Contributor: Clem Roberts

INTRODUCTION

We have been able to ascertain that the law cannot redeem us, and that our righteousness is like filthy rags before God and only Christ can save us. We have also seen Paul’s eagerness for everyone to be saved.  Bringing to light God’s ultimate desire for us all.

VERSES 14 – 15

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 unless they are sent? As it is written: 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!

The sequence here is:

Sent => Preach => hear => believe

“Preach,” means “to be a herald, to announce,” and this is not limited to declaration from a pulpit! Paul quotes from Isa 52:7. Where the messenger announced to Judah that God had hath brought to end their Exile in Babylon

What Paul was doing here was applying Isaiah 52:7 using words and scriptures that the Jews of his day to whom the gospel was being given would understand.

This tell us how accurate and knowledgeable Paul is with reference to the scriptures.

VERSE 16

“But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Isaiah saith, Lord, who hath believed our report?

If we focus on the word “Obeyed”: it means:

• to listen;
• to harken;
• to harken to a command;
• be obedient to,
• submit to.

Again, Paul is quoting the introductory part of Isaiah 53. He is also giving them a reminder of the prophecies.  Paul was enthusiastic in letting them know that they really do not have any excuse regarding their rejection of the Gospel.  He pointed consistently that in all of the scriptures The Jews, you and I have been told that about the Messiah.

VERSE 17

“So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” 

Our God speaks and still does to his people and the world. We only need incline our ear to Him and He will speak.  When speaks, He expects obedience

VERSES 18 – 21

“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.

Understanding the message of Christ is the next step after hearing it. So Paul's logical question concerning Israel was; did they not understand this message? Israel was given the law and had the prophets and patriarchs as their guide. Israel had understanding of these things and lived daily by them. However, they were so indoctrinated by the letter of the law they missed the fact that this was a type or shadow of Jesus (Hebrews 10:1)

Isaiah foretold this. He saw that Gentiles would come to Jesus and accept the gospel message and Israel would reject it.

This has implications for us today. We can start out through faith in Jesus only to be yoked once again to the rules (or "law"). It is important to understand the truth of Jesus and what he did for you as a basis of how to live. We have died to the law through faith in Christ so we are free to live by the Spirit. Paul said in Galatians, "I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. I do not set aside the grace of God, for if righteousness could be gained through the law, Christ died for nothing!" (Galatians 2:20-21).

If we go back to religion, to the rules and doctrines of men, after we accept this marvellous grace then Christ died for nothing.  We can nullify the word of God in our hearts by living according to man's rules and regulations. What a harsh reality.

CONCLUSION

In summary, Paul’s argument or conclusion is that Israel had plenty, sufficient, adequate and abundant opportunity, by all-purpose and distinctive revelation, to embrace God. For you and I, everything we see or hear has already been orchestrated for our benefit.  God is giving us His Son and the one and only instrument of salvation.