Romans 10:14-21

In our last study, Paul transitioned from Israel's past election to their present rejection of their Messiah. He transitioned from the sovereignty of God displayed in His Divine election to the human responsibility of responding to the gospel of Jesus Christ.Paul declared that the gospel is near, accessible and simple. He declared that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.This immediately gives way to a series of questions. How 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 unless they are sent?Paul answers according to the scriptures. Preachers had certainly been sent yet not all chose to obey the gospel. Paul concludes and confirms that true saving faith comes by the hearing of God's word.Several more excuses are addressed concerning Israel's present rejection of the gospel. First was the claim that they had not heard. Paul answers, yes indeed they did hear. There was no room for any doubt at all. Okay, maybe they did hear but they did not understand. Paul again responds and does so by quoting the scriptures according to Moses and Isaiah. Israel had indeed heard the word of God and understood the word of God. The problem was not hearing or understanding. They were a disobedient and contrary people. They chose not to believe the Gospel of Jesus Christ.In spite of their disobedience and contrary ways, God's hands are still stretched out towards Israel. God's love for them has not waned in the slightest.