Throughout my ministry I remember many conversations with people who were concerned about their children and grandchildren. But their concern was not simply for this world. These people were concerned that their children and/or grandchildren were not following Jesus and seemed to have no faith in Him. These were tearful conversations. I remember in particular one man telling me that he told his grandson, “I’m afraid I won’t see you in heaven!”

That is the attitude of Paul at the beginning of chapter 9 of Romans. His concern was for his extended family, the Jewish people, the physical descendants of Abraham. He recounts how they had it all: they were chosen by God, saw His glory, heard His promises, were given the Commandments and the Temple and were the descendants of Abraham. But they ignored God’s greatest gift – the promised Messiah who had come.

Paul expressed that he would gladly give up his own salvation if it would mean the salvation of his people, but it doesn’t work that way. Paul could not and does not have to pay for the salvation of anyone. Jesus already did that for the whole world.

Paul asserts a truth that should comfort us, that God allows anyone who believes His promises to be part of His people, whether they are physical descendants of Abraham or not.

Romans 9:25   As he says in Hosea: “I will call them ‘my people’ who are not my people; and I will call her ‘my loved one’ who is not my loved one…”

God is full of compassion and mercy, but those who receive the benefit of what Jesus did are the ones who put their faith in Him. You don’t get forgiveness by being good, trying hard, or having Abraham’s blood in your veins. You get it for Jesus’ sake. He lived for you. He died for you. He rose for you. And by God’s grace, through faith, you get the rewards His actions earned.

Romans 9:30-32  “What then shall we say? That the Gentiles, who did not pursue righteousness, have obtained it, a righteousness that is by faith; but Israel, who pursued a law of righteousness, has not attained it. Why not? Because they pursued it not by faith but as if it were by works.”

We cannot believe for someone else or pay their way to get into heaven. But we can continue to pray for them, share our faith with them, let the light of Jesus shine for them so that they can see the difference He makes in our lives. The Holy Spirit can and will use our witness.