God Will Not Disappoint You
Thinking about Romans 10:11-13.
For the Scripture says, "WHOEVER BELIEVES ON HIM WILL NOT BE PUT TO SHAME." For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek, for the same Lord over all is rich to all who call upon Him. For "WHOEVER CALLS ON THE NAME OF THE LORD SHALL BE SAVED." (Romans 10:11-13)
Paul had just emphasized to his readers that they didn’t have to do the impossible because of what Jesus had done for them.
And what Jesus had done was for all people - Jew and Gentile.
All Who Believe on Him Will Not Be Disappointed.
To support his point, Paul quotes from Isaiah 28:16.
God’s saving purpose is for both Jews and Greeks. Those of faith will not be disappointed. They will not suffer the shame or the regret of those whose faith is shown to be vain because of trusting in the wrong thing. God does not disappoint those who look to Him for salvation. False gods and false paths lead to disappointment, but Paul said the way of faith does not! - Pollard, Truth for Today Commentary, 363
In context, pursuing the righteousness which is of the law and rejecting God’s righteousness (Romans 10:3) would lead to a person being put to shame - or disappointed.
But the way of faith in Christ Jesus would not disappoint anyone - Jew or Gentile - because He is Lord over all, and He is richly gracious and merciful to all.
The Riches of Our Lord.
The New Testament often speaks of the “riches” of God’s wisdom, mercy, and grace.
Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and His ways past finding out! (Romans 11:33)
For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, that you through His poverty might become rich. (2 Corinthians 8:9)
In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace (Ephesians 1:7)
the eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, (Ephesians 1:18)
that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. (Ephesians 2:7)
To me, who am less than the least of all the saints, this grace was given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, and to make all see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the ages has been hidden in God who created all things through Jesus Christ (Ephesians 3:8-9)
And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:19)
To them God willed to make known what are the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles: which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. (Colossians 1:27)
esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt; for he looked to the reward. (Hebrews 11:26)
The riches of God’s wisdom, mercy, and grace are extended to all people through His Son.
[Paul] made it clear there was not one way of salvation for Jews (through the Law) and another for Gentiles (through faith in Christ). The playing field was level for both! - Pollard, Truth for Today Commentary, 363
All Who Call on His Name Will Be Saved.
Paul quoted another Old Testament passage (Joel 2:32) to further support his point that salvation is offered to “all.”
Joel had promised deliverance during an invasion for all who turned to God and called on His name. Paul focuses on the word “whoever” to emphasize that the way of faith is not limited to one group of people - nor does it exclude the Jews.
The inclusion of Gentiles in the church is not a sign of Pauline apostasy but rather an evidence that the last days have dawned in which God is fulfilling his saving plan. - Schreiner, Romans, 562
What Paul mentions here isn’t the idea of “belief only” or merely saying the Lord’s name out loud. He emphasizes a deep commitment and obedience to God - turning to God and following His way for our salvation rather than trying to “earn” our own way or come up with our own way of salvation.
It’s a submission to His authority. It’s an admission that we cannot save ourselves and must turn to Him for salvation (Acts 2:36-41).
All who do this will not be disappointed.
Great message.