King James Bible Study – [And when he had called the people unto him with his disciples also, he said unto them, Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. – Mark 8:34]
Date: Wednesday, December 10, 2025
Chapters: Romans 9-12
Message: Romans: Faith Comes By Hearing
Hello My Friend,
As we continue in the reading of Romans, we learn how both Jews and Gentiles make up the nation of Israel. We also learn how and why God has a purpose for those who accept and reject Him and how our faith as a whole comes solely by hearing about God, then gets finalized through His Word.
[Romans 10:17-21 So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. 18 But I say, Have they not heard? Yes verily, their sound went into all the earth, and their words unto the ends of the world. 19 But I say, Did not Israel know? First Moses saith, I will provoke you to jealousy by them that are no people, and by a foolish nation I will anger you. 20 But Esaias is very bold, and saith, I was found of them that sought me not; I was made manifest unto them that asked not after me. 21 But to Israel he saith, All day long I have stretched forth my hands unto a disobedient and gainsaying people.]
No one needs a written text in hand to recognize that God exists. His presence is made plain in creation, and His eternal power is evident to all who are willing to see. In the days before Scripture was recorded, believers trusted simply by hearing the testimony of the faithful, stories passed down from generation to generation. Faith was that simple. Yet, as with all things, corruption crept in. Some who had no true belief sought only their own gain, twisting what was pure for selfish purposes, [2 Peter 1:21 For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.]
This is why God chose faithful, God-fearing men who were filled with His Spirit to record His truth. What began as testimony passed down by word of mouth was preserved in writing, so that every generation could have a clear and trustworthy witness of His Word. And while God has never denied salvation to anyone, He chose to make His name known throughout the world by beginning with one man, Abraham, [Genesis 12:1-3 Now the LORD had said unto Abram, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father’s house, unto a land that I will shew thee: 2 And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing: 3 And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed.]
Through Abraham’s faith and obedience, God established a nation that would bear His covenant and understand the blessings of obedience and consequences of disobedience. That nation is Israel, set apart to reveal God’s holiness and to serve as a testimony of His power and mercy to all the earth. But watch the Scripture says, not everyone who is born of the children of Israel is a child to the nation of Israel.
[Romans 9:1-6 I say the truth in Christ, I lie not, my conscience also bearing me witness in the Holy Ghost, 2 That I have great heaviness and continual sorrow in my heart. 3 For I could wish that myself were accursed from Christ for my brethren, my kinsmen according to the flesh: 4 Who are Israelites; to whom pertaineth the adoption, and the glory, and the covenants, and the giving of the law, and the service of God, and the promises; 5 Whose are the fathers, and of whom as concerning the flesh Christ came, who is over all, God blessed for ever. Amen. 6 Not as though the word of God hath taken none effect. For they are not all Israel, which are of Israel:]
In other words, not all of God’s people are born from the flesh of Israel, who is Jacob, the great-grandson of Abraham. God’s family is not based on physical descent, but on faith in His promises. Israel was chosen as a nation, but within that nation only those who believed were counted as God’s people. Paul goes on to point out that the children of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob were the descendants of the covenant God made with Abraham. This covenant was not simply about physical lineage, but about God’s promise.
[Romans 9:7-12 Neither, because they are the seed of Abraham, are they all children: but, In Isaac shall thy seed be called. 8 That is, They which are the children of the flesh, these are not the children of God: but the children of the promise are counted for the seed. 9 For this is the word of promise, At this time will I come, and Sara shall have a son. 10 And not only this; but when Rebecca also had conceived by one, even by our father Isaac; 11 (For the children being not yet born, neither having done any good or evil, that the purpose of God according to election might stand, not of works, but of him that calleth;) 12 It was said unto her, The elder shall serve the younger.]
This means that while Abraham’s descendants carried the covenant, only those who believed God’s promises were truly counted as His children. Isaac was chosen over Ishmael, and Jacob was chosen over Esau, showing that God’s covenant line was established by His sovereign choice and promise, not by human effort or birth order. It is here that many assume God chooses who will be saved from the moment they are born. But this is a false assumption. While God certainly knows the outcome of every life, His foreknowledge does not mean He withholds the opportunity for salvation. The Gospel invitation is extended to all, and each person is given the chance to respond. Paul continues by showing how God uses mankind to accomplish His purposes.
[Romans 9:14-18 What shall we say then? Is there unrighteousness with God? God forbid. 15 For he saith to Moses, I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion. 16 So then it is not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of God that sheweth mercy. 17 For the scripture saith unto Pharaoh, Even for this same purpose have I raised thee up, that I might shew my power in thee, and that my name might be declared throughout all the earth. 18 Therefore hath he mercy on whom he will have mercy, and whom he will he hardeneth.]
This truth humbles us, because it shows that salvation is not about our striving or our strength, but about God’s grace. Pharaoh is given as an example: though his heart was hardened, God allowed him to rise to power so that His own might would be revealed, and His name declared throughout the earth. This does not mean God denies salvation to those who seek Him, but rather that His sovereign plan is accomplished through obedience and disobedience. While His mercy is great when revealed through our obedience, it is displayed even more powerfully when contrasted with disobedience. Paul explains this further.
[Romans 9:21-24,26-27 Hath not the potter power over the clay, of the same lump to make one vessel unto honour, and another unto dishonour? 22 What if God, willing to shew his wrath, and to make his power known, endured with much longsuffering the vessels of wrath fitted to destruction: 23 And that he might make known the riches of his glory on the vessels of mercy, which he had afore prepared unto glory, 24 Even us, whom he hath called, not of the Jews only, but also of the Gentiles? 26 And it shall come to pass, that in the place where it was said unto them, Ye are not my people; there shall they be called the children of the living God. 27 Esaias also crieth concerning Israel, Though the number of the children of Israel be as the sand of the sea, a remnant shall be saved:]
Just as the potter has authority over the clay, God has the right to shape vessels for honor and for dishonor. Paul shows that even when God endures “vessels of wrath” with great patience, their resistance becomes a backdrop against which His glory shines all the brighter. This is the mystery of God’s plan: those who were once told, “Ye are not my people,” are now called “the children of the living God.” And though Israel’s descendants are as numerous as the sand of the sea, only a remnant will be saved. In this way, God’s mercy is magnified, both in His patience with disobedience and in His grace toward those who believe. It was actually through the faith of a small remnant of saved Jews that the Gentiles were introduced to Christ and believed. Paul goes on to explain.
[Romans 9:30-33 What shall we say then? That the Gentiles, which followed not after righteousness, have attained to righteousness, even the righteousness which is of faith. 31 But Israel, which followed after the law of righteousness, hath not attained to the law of righteousness. 32 Wherefore? Because they sought it not by faith, but as it were by the works of the law. For they stumbled at that stumblingstone; 33 As it is written, Behold, I lay in Sion a stumblingstone and rock of offence: and whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.]
Regardless of the era we are born into or the family we come from, salvation has never been about perfectly keeping all six hundred and thirteen commandments of the Law. It has always been about faith in God. From the very beginning, we see this truth in the story of Adam and Eve. It was not merely their act of disobedience that brought the curse of death upon the soul, but their refusal to take responsibility. When confronted by God, they lied and shifted blame instead of confessing their sin. This is the same condition of the human heart today. Until we acknowledge our guilt and confess that we are sinners, we cannot receive the salvation Jesus offers. Paul, goes on to explain how just believing in God saves no one.
[Romans 10:1-4 Brethren, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they might be saved. 2 For I bear them record that they have a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge. 3 For they being ignorant of God’s righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God. 4 For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth.]
In other words, they were sincere about their faith in God, but sincerity was not enough. They tried to establish their own righteousness by clinging to the Law, yet missed the very righteousness of God revealed to them in Christ. This shows us that salvation is not about human effort or religious zeal, but about submitting to God’s way of righteousness. God has never stopped reaching out to His people. But salvation requires more than acknowledging God’s existence, it requires trusting in Christ, confessing Him as Lord, and receiving His righteousness in place of our own. Paul, goes on to explain how one gets saved.
[Romans 10:8-13 But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach; 9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. 10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. 11 For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. 12 For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him. 13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.]
Salvation is not about rituals, heritage, or keeping the Law, it is about faith expressed through our confession of sin and belief in the Gospel. This is the heart of the Gospel, the sinless death, burial, and resurrection of Christ, and when confessed openly from the heart it brings righteousness and salvation. God’s mercy is not limited by background, culture, or lineage—it is offered to all. Yet just as many falsely believe that God chooses who will be saved, others also falsely believe that God has forsaken the Jews. Paul makes it clear that this is not the case.
[Romans 11:1-4 I say then, Hath God cast away his people? God forbid. For I also am an Israelite, of the seed of Abraham, of the tribe of Benjamin. 2 God hath not cast away his people which he foreknew. Wot ye not what the scripture saith of Elias? how he maketh intercession to God against Israel, saying, 3 Lord, they have killed thy prophets, and digged down thine altars; and I am left alone, and they seek my life. 4 But what saith the answer of God unto him? I have reserved to myself seven thousand men, who have not bowed the knee to the image of Baal.]
God has not abandoned Israel. Though many rejected Christ, there has always been a faithful remnant preserved by His grace. His covenant promises remain, and His plan includes both Jew and Gentile. As Paul explains, salvation is extended to all who believe, but Israel still holds a place in God’s redemptive story.
[Romans 11:5-8,11 Even so then at this present time also there is a remnant according to the election of grace. 6 And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then is it no more grace: otherwise work is no more work. 7 What then? Israel hath not obtained that which he seeketh for; but the election hath obtained it, and the rest were blinded 8 (According as it is written, God hath given them the spirit of slumber, eyes that they should not see, and ears that they should not hear;) unto this day. 11 I say then, Have they stumbled that they should fall? God forbid: but rather through their fall salvation is come unto the Gentiles, for to provoke them to jealousy.]
This truth reminds us that God’s mercy is both universal and faithful. He does not break His promises, nor does He exclude anyone who calls upon His name. Right now, many of the Jews do not understand that the very Law and Prophets contain Scriptures pointing directly to Jesus as the Messiah. Their eyes remain veiled, and many are even discouraged from reading these passages with an open heart. Yet Paul assures us that this blindness is only temporary. There will come a day when the veil will be lifted, and the Jewish people will recognize Jesus as the Messiah and receive Him. But Paul also gives a sober warning to the Gentiles: do not become arrogant.
[Romans 11:13-17 For I speak to you Gentiles, inasmuch as I am the apostle of the Gentiles, I magnify mine office: 14 If by any means I may provoke to emulation them which are my flesh, and might save some of them. 15 For if the casting away of them be the reconciling of the world, what shall the receiving of them be, but life from the dead? 16 For if the firstfruit be holy, the lump is also holy: and if the root be holy, so are the branches. 17 And if some of the branches be broken off, and thou, being a wild olive tree, wert graffed in among them, and with them partakest of the root and fatness of the olive tree;]
As the apostle to the Gentiles, Paul magnifies his calling, hoping that his ministry might stir his fellow Israelites to jealousy and lead some to salvation. He explains that if Israel’s rejection of Christ brought reconciliation to the world, then their acceptance will be like “life from the dead.” Paul uses the image of the olive tree to remind us that the Gentiles were grafted in by God’s mercy. The root is holy, and the branches draw their life from it. Remember, Jesus is the Vine (Root) and we are the branches, [John 15:5-6 I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. 6 If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned.]
When we remain connected to Christ, His life flows through us, producing fruit that glorifies God. But apart from Him, we can do nothing. A branch cut off from the vine withers, and eventually is cast away. This is both a warning and a comfort: a warning that we must not grow arrogant or self-reliant, and a comfort that as long as we abide in Him, His power sustains us. Paul goes on to point this out, reminding the Gentiles not to get too boastful about the Jews not receiving Christ because the day will come when they will acknowledge Him.
[Romans 11:18-23 Boast not against the branches. But if thou boast, thou bearest not the root, but the root thee. 19 Thou wilt say then, The branches were broken off, that I might be graffed in. 20 Well; because of unbelief they were broken off, and thou standest by faith. Be not highminded, but fear: 21 For if God spared not the natural branches, take heed lest he also spare not thee. 22 Behold therefore the goodness and severity of God: on them which fell, severity; but toward thee, goodness, if thou continue in his goodness: otherwise thou also shalt be cut off. 23 And they also, if they abide not still in unbelief, shall be graffed in: for God is able to graff them in again.]
Some of Israel’s branches were broken off because of unbelief, and Gentiles were grafted in by faith. This is not a reason for pride, but for reverent humility. His goodness is shown toward those who continue in the faith, while His severity is revealed toward those who fall away in unbelief. Yet even those who were broken off are not beyond hope while they have their breath in them. Paul assures us that if they turn from unbelief, God is able to graft them in again, knowing that the same God who grafted us in can restore Israel as well.
[Romans 11:25-28 For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in. 26 And so all Israel shall be saved: as it is written, There shall come out of Sion the Deliverer, and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob: 27 For this is my covenant unto them, when I shall take away their sins. 28 As concerning the gospel, they are enemies for your sakes: but as touching the election, they are beloved for the fathers’ sakes.]
This temporary blindness will one day be lifted, and all Israel shall be saved. This does not mean every descendant by flesh will be saved, again, this means that many will open their eyes to the truth and receive Him as their Saviour. Paul reminds us that though Israel may seem like enemies of God concerning the Gospel, they are still beloved because of His promises to the patriarchs. Finally, Paul reminds both Jews and Gentiles that all who now know Christ were once ignorant of the truth. None of us came to salvation by our own wisdom or righteousness, it was solely of God’s mercy that opened our eyes.
[Romans 11:29-33 For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance. 30 For as ye in times past have not believed God, yet have now obtained mercy through their unbelief: 31 Even so have these also now not believed, that through your mercy they also may obtain mercy. 32 For God hath concluded them all in unbelief, that he might have mercy upon all. 33 O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out!]
God’s wisdom is beyond our comprehension, yet His mercy is freely offered to all. Jew and Gentile alike are invited into His covenant family, not by works, but by grace through faith in Christ, [Titus 3:5-6 Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; 6 Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour;]
Today’s Prayer: God, Thank You for giving me life, and the life You have given me. It has not always been an easy life, but it is one that led me to Your Son. Thank You for giving me eternal life solely upon my faith in Your Son. I know there is nothing I could ever do on my own to receive the most important gift I will ever receive. There is something else You do that I find amazing when we call on Your Son as our Saviour, You recognize us as being Your sons and daughters. Lord, Being a part of Your family is so amazing, let me live the rest of my life here proclaiming Your Son, and showing the world that no matter what earthly family we come from, we who receive Your Son as our Saviour are one of Yours. I pray this in Your name, Jesus. Amen.
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
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