The Lord is awe-inspiring, fearsome, fascinating, intriguing, majestic, and full of splendor: breathtaking! Here is what I saw of him and what came to my mind and heart in Romans 11:2b-5,
"Don't you know what the Scripture says in the passage about Elijah—how he appealed to God against Israel: 'Lord, they have killed your prophets and torn down your altars; I am the only one left, and they are trying to kill me'? And what was God's answer to him? 'I have reserved for myself seven thousand who have not bowed the knee to Baal.' So too, at the present time there is a remnant chosen by grace."
One of the challenges Paul faced as he took the gospel to the Gentiles was the authenticity and veracity of the gospel message being questioned due to Israel's rejection of Jesus Christ as a nation. After all, if those of whom Paul acknowledged, "Theirs is the adoption [by God] as sons; theirs the divine glory, the covenants, the receiving of the law, the temple worship and the promises. Theirs are the patriarchs, and from them is traced the human ancestry of Christ, who is God over all, forever praised!" (Romans 9:4-5) rejected Jesus Christ, doesn't that bring into question Paul's proclamation that Jesus Christ is God's Son, the Savior?
As part of his argument, Paul shows that historically Israel had been on the wrong side of things in the past. His point is that it is not surprising the nation of Israel would reject God's Son he had sent, as the nation had a history of rejecting those God had sent, just as in Elijah's day. Don't place any stock in Israel's rejection of Jesus Christ as a cause to question Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. Given Israel's history, it might even be expected.
The sad reality in Paul's point is the truth that so many reject the only means to eternal life beyond the doorway of death. When here Jesus Christ said, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me."
Once in his ministry Jesus was asked, "Lord, are only a few people going to be saved?" His response was frightening, "Make every effort to enter through the narrow door, because many, I tell you, will try to enter and will not be able to. Once the owner of the house gets up and closes the door, you will stand outside knocking and pleading, 'Sir, open the door for us.' But he will answer, 'I don't know you or where you come from.' Then you will say, 'We ate and drank with you, and you taught in our streets.' But he will reply, 'I don't know you or where you come from. Away from me, all you evil doers!' There will be weeping there, and gnashing of teeth, when you see Abraham, Isaac and Jacob and all the prophets in the kingdom of God, but you yourselves thrown out." Luke 13:23-28. Tragically and horrifically, many will not enter into eternal life!
Jesus said, "make every effort" to enter into that narrow door. How difficult an effort is required? We are told that God offers his salvation freely, as a gift to anyone who will take it. The only effort the Lord asks is that we embrace him in trust and faith. "It is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast." Ephesians 2:8-9. Most people, as in Paul's day with the nation of Israel, refuse to do so. "For many are invited, but few are chosen." Matthew 22:14. God has chosen only those who will embrace him in faith.
Salvation is simply by faith. "If you confess with your mouth, 'Jesus is Lord,' and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved." Romans 10:9. Don't believe anyone who says you have to be good enough to earn it. Don't believe anyone who says salvation is by appointment. Don't believe anyone who says they are the custodians of God's grace, so you have to come to them. Just believe in Jesus Christ! He is the way, the truth and the life!
Anything of the Lord capture your heart from Scripture today? Share your thoughts of worship with us from your Bible reading today. We'd love to hear from you!
Trevor Fisk
trevor.fisk@gmail.com
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