God’s Mercy to All

Rev. John Bussman, pastor at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Cullman, AL, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Romans 11:25-36.

St. Paul continues to warn Gentile Christians against conceit. Their wisdom must not come from themselves, but from God’s Word. God’s Word gives understanding to the mystery of salvation. Though part of Israel according to the flesh has not believed in Christ, some Jews have been brought to saving faith. Gentiles too have been included in God’s promise, which means that all Israel according to faith has been saved. God has caused this to happen in one way and in one way alone: Christ crucified for sinners. He is the Deliverer God has sent. Though many ethnic Jews have rejected the Gospel as enemies of God, yet He still loves them. His promise has not and cannot be taken away. Just as God showed mercy to disobedient Gentiles, so He continues to show mercy to disobedient Jews. In all things, He remains the God who shows mercy to sinners in order to save them by His grace. For such divine riches and wisdom and knowledge beyond all human understanding, God receives all glory and praise in Christ Jesus!

“The Righteousness of God for You” is a mini-series on Sharper Iron that goes through St. Paul’s Epistle to the Romans. Human righteousness cannot save, because all have sinned and fall short of God’s glory. Only the righteousness of God can bring life and forgiveness to sinners. This is the righteousness that He has fulfilled in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. This is the righteousness that is revealed in the Gospel, the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes. This is the righteousness that is not earned, but is freely given by grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone.