Bible Studies

The Problem with Israel's Faith

by Henry Jaegers
02/27/25
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Studies in the Book of Romans

By Henry Jaegers


Chapter 10

The Problem with Israel's Faith

       The Problem: Misplaced Faith (Verses 1 through 4)

  Brethren, my heart's desire and prayer to God for Israel is that they might be saved, for I bear them record that they have a zeal for God, but not according to knowledge. For they, being ignorant of God's righteousness and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God.

  For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth.

  Paul begins by sharing once again, his deep concern over his fellow Jews. And we might ask ourselves, how can I have such a concern for my unbelieving friends? If we are emotional people we could for the moment shed a tear. But the tears eventually stop and the problem that concerns us does not go away. Why, you may ask. Because genuine compassion does not come through emotion, it comes through understanding.

  As Paul assessed the problem, he saw some good things as well as bad things. He discovered that they were a very zealous people. Sometimes zeal is good if the thing that we are zealous about is good. But Paul, himself, recalls a zeal that he once had, and it was a zeal to destroy the Christians. To the enemies of Christ, that zeal was good because it accomplished their wicked purpose.

  Now Paul sees the problem and is confident because he has the solution that would clear up their misunderstanding. "

  But as he further examined their problem he noticed a solution to the problem they faced. You see, they were exercising zeal due to their ignorance. So, the first step that Paul was to take was to gather an audience with them, thus creating an opportunity to create proper understanding.  The Jews also had faith. But also, like zeal, their faith was improperly grounded. They had a faulty understanding of the law and a faulty understanding of what is true righteousness.

  But Paul declares, " For they being ignorant of God's righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God."

 Israel, knowing only the Law of Moses as they have been taught, is entertaining the idea that righteousness comes from keeping the Law. But there is something else that they do not understand. That no matter how hard that they try, it can never happen. It requires perfect obedience, and because they cannot provide it, they are condemned. And this is where the problem of ignorance lies. It lies in their lack of understanding that "righteousness cannot come from keeping the law. The law could not produce righteousness, it could only demand it. remember Paul stated in chapter eight, "The law being weak through the flesh failed in its purpose. Then Paul states, that Christ is the end of the law for righteousness, to the Jew first and also to the Gentiles.

  Now consider our final statement: "  For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth.

  Then the question arises, Do you mean, that my obedience to the law is replaced by faith? I do not understand. So, now we have the explanation. Although not stated here, we must be assured that Paul took the time to clear up their misunderstanding. And here is the final piece of the puzzle.

  Although we cannot keep the law, God still demands perfect obedience. How can that happen? God Himself did something for us. He provided a perfect sacrifice on our behalf. It was the sinless life of Jesus that met the demands of a perfect sacrifice be made. And instead of us having to die for our own sins, God allowed His Son to take our place in meeting God's demands.

  God has provided a gift for us. It is His Son Jesus Christ. And by believing in Christ, we are counted as justified by God (To be declared righteous by God because of what Christ has done on our behalf. That is what it means, that Christ has become the end of the law for righteousness because it was fulfilled by Christ becoming our substitute.

  Believing is more than head knowledge. It is a faith that reaches up in thanksgiving to receive this gift. The result is gratitude. From now on, we not only live a life in thanksgiving, it perseveres into a life of Thanks, Living.

  But as a final note: Paul presents to us a method to use in sharing the Gospel with others. We must pray for guidance and wisdom. Next, seek to find out where the faith problem lies. finally, as god opens that door, be prepared to help them to understand their needs them when they are ready, and share the good news with them.

  The Basis for Faith (Verses 5 through 8)

   For Moses describeth the righteousness which is of the law, That the man which doeth those things shall live by them.  But the righteousness which is of faith speaketh on this wise, Say not in thine heart, Who shall ascend into heaven? (that is, to bring Christ down from above:)  Or, Who shall descend into the deep? (that is, to bring up Christ again from the dead.)  But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach.

 There are several factors that must be considered in these verses. First, the Law must be kept perfectly. If anything, during the Old Testament times it was more demanding. Suppose, someone broke the law. what would happen if they did? God was not only a demanding God. He was also a merciful God, who provided a way of reconciliation when the law was broken. The Ten Commandments made up the Moral Law, which set forth a standard to describe God's perfection. It reveals to us our innate inability to measure up perfectly to God's holiness. The first of these was the judicial law. The purpose of this law was to perform the judgments upon those who failed to receive pardon for the broken law. This law was used in more extreme phases. But then there was the Ceremonial law. This law was provided for man to receive pardon for the broken law. A sacrifice of an animal was used as a substitute for the man who sinned.

  A recent thing that came to mind was the cost involved in finding pardon for thei sin. Do not think it was an easy thing to make this kind of offering. It cost something precious to the man for him to find pardon for his sin. It was meant to be difficult, otherwise, if it was easy, men would presumptuously make sin a less serious matter than it was. Then we can consider how much God had to sacrifice on our behalf by offering His son. By making it difficult, men were forced to think seriously if they intended to break the law. Even in placing of these offerings, faith was still the basis for their doing so.

  Then there is a factor concerning how faith can occur. In short, do we need some visible matter in order to exercise our faith? After all, in the Old Testament, we had angels, saw visions, and had these things on which to place our faith. Is this what you are talking about? If it is not Angels, dreams, or visible, heavenly signs, then what reliable means do we have on which to place our faith? This seems to be the essence of the argument as stated.

  And now, Paul is about to clarify this matter to them. Consider:

  " But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach;"

  This is wonderful news. God has provided a more convenient way on which to anchor my faith. It is the spirit within the heart that responds to the word of God. It is the word that we preach unto you. God has given us the word, we declare it, you believe it and as a result, you have become reconciled to God, and your relationship to God is now one of peace. Because He has declared it to be so, then behold faith is born and life is restored.

  Actions that Lead to Salvation. (Verses 9 through 13)

   That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.  For with the heart, man believeth unto righteousness, and with the mouth, confession is made unto salvation.  For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.  For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him.  For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.

  If we were to view the history of the early church, we would discover that proclaiming to be a follower of Jesus would be risky business. Baptism was more than a ceremony. It was a confession that marked the Christians for persecution and often Martyrdom. We know not of such a thing in this present age. To claim more converts, we must make salvation less demanding. And what follows? Christians who are afraid to talk about Jesus Christ, our Saviour. So first, we deal with the matter of confession.

  The next step is "Believing with the heart." Again, we cannot distinguish between believing with the heart and the head. Head knowledge can be received, but it does not result in change. Believing with the heart means we have had an inner conviction that something is desperately wrong and needs to change. Head knowledge is external and helps you to gain information. But believing with the heart means that I have been confronted inwardly by the Holy Spirit, resulting in repentance that leads to salvation.

  The next step is a little more complicated: believing that God has raised Jesus from the dead. The apostles and disciples had a first-hand experience of Christ's resurrection. What we have is the word of the apostles. Is that enough? It is sufficient, but evidence of this resurrection is displayed in other ways. First, there is an inward change and desire that takes place.

 This inward change is evidence that resurrection power is available, even if we are not eyewitnesses. Others who believed the gospel were changed by believing the word of God’s anointed servants. They spoke the word and demonstrated true righteousness toward those who heard. Then, we have a summarizing statement that follows.

   For with the heart, man believeth unto righteousness, and with the mouth, confession is made unto salvation.  For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.

  Finally, God has made it easy. "For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.

 There is something within that causes me to want to tell it to others. Jesus describes it like a stream bubbling up within that cannot be silenced. I recall Jeremiah decided to keep quiet when facing some difficulty because of opposition. Then He exclaimed that it was like a spring overflowing, and He could not restrain himself from speaking. When something that wonderful takes place, it would be selfish to keep it to ourselves. Our word says that we will not be ashamed. There is nothing in which to be ashamed. Paul began this epistle by sharing that he is not ashamed. (Romans  1: 16 and 17.) And neither should we.

  The Challenge (Verses 14 and 15)

   How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher?  And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, "How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!

  If we conclude that salvation is a personal matter, consider these challenging words. First, if calling upon the Lord is necessary, then this question asks, "How shall they call upon Him if they never believed?" Can you imagine a world before us that has never listened to the Gospel? They are all around us, and we must seek them out. That means we are ambassadors with a message they need to hear. And we must believe that as well. That also means that we need to be involved with them somehow so they might listen to us. They can't believe unless we give them something substantial to anchor their faith. What they are trusting in cannot bring true happiness. They need righteousness to find true happiness. Then the next question is: "How can they believe in him if they have not heard of Him?""

 Many people have some idea of who Jesus is, but they lack understanding of what He came to do and how it applies to their lives. Creating understanding is essential for true faith to begin.

  Then the next question we need to consider is: "How shall they hear without a Preacher?"What does that mean? It speaks of those who have a message from God. They have committed to making sharing the Gospel the most essential thing they have to do. Consider Paul's statement that He was separated unto the Gospel. He was separated from his own interests and committed to sharing the gospel with others, no matter the cost. A preacher must receive proper training. That means that he can present everything that is required for salvation and the responsibilities that follow. Paul explained to Timothy that he was responsible for committing to others so they might also become teachers. That means producing "Spiritual Grandchildren." (Second Timothy 2:2)

  Finally, the last stage and question is: "How shall they be sent?" That means there must be some way for them to arrive at their preaching destination. It is evident that when God said, "Go Ye,", he implied that there must be a way for them to go. In the book of Acts, the early Christians were scattered through persecution. They went everywhere preaching the word.

  In John's epistles, the churches were instructed to take care of these traveling evangelists, who gave themselves totally to sharing the word.

  In our present day, we have men who have prepared themselves to translate the Gospel into different dialects and languages. They travel long distances and make great sacrifices to share the Gospel. These need financial assistance, and those who have the means to do so gladly give up their means to be part of this great endeavor. That is how they are to be sent.

 Then, consider the people's response: " How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace and bring glad tidings of good things!""

  As I close this section, I am reminded of a verse concerning Israel leaving Babylon. Consider: " They that sow in tears shall reap in joy. “He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him. (Psalm 126: 5 and 6) Not only is there a blessing to whom we are sent, but consider the blessing promised to those who go. So, in this challenge, we also have a mandate to go.

   The Problem of Impaired Hearing (Verses 16 through 21)

  But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Esaias saith, "Lord, who hath believed our report?  So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.  But I say, Have they not heard? Yes, verily, their sound went into all the earth, and their words unto the ends of the world.  But I say, Did not Israel know? First, Moses said, "I will provoke you to jealousy by them that are no people, and by a foolish nation I will anger you.  But Esaias is very bold, and saith, "I was found of them that sought me not; I was made manifest unto them that asked not after me.  But to Israel he saith, "All day long I have stretched forth my hands unto a disobedient and gainsaying people."

 The question, "Have they not heard?" The question suggests that after all this time, have they remained deaf to the Word of God? If they have, it is because behind their deafness is their unwillingness to act upon what they have heard. But, then again, we must rephrase the statement.  Have they really not heard, or have they not paid attention to what they heard? And behind not hearing lies the fact that they are not interested.

  Only a small number of the multitude who claim to be the seed of Abraham are paying attention. The answer to the question is that they have heard, for the prophets of old quite definitely spoke.

  But maybe they just forgot. That is serious enough. And again, I refer to the word spoken to the Hebrews, "if the words spoken by angels was steadfast, and every disobedience received a just recompense of reward, how shall we escape if we neglect so great a salvation? They did hear, but through neglect, they lost whatever they once had.

 They failed in their faith because of faulty hearing. In other words, they considered what they heard as irrelevant. But here is God's remedy for faulty hearing. "So then, faith comes through diligent hearing, but their hearing must have a reliable object, which is the Word of God." It is the word of God declared by faithful men.

  It is the means that God has provided for true faith to be in action. It supersedes miracles, signs, and visions. The faithful word must be accompanied by faithful actions.

  Failing in this matter, God has devised a different way to get their attention. Some among the Gentiles are hungry for what Israel has lost. The Gentiles have responded to the gospel, and now God has chosen them to reach out to those who have forfeited their opportunity because of neglect.

  Then note the closing statement: " But to Israel he saith, All day long I have stretched forth my hands unto a disobedient and gainsaying people." This ends the message in Chapter Ten. But good news lies ahead in Chapter 11.