December 4, 2024
DAILY BIBLE READING – Romans Chapter 10
1 Brethren, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they might be saved.
2 For I bear them record that they have a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge.
3 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.
4 For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth.
5 For Moses describeth the righteousness which is of the law, That the man which doeth those things shall live by them.
6 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:)
7 Or, Who shall descend into the deep? (that is, to bring up Christ again from the dead.)
8 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;
9 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.
10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.
11 For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.
12 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.
13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.
14 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?
15 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!
16 But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Esaias saith, Lord, who hath believed our report?
17 So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
18 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.
19 But I say, Did not Israel know? First Moses saith, I will provoke you to jealousy by them that are no people, and by a foolish nation I will anger you.
20 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.
21 But to Israel he saith, All day long I have stretched forth my hands unto a disobedient and gainsaying people.
King James Version. Public Domain
Commentary
Introduction
Romans chapter 10 is a central section in the Apostle Paul’s letter to the Romans. It addresses the question of righteousness before God and access to salvation, with Paul emphasizing the importance of faith over the law. Paul specifically refers to the situation of Israel, which, despite its zeal for God, has missed true righteousness because it seeks this through its own works instead of through faith. This text is a profound theological reflection that is also a passionate appeal to accept the Gospel.
Commentary
Paul’s Heartfelt Concern (Verses 1–4): Paul begins with his desire and prayer for the salvation of Israel. Although the people are eager in their search for God, they lack an understanding of true righteousness, which does not come from the law but through faith in Christ. Paul makes it clear: Christ is the culmination of the law—He has fulfilled the demands of the law so that righteousness now comes from faith.
The Righteousness of Faith (Verses 5–13): Paul contrasts righteousness from the law with the righteousness of faith. While the law demands human action, the righteousness of faith is a gift from God. Faith requires confession with the mouth and trust in the heart that Jesus is Lord and that God raised Him from the dead. This universal message applies equally to Jews and Gentiles, for everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.
The Necessity of Proclamation (Verses 14–17): Paul explains the central role of proclaiming the Gospel. Faith comes by hearing the message, and this message must be spread by preachers who are sent by God. He refers to Isaiah to show that accepting the Gospel is not self-evident, as not everyone believes the word of God.
Israel’s Refusal and God’s Revelation (Verses 18–21): Paul addresses Israel’s responsibility, which has heard the message of God but has not accepted it. He quotes Moses and Isaiah to show that God includes not only Israel but also the Gentiles in His plan of salvation. While the Gentiles, who did not seek God, found Him, Israel remains obstinate even though God extends His hands.
Summary
Romans chapter 10 describes the path to righteousness and salvation through faith in Jesus Christ. Paul emphasizes that faith is not an achievement but a response to God’s grace. He shows the necessity of proclaiming the Gospel and the universal access to salvation for all who call on the name of the Lord. At the same time, Israel’s tragic refusal of grace is discussed, although God’s invitation remains tireless. This section encourages seeking righteousness through faith and spreading the saving message.
WEEKLY SPIRIT OF PROPHECY READING – Ellen White | The Desire of Ages
Chapter 78—Calvary
This chapter is based on Matthew 27:31-53; Mark 14:20-38; Luke 23:26-46; John 19:16-30.
Read online here
Commentary
Introduction
The chapter on Golgotha is a central passage in Christian theology, as it represents the climax of the redemption story. The crucifixion of Jesus is detailed in the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, as well as in other biblical references such as Hebrews 13:12 and Galatians 3:13. It becomes clear here that Jesus suffered and died outside Jerusalem as the spotless sacrifice for the sins of humanity. His love, patience, and obedience even in the worst agony are expressions of His divine nature and His mission to redeem humanity. Golgotha is more than a historical fact—it is the place where God’s plan of redemption was fulfilled.
Commentary
The events of Golgotha, as described in the Gospels, unfold the dramatic and spiritual significance of Jesus’ death. They reveal both the cruelty of humanity and the infinite love of God.
The Road to Golgotha
Jesus was accompanied by a crowd to the place of execution. His cross, originally intended for Barabbas, was imposed upon Him, even though He was physically and spiritually exhausted from the events of the night. His weakness underscores His complete humanity, while His willingness to carry the cross demonstrates His divine love. Simon of Cyrene, a random passerby, was forced to carry the cross, and this encounter changed his life. This episode shows that even in His weakness, Jesus inspires people to take up their own crosses.
The Crucifixion
Jesus was crucified outside the city walls, in a place of shame and contempt, fulfilling Old Testament prophecies. The account emphasizes the fulfillment of Scripture, such as the division of His garments (Psalm 22). Jesus’ demeanor during the crucifixion is marked by remarkable patience and love. His prayer for the forgiveness of His tormentors shows that He died not only for the righteous but for all sinful humanity.
The Reaction of the People
The crucifixion reveals the state of humanity. Some mocked Jesus, challenged Him to come down from the cross, and thus demonstrated their blindness. Others, like the repentant thief, recognized His divinity and experienced forgiveness and hope. The women who accompanied Him showed compassion, but their mourning often reflected only human sympathy. Jesus directed their gaze to the future destruction of Jerusalem and God’s final judgments.
The Spiritual Work on the Cross
On the cross, Jesus bore the weight of the world’s sin. His cry, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” reveals the anguish that comes with separation from God. He endured this separation so that humanity could find fellowship with God again. His final “It is finished!” declares the completion of His redemptive work. The curtain in the temple was torn in two, a symbolic act that opened access to God for all people.
The Earthquake and the Signs
Nature responded to the death of the Creator: darkness covered the land, an earthquake shook the region, and tombs were opened. These events were visible signs of the cosmic significance of what was happening. They reinforced the impression that Jesus’ death was not merely a human drama but a divine intervention in history.
The Theology of the Cross
The cross of Golgotha is the center of the Christian faith. Here, God’s wrath against sin and His infinite love become visible. Jesus bore the sin of the world and, through His sacrifice, restored the relationship between God and humanity. His death was not the end but the beginning of a new path of reconciliation and eternal life.
Summary
The Golgotha chapter portrays the crucifixion of Jesus as the climax of the salvation history. The journey to the skull place, the humiliations, the reactions of the people, and the cosmic signs at the cross emphasize the immense significance of His sacrifice. Jesus died outside the city walls as the spotless sacrifice to take upon Himself the sin of humanity and reconcile the world with God. His prayer for His tormentors, His promise to the thief, and His triumphant “It is finished!” testify to His divine love and the completion of His redemptive work. Golgotha stands for the unsurpassable love of God and is a call to embrace this love through faith.
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