Journal: Chafer Theological Seminary Journal
Volume: CTSJ 12:2 (Fall 2006)
Article: Why Confess with One’s Mouth? (Romans 10:9–13)
Author: George E. Meisinger

---

CTSJ 12:2 (Fall 2006) p. 8

Why Confess with One’s Mouth?
(Romans 10:9–13)

George E. Meisinger

George Meisinger is president of Chafer Theological Seminary and teaches in its Theology, Old and New Testament departments. He earned a B.A. from Biola University, a Th.M. in Old Testament Literature and Exegesis from Dallas Theological Seminary, and a D.Min. in Biblical Studies from Western Seminary. He has also done Ph.D. studies in Systematic Theology at Trinity Theological Seminary. He has pastored for 38 years. His email address is president@ chafer.edu.

Introduction

Romans 1–8, and especially chapter 8, demonstrate that though all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God (3:9–18, 23), yet those eternally saved through faith in Jesus Christ’s redemptive work (3:21–26) are secure forever; nothing can separate them from the love of God (8:35–39).

This raises a question in light of what has happened to Israel. If God’s salvation is forever, then what about God’s Old Testament people, who seem to have been excluded from the plan of God? How can believers in the Church be confident that God will not reject them if, like Israel, they sufficiently provoke the Lord?

Paul addresses this question in Romans 9–11. In chapter 9, the apostle says the problem is not that God’s word—His covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob—has become of no effect, but that “they are not all Israel who are of Israel” (9:6–7). God’s promises and election are good only for “the children of the promise,” that is, Jewish believers (9:9–26), otherwise called “the remnant.” They “will be saved” at a future time (9:27–29). Accordingly, in spite of appearances, God has not rejected true Israel.

Chapter 10 reveals two reasons why God temporarily set aside national Israel. Only the first will be covered for the purpose of this exposition: God set aside Israel because the nation did not submit to His way to obtain righteousness (10:1–13). In spite of zeal for God, Israel functions apart from His will; they are ignorant of how one receives righteousness before God. For the nation to be saved in history (Phase 2),

visitor : : uid: ()