish background. This external confession was paired with an internal belief of the heart that God had raised Jesus from the dead. The resurrection of Christ was a key element of the apostles teaching in the church. Those who confess and believe will be saved.
Verses 11-13 Verse 11 is a drawn from Isaiah 28:16 – “Everyone who believes on him will not be put to shame.” The idea of put to shame can also be translated as disappointed or we could say let down. Isaiah 28:16 foretells of Christ the precious cornerstone and sure foundation of our faith. We can always depend on Christ and His saving work. The distinctions of race and religious background were firmly entrenched as dividing lines in that culture. In verses 12 and 13, Paul explains that Christ has overcome all those manmade divisions. All have sinned; Christ died for all; salvation is available for all. In another context Paul wrote to the Galatian church that they were all one in Christ (Galatians 3:28). The idea that God’s salvation was only available to the Jew had to be explained and overcome. The covenant of the Old Testament is now transformed through Christ into a new covenant which is for all people.
Verses 14-17 Paul uses as a series of questions to explain God’s plan for sharing the message with all. The questions follow a progression of thought leading the reader to a point. How can the lost call on the Savior they haven’t believed in? How can they ever come to believe in the Savior if they have never heard of Him? How can they hear if no one goes to tell them? Who will go to tell them unless the messengers (preachers) are sent out for that purpose? All believers are called by the Great Commission to “preach” the gospel wherever they go. Paul quotes rom Isaiah 52:7 which originally was an announcement of the exiles return to Jerusalem from their captivity in Babylon, but Paul applies this verse to messengers of the gospel.
In verse 16 Paul notes that not all have obeyed the gospel. Some have chosen to reject the message of salvation. Paul again returns to Isaiah (53) to support his statement. The question of Isaiah “Lord, who has believed our message?” applies to today as well. Throughout time many will hear and obey while others will fail to see the truth or repent. This does not diminish the responsibility of churches or individual believers from sharing the message of the gospel of Christ. Verse 17 beginning with - so, so then, or consequently - sums up the previous verses. Paul emphasizes that “faith comes from hearing.” The need to hear would imply that someone speaks or tells them. I’ve heard it quoted or maybe misquoted, “Preach the gospel and if necessary use words.” While I agree that actions do often speak louder than words. Words are also necessary for the message (rhema) to be understood and accepted. The lesson commentary ends with this thought: “Salvation is available only through Jesus, and we are entrusted to bring this message of good news to all people – in our families, our communities, and around the world.” (BSFL Sr Adult Leader Guide, 130)
