Scripture
32 For God has bound everyone over to disobedience so that he may have mercy on them all.
Reflection
The Gentiles to whom Paul wrote were at one time disobedient to God but in this Age of Grace the Gentiles have now received mercy. When Adam disobeyed (Rom. 5:19) all were constituted sinners because all humanity sinned in Adam (Rom. 5:12). Israel is now corporately disobedient to God so that when God’s mercy to the Gentiles reaches its full number (Rom. 11:25), Israel will again receive mercy (Rom. 11 26–27). God’s ultimate purpose is to have mercy on … all. To do so justly God has bound all men over to disobedience. “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Rom. 3:23). “Jews and Gentiles alike are all under sin” (Rom. 3:9), so that “there is no difference” (Rom. 3:22). When the Gentiles rejected God and disobeyed Him (Rom. 1:17–21), God chose Abraham and his descendants as His special people. Now the disobedience of the Jews enables God to show mercy to the Gentiles. Then, when that purpose is achieved, He will again show mercy to Israel corporately.
Based on the above, it is quite clear that our salvation is not work-based. Nothing we can do will save us. It was all part of God’s original plan to redeem mankind.
Thoughts for the day
- What does this passage tell you about God or Jesus?
- What does this passage tell you about humanity?
- What do you feel God is telling you through this passage?
- How can you apply this message in an area of your life that needs transformation?
- Is there anyone you think should hear or will benefit from this message? Go and tell them.
Prayer
Pray the Lord’s Prayer (Matt. 6:9-13):
“‘Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name,
10 your kingdom come,
your will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven.
11 Give us today our daily bread.
12 And forgive us our debts,
as we also have forgiven our debtors.
13 And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from the evil one.’
