Romans 9:33: As it is written: “Behold, I lay in Zion a stumbling stone and rock of offense, And whoever believes on Him will not be put to shame.”
The Jews stumbled over a crucified Messiah. They wanted a Messiah who would lead the nation to political freedom and glory; they could not believe in a crucified Christ. Paul’s purpose in this chapter is to explain Israel’s position in the plan of God. Israel was an elect nation, given privileges that no other nation had; yet it failed miserably to follow God’s program of blessing for the world. The entire chapter exalts the sovereign grace of God without minimizing the responsibility of men and women for making right decisions. God’s Word will prevail regardless of human disobedience; but disobedient sinners will miss the blessing. No human mind can fathom or explain the wisdom of God (see 11:33–36), but this we know: without the sovereign grace of God, there would be no salvation. 1
Application
- Do you ever stumble over obeying the truth found in the Bible?
- What does God mean when He says that you have been saved by grace and not by keeping the law or by doing good works? Will you extend your grace today to someone who does not deserve it?
Prayer
Lord, I am so thankful that You are my Rock. I can stand solidly on Your truth.
1. Wiersbe, W. W. (1992). Wiersbe’s expository outlines on the New Testament. Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.