I tell the truth in Christ, I am not lying, my conscience also bearing me witness in the Holy Spirit, (2) that I have great sorrow and continual grief in my heart. (3) For I could wish that I myself were accursed from Christ for my brethren, my countrymen according to the flesh, (4) who are Israelites, to whom pertain the adoption, the glory, the covenants, the giving of the law, the service of God and the promises, (5) of whom are the fathers and from whom, according to the flesh, Christ came, who is over all, the eternally blessed God. Amen.

The letter to the Romans was written to the faithful in Rome by the apostle Paul. Our verses today follow Paul’s statement that nothing could separate him/the faithful from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus. In chapter 9 he immediately turns to those without Christ – his kinsmen. What some saw as an attack on the Jews was not that at all; he spoke truth so that they might see the need for the righteousness of Christ Jesus – he goes to great lengths to convince the Jews of what he was saying. Paul was speaking hypothetically trying to convey how deeply he was burdened for the salvation of the Jews. But he knew such a prayer was not permissible and would not result in the salvation of the Jews. It meant nothing more than he was willing to suffer the utmost misery for the sake of his brethren. Paul wanted to assure them of his love and respect.

The nation of Israel had unique spiritual privileges but were lost – great privilege will not save any one unless they respond to them. They were adopted by God as His chosen people; they were under the light and protection of God. Israel had the prophets, the promises, the service of God, the priesthood, the temple. Israel would not only be saved but the Gentiles also through God’s promise to Abraham. They read the messianic promises – the great promise of redemption which would climax in the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. But the Jews rejected Christ. They trusted in their religious privilege, their heritage, not in the Messiah. They were exposed to the truth but rejected it. Israel’s failure was due to pride and self sufficiency – they sought to be saved by works rather than grace. Scripture makes it clear that salvation is a work of grace and the eternal life of the Bible is a free gift.

The gospel preached by Paul is to believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, the Messiah revealed by Scripture, who is eternal God in human flesh; Who became sacrifice for sin in our stead, Who was raised bodily from the dead and is Lord over all. He is our refuge. Lean on the cross and the blood and have assurance of everlasting life, the resurrection of the body, a heavenly home and the indwelling Spirit.

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