Whatever It Takes – Romans 11:32 | Steve's Bible Meditations

“For God has imprisoned everyone in disobedience so he could have mercy on everyone.” (Romans 11:32, NLT).

In Romans 9-11 the Apostle Paul addressed the theological question raised by the Roman Christians about the unbelief of so many Jews. Why had God promised salvation to Israel, His chosen people, and so few Jews were being saved?

How could the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus truly be the fulfillment of God’s plan?

This verse epitomizes the theological defense that Paul is making for the future or ultimate salvation of Israel (and all people who trust in Jesus).

Paul explains that it was beneficial for all people when Israel, God’s chosen people, was disobedient to God because God then extended His mercy to the Gentiles (or all people).

Redemption and restoration are the way God works His purposes in His creation.

So, God can best show His love by having mercy on sinners! And God ransomed all people from sin, from separation from Him, by the life, death, and r

And God’s mercy is best received by those who are sinful. So it is in our sinfulness that we realize our need for God’s salvation.

Jesus explained it like this: “Healthy people don’t need a doctor—sick people do. I have come to call not those who think they are righteous, but those who know they are sinners” (Mark 2:17, Matthew 9:12-13; Luke 5:32-32).

In his first letter to Timothy, the Apostle Paul gets to the crux of the matter when he unabashedly declares: “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—and I am the worst of them all” (1 Timothy 1:15).

God does whatever it takes to show mercy to you, even dying on a cross!

“I have other sheep, too, that are not in this sheepfold. I must bring them also. They will listen to my voice, and there will be one flock with one shepherd.” (John 10:16, NLT)