Study Desk

and what if he has done so in order to make known the riches of his glory for the objects of mercy, which he has prepared beforehand for glory—

for the Lord will execute his sentence on the earth quickly and decisively."

What then are we to say? Gentiles, who did not strive for righteousness, have attained it, that is, righteousness through faith;

but Israel, who did strive for the righteousness that is based on the law, did not succeed in fulfilling that law.

Why not? Because they did not strive for it on the basis of faith, but as if it were based on works. They have stumbled over the stumbling stone,

Brothers and sisters, my heart's desire and prayer to God for them is that they may be saved.

I can testify that they have a zeal for God, but it is not enlightened.

For, being ignorant of the righteousness that comes from God, and seeking to establish their own, they have not submitted to God's righteousness.

For Christ is the end of the law so that there may be righteousness for everyone who believes.

For one believes with the heart and so is justified, and one confesses with the mouth and so is saved.

For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; the same Lord is Lord of all and is generous to all who call on him.

For, "Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved."

But not all have obeyed the good news; for Isaiah says, "Lord, who has believed our message?"

But I ask, have they not heard? Indeed they have; for "Their voice has gone out to all the earth, and their words to the ends of the world."

Then Isaiah is so bold as to say, "I have been found by those who did not seek me; I have shown myself to those who did not ask for me."

But what is the divine reply to him? "I have kept for myself seven thousand who have not bowed the knee to Baal."

And David says, "Let their table become a snare and a trap, a stumbling block and a retribution for them;

Now if their stumbling means riches for the world, and if their defeat means riches for Gentiles, how much more will their full inclusion mean!

For if their rejection is the reconciliation of the world, what will their acceptance be but life from the dead!

For if God did not spare the natural branches, perhaps he will not spare you.