The Gospel of God's Grace # 66

A Study of the Epistle to the Romans

The Exercise of Human Responsibility in Rejection

The Gospel is Offered to All

What a wonderful thing it is that Paul could go back and quote from their own Scripture to convict the Jews. He says, "Let us have a little of the law now." For the Scripture says that those who wait for Him shall not be put to shame (Isaiah 49:23).

Now Paul extends his argument to the human race. It is evident that God's salvation not only applies to the Jew, but to the Gentile as well. "The same Lord is Lord over all, and is rich unto all that call upon Him." Then he quotes again, this time from the prophet Joel (Joel 2:32). If the Jew had read the book of Joel, he could not have objected to any Gentiles being saved.

Having quoted that, Paul gives in the fourteenth and fifteenth verses a beautiful little discourse, to show the Jew the necessity for taking the gospel, which is intended for all, to all. If God provided a righteousness which is for all, if we know anything about it, then the obligation and responsibility for taking it to all lies upon us. In other words, world reconciliation demands world evangelization. He approaches this responsibility in reverse order, but nevertheless in a way that emphasizes the need.

This "sending" has nothing to do with church boards. It is God who sends. Church boards under God may help missionaries to go, but ultimately God sends the men. If they are not sent of God, they ought not go. Jesus Christ insisted, "As my Father hath sent me, so send I you" (John 20:21). Recall how Isaiah put it. There were two questions: "Who will go for us?" and "Whom shall I send?" Isaiah could answer either one, but he did say, "Here am I; I will go"? No. He said, "Here am I; send me" (Isaiah 6:8).

Now Paul goes to the very heart of his argument with the Jew. Remember now, the two things about this gospel: first of all, it was within the reach of every man; second, God intended it for every man, not merely for the elect. Why had not the Jews been saved? Is it because God elected some men to perdition? Not at all.

~Alva J. McClain~

(continued with # 67 - "But They Have Not All Obeyed the Gospel")