146 14 Habits of Highly Effective Disciples
10:11–13. Old Testament texts permeate Romans 9—11. The apostle
cites two biblical passages in these three verses. Following on from his
emphasis upon belief in 10:9–10, in v. 11 Paul returns to Isaiah 28:16 (cf.
Rom 9:33) to declare, “No one who believes in him [for Paul, God in
Christ] will be put to shame.” Stated otherwise, Paul asserts that God
will vindicate those who place their trust in Christ and his lordship.
This is true, v. 12 continues, for both Jew and Gentile. With respect
to salvation through the Person of Christ, there is no distinction between
the two (cf. Romans 3:22; cf. also Galatians 3:28; 1 Corinthians 12:13;
Colossians 3:11). Both are sinful; both can be saved. The ground is level
at the foot of the cross. There is one Lord for all people, and the Lord “is
generous to all who call on him.” The only limit to Christ’s unlimited
atonement is the limit imposed by those who refuse to embrace his mar-
velous, matchless grace.
In v. 13 Paul supports his claim that “the same Lord is Lord of all and
is generous to all who call on him” by citing Joel 2:32: “Everyone who
calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.” In contrast to the claims of
some, all people can be saved. But how can what is true on a theological
level come to pass on a practical plane? A Pauline response follows.
Beautiful Feet Bringing Glad Tidings (Romans 10:14–15)
10:14 –15. In the last two verses from Romans 10 being considered in
this lesson, Paul asks four questions before citing yet another Scripture.
The apostle begins this chain of questions by asking how people will call
upon one in whom they have not believed. Even as Paul picks up “call”
from 10:13 in 10:14, he continues by using “believe” at the outset of his
second question. (The same pattern emerges with the final two ques-
tions as well.)
How will people believe in one of whom they have not heard, Paul
wonders? What is more, how will they hear without someone to pro-
claim Christ? And how will someone go about proclaiming Christ
unless sent? Thankfully, God has grasped people to declare the gospel,
and Paul regards Isaiah 52:7 to be especially apropos here: “How beauti-
ful are the feet of those who bring good news!” Note the progression in
reverse—sending, proclaiming, hearing, believing, and calling. There
are a number of vital links in the gospel chain.