God’s Riches Through Belief - Romans 9-11

 Romans 10:8-13 (ESV)

But what does it say? “The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart” (that is, the word of faith that we proclaim); because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved. For the Scripture says, “Everyone who believes in him will not be put to shame.” For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, bestowing his riches on all who call on him. For “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”

In Romans 9-11 we have one of the most difficult, but also the most excellent words in the entire Bible.  On the one hand, since these chapters talk about “election” (God choosing those He will save), it is hard to interpret and hard to understand.   But, because it is about God’s character in regard to election and His mindset around that perplex issues, we can say with Paul (as he actually ends the chapters), “Oh the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God!”   

The above passage is no less these two thoughts: Complex in thought, rich in meaning.   Even though God “elects” those who are to be saved, yet God sends His word to cause us to believe.    In order to benefit from God “bestowing His riches on all who call on Him,” we have to believe His word.   We have to put “faith” in His promises and claim them as true.   David Hume (Scottish philosopher) understood that people could make decisions to do things for all sorts of reasons, but people cannot make a decision to believe something they don't believe.    The only way to enjoy the “riches” is to believe the “word.”   Those who “call on the name of the Lord will be saved.”   The phrase “call on” means to invoke the name of the Lord (Jesus).    When, by faith, we do that we are instantly the recipients of the blessings in Christ.   No matter if we are Jew or Greek (Gentile).   God does choose those He wants to bless with His riches.  But, God uses the mechanism of faith in His word to do so.  But, we can’t believe what we won’t believe, so God much intervene and put faith toward Christ in our hearts to believe in Him, ushering in those riches He promises.   God’s call equals belief.  God’s belief equals God’s riches.