Romans 10:12-21

Apostle now glides into additional thought of universality of Gospel, which is already implied in “whosoever” of 10:11. Now he proves again that the Gospel is for all. An equal offer of the Gospel may be made to every body – Jew and Gentile alike.

First proof is in God’s character. The Lord is Lord over all, and rich unto all that call upon him (Romans 10:12). “Over all” without distinction. Same to all, and ready to pour out the wealth of His grace to any one and every one who seeks Him. No one has ever approached Him and found Him lacking in graciousness, forgiving mercy and love. Plenteous in mercy unto all them that call upon thee (Psalm 86:5). Just as there is no difference in human sinfulness (Romans 3:22), so here there is no difference in the wealth of God’s grace. C.f. the Greek literally means the same Lord is continually wealthy (ploutwn) to all those who are continually invoking his aid (epikaloumenous) auton. Notice also the strong emphasis on “all” and “whosoever” throughout vv11-13.

Second proof is the promise of God that Whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved (Romans 10:13). If only His name, i.e. His revealed character, is invoked by needy sinners, salvation is the inevitable and glorious result. Therefore double assurance of salvation – what God is, and what He promises to do.

Universality of the Gospel proved in vv14-15. Offer to all is involved. But they cannot call on Him if they do not believe. And they cannot believe unless they hear. And they will never hear unless there is preaching, and no preaching unless there is sending. Universal proclamation of the Gospel is absolutely necessary if the prophet’s words are to be fulfilled.

Universality of the Gospel has been disregarded by some, according to vv16-17. Opportunities have been afforded, but they have deliberately refused. Fact is that Israel had not obeyed the Gospel, as Isaiah 53:1 says, Lord, who hath believed our report?

In vv18-21 Paul emphasises there is no excuse for Israel’s neglect and rejection. It is not just unbelief. Rather it is neglect and deliberate refusal and contempt. Did Israel hear? (v18). Undoubtedly she did (Psalm 19:4). Not lack of hearing but lack of obedience is at fault. Did Israel know? (vv19-21). Of course. They were forewarned first by Moses (Deuteronomy 32:21) and later by Isaiah (Isaiah 65:1-2). Unbelief and disobedience had characterized Israel throughout history. The culmination was the rejection of Jesus as Messiah.

Real reasons for Israel’s rejection of God’s gift in Christ – they wanted to maintain elusive position, and therefore repelled with scorn the idea of a free salvation and universal salvation. Therefore they were absolutely without excuse, and God was only right in setting them on one side and offering salvation to the Gentiles.

Important practical messages here.

1. God’s marvellous mercy to all (v12). For all, Jew and Greek, cultured and ignorant, bond and free. Abundant grace for all mankind.

2. Very simple terms of acceptance. All that is required is to “call on the name of the Lord”.

3. Call to universal preaching of the Gospel. All Christians ought either to go themselves or help others to go, and not hinder loved ones going. God purposes that the world should hear through His people. Beauty and glory of missions: How beautiful are the feet of him that bringeth glad tidings (Isaiah 52:7). The Gospel is beautiful because it tells of the bestowal of God’s grace and God’s love, the manifestation of Gods’ truth.

4. Rejection by some is no reason for not sending it. We are responsible to proclaim it. Others are responsible for receiving or rejecting it. We may be assured that though some may reject it, others will accept.

5. Diving longing for man’s salvation. God is depicted as stretching forth hands for an entire day, i.e. incessant pleading and love (v21). Consider how tiring it is to hold arms out for a few moments only. God’s stretching and waiting is day-long, not willing any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. We are to enter into this divine longing, and yield ourselves to God for service. Then our characters will be more Christ-like, and our lives will be more blessed.

Putting together Romans Ch. 9 and 10 we see remarkable paradox. In Ch. 9 everything is of God. In Romans Ch. 10 all is of human choice and responsibility. Not resolve this dilemma. Dilemma of human experience. God is behind all, yet our free will is to be reconciled with. No answer to this mystery. There are Divine and human sides always in Scripture and human experience.