ADDRESSES ON ROMANS
difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him. For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved." In other words. Paul shows that the setting aside of the Jews nationally in no wise means the rejection of individuals in Israel. During the interval running its course between the setting aside of the Jews and God's dealing with them again as a nation, the Gospel is going forth into all the world to both Jew and Gentile. Through this preaching of the cross. the church is being formed. And let me say in passing that, although Israel's future is glorious, yet God's promises to the church are even more to be desired than those made to His chosen people, the Jews. We must remember that in this present age God is calling out the church. the Bride of Christ. He is not dealing with nations, as such, but with individuals-both Jews and Gen~ tiles. He sees them all as poor, lost sinners. He makes no distinction between them, but purifies the hearts of all who will go to Him by faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, any Jew has the privilege of accepting Him as a personal Saviour and Lord. And when he does, he is baptized into the body of Christ, in which "there is neither Greek nor Jew" (Col. 3: 11). All are "one in Christ Jesus" (Gal. 3:28). God is dealing with Israel now as individual sinners needing a Saviour. PAUL'S PRAYER FOR ISRAEL 10:1 "Brethren, my heart's desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they might be saved." With these words the chapter opens. much in the same way as does chapter nine. In our last lesson we dwelt at length upon Paul's concern and heart~ heaviness for his "kinsmen according to the flesh"; and these words which we have just read bear out yet further his life~ long prayer for the salvation of his people. He knew that, in Page 192]
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