What about Israel?

• At the time of Jesus, the Scriptures primarily concerned God's relationship with Israel - the descendents of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. God made covenants with, and promises to, Israel. Israel looked forward to the promised Messiah, salvation and everlasting kingdom.

• Paul said the gospel (good news) is "the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile" (Romans 1:16). However, the majority of Jews rejected the gospel. Why? Had God's word of promise failed? Read Romans 9:1-8.

1. God promised Abraham that all peoples on earth would be blessed through his offspring (Genesis 12:3; 22:18). How was this promise fulfilled? (Romans 9:5; Galatians 3:16)

• God also promised Israel a future salvation and restoration. However, the majority of Jews rejected God's way of salvation. Had God's word failed? Paul says, no! (Romans 8:6a)

2. How does Paul explain Israel's lack of response to the gospel? (8:6-8) What does this teach us concerning how ethnic, cultural or family identity relate to personal salvation?

• Since Israel had God's law, we would expect Jews to be more responsive than Gentiles to God's provision of salvation. But Gentiles are more responsive. Why? Read 9:30-10:4.

• In general, Gentiles had not pursued "righteousness" (that is, right standing before God). However, by God's grace, they heard the "good news" of Jesus Christ, and they responded in faith. Thus they have received "a righteousness that is by faith" (9:30).

3. In general, Israel pursued "a law of righteousness" but has not attained (gained) it. What is wrong with Israel's pursuit? Why do they fail to attain true righteousness? (9:32-33)

• Paul says that many Israelites are zealous for God, "but their zeal is not based on knowledge" (10:2). They do not understand that right relationship with God is a gift of His grace, and is received through faith in Jesus Christ. So rather than submitting to God's righteousness (and receiving God's salvation), they sought to establish their own righteousness (10:3). They do not understand that Christ is the "end of the law" (10:4).

How Can We Receive God's Salvation?