Articles
To God Be The Glory - Romans 11
To God Be The Glory - Romans 11
The book of Romans seems to be divided into two sections: The message of the gospel (ch. 1-11), and the application of how to live it (ch. 12-16). So, we come to the end of chapter eleven with what is known as a Doxology – ‘a study in glory’, an exclamation of glory unto God.
This fitting end to the first section of Romans begins in vs. 32: “For God has consigned all to disobedience, that he may have mercy on all.” (Romans 11:32). A simple summary is that we have seen that all have sinned (Rom. 1-3), and that the only means of avoiding the due punishment for such is through the forgiveness of God. That is the gospel message: in Jesus death we can be forgiven and yet God can maintain HIS righteous character.
In order to get here, we are reminded of the Faith of Abraham and David. We are shown the love of God towards us in the death of Jesus. We are assured that those who are yet lost are lost because THEY choose not to obey the gospel. We even are instructed on how God used Israel as a nation in order to bring about the coming of Jesus. NOW, as Paul started this message, we understand that ‘the gospel is the power of God unto salvation unto all that believe (trust in Jesus). Hence, God has indeed shut up all in disobedience so that He may show mercy to ALL.
Paul’s response to this: 33 Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways! 34 “For who has known the mind of the Lord, or who has been his counselor?” 35 “Or who has given a gift to him that he might be repaid?” 36 For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen. (Romans 11:33-36).
Praise the Lord. Amen. Amen.
Hugh DeLong
