Journal: Grace Journal
Volume: GJ 05:1 (Winter 1964)
Article: “Accursed from Christ”: A Critical Monograph on Romans 9:3
Author: Nickolas Kurtaneck

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GJ 5:1 (Wtr 64) p. 13

“Accursed from Christ”:
A Critical Monograph on Romans 9:3

Nickolas Kurtaneck

Professor of Bible, Biola College

Abridged by the Author

It is revealed in Luke 19:10 that “the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost,” and in 2 Peter 3:9 that the Lord is “not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.” Since it is supported by Scripture it is thus without dispute that Jesus Christ, the Son of God and the Son of man, was and is deeply concerned for the salvation of man. Because this is true of Him who was God manifest in flesh (1 Tim 3:16), who is the Head of the Body, His Church (Eph 1:22–23), and the sole possessor of the redeemed (1 Cor 6:19–20), it should be equally true of every child of God and especially true of every one who has been called to preach and teach the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Every servant of Christ should manifest compassion and genuine love for the lost resulting in a constraining zeal for their salvation. This passion, however, be it ever so noble, must never increase to such an extent that it eclipses one’s love for Jesus Christ. First and foremost in the believer’s love should be a consistent and effective demonstration of true love for the Master, which should never stand in jeopardy of being relegated to a lesser position by a greater love for lost souls. The Redeemer must be loved preeminently, above and beyond every other person and objective in this life and that which is to come. This fact is interwoven into the heart and thrust of the first and great commandment enunciated by the Lord Jesus Christ, “…Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind” (Matt 22:37).

In the light of this truth the declaration of Paul in Romans 9:3, “For I could wish that myself were accursed from Christ for my brethren, my kinsmen according to the flesh,” has been highly controversial, lending itself to various interpretations. Such is true because the obvious implication of Paul’s statement, as translated in most English Versions, and as explained by many eminent scholars, would lead one to the logical conclusion that Paul’s love for Israel exceeded his love for Jesus Christ.

Upon serious reflection of the eternal consequences interlaced in this conclusion, and knowing that Paul’s epistles are characterized by sound logic and moral ...

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