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Romans 10:11-13

English Standard Version
11 For the Scripture says, “Everyone who believes in him will not be put to shame.” 12 For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, bestowing his riches on all who call on him. 13 For “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”

Isaiah 45:17 is what Paul is referring to here in verse 11. In this chapter of Isaiah the prophet is writing that God will send an immense blessing on the Persian leader Cyrus. He does this to show him that it is God who blesses and it is God who curses. And that anyone who tries to fight against Cyrus, as long as Cyrus allows the Jews to worship the one true God and Cyrus acknowledges God’s sway over his kingdom, will be put to shame. So in this Old Testament passage, we see Jew and Gentile both being blessed equally under God’s mighty hand. Paul was once again trying to reiterate how Jesus, being born a Jew, first came to redeem and save the chosen nation of Israel. But that by His sacrifice, He also brought redemption for all people of all nations, tribes, and tongues. In verses 12 & 13 the word used for “call” is the Greek word “epikaleomai”. This word means to call upon, appeal to, call out. It also has a secondary meaning, a surname. This means that those who claim God’s surname as their own, who have been adopted into the family and follow his ways, shall be saved! How amazing is that!?! You are no longer John Smith, but as a full fledged believer, you have become John Smith of God! As a means of further strengthening this statement, let’s discuss the Great Commission. Jesus calls us all to go into all the nations and make disciples, not simply converts, but trained, educated, imparted and spiritual little Jesus’. And then he calls us to Baptize them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. The purpose of this order, and as was practiced quite often in the early church, was to assist in converting people to become followers of Christ, then to disciple them, then to baptize them. This means that those whose name has been changed, who have submitted their lives to Christ and are following their adopted Father, are to publicly proclaim by not just words, but through the action of baptism. This is the spiritual equivalent to an adoption proclamation!

Where would you say you are in this adoption process?

How have you helped others become fellow heirs with Christ?

What questions does today’s study bring to mind?

What action items do you have remaining outstanding?

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