Killearn DTS Romans 10: 1-9

1) In Chapter 10, Paul focuses on the necessity of the Jews (and everyone) to obtain salvation through faith in Jesus Christ. He begins by reiterating his good motives and his desire that the Isrealites be saved. In verse 2, he states that the Jews are zealous for God, but that such zeal is not based on knowledge. Wesley notes that while the Jews of this time may have had zeal without knowledge, too often the Christians of Wesley's time had knowledge without zeal. Calvin takes the opportunity to make the point that ignorace of God is no excuse of bad actions and refusing to submit to God. Paul continues in v. 3 by saying that the Jews did not know the righteousness that comes from God, and instead attempted to create their own righteousness (via the law). Their lack of knowledge is seen in that they do not understand that Christ is the end of the law, and provides righteousness for those who believe.

--Why is it important that zeal and knowledge go together in the Christian life? What sorts of knowledge are necessary and how is it obtained?

2) In v. 5, Paul gives an example of the righteousness that comes through law, quoting Lev. 18:5, which states "the man who does these things will live by them." Wesley and Calvin both note that because it is impossible to perfectly keep the law, obtaining righteousness through the law is impossible. Paul then provides examples that the righteousness that comes through faith is not hidden to anyone or inacessible, but is obtainable. He quotes Deut 30: 12-13, modifying the meaning of the quotes. The language of going to heaven or descending to the deep was used in the original passage by Moses to tell the people that the law of God was given to them and is accessible. In similar fashion, the provision of Christ is not hidden, but rather accessible. Paul then quotes Deut 30: 12-13, to the effect that the word of the Lord is in the people's heart and mouth. Similarly, the righteousness from faith is available and readily known, for if a person confesses that Jesus is Lord, and believes He was raised from the dead, that person will be saved.

--Moses told the people that the law was accessible and known to them, thus they could not try to excuse their behavior by saying that they do not know it. Does this contradict what Paul has to say about the impossibility of keeping the law? What were the purposes of the law being given?

--Paul is arguing that the Jews need to accept Christ. If God is wholly in charge of who accepts Him, what is the purpose of this passage? If belief and acceptance of Christ is wholly imparted by God, why doesn't Paul make mention of that fact in v. 9?