Jesus Leaving Earthly Body Makes Him Present For Everybody

So then, faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. (Romans 10:17)

Some verses in the Bible lack ample clarity as standalone statements. This verse is one such example. For this reason, sometimes reading the entire chapter is needed to fully understand the context.

Romans 10 starts with a prayer that Israel might be saved. It states that the Israelites’ zeal for God was misguided. They were unaccepting of how God defines righteousness; and were insistent on establishing their own criteria for what it means to be right with God.

I’m reminded of modern-day man who sets the bar so high that people will exhaust themselves into burnout-mode trying to live up to manmade agendas that have not been ordered by Father God.

Nothing makes satan happier than seeing a saint run around like a chicken with his head cut off, trying to live up to man-pleasing goals. These believers want desperately to please God; but, are operating outside of the Word of God.

We learn in verse 4 that Jesus Christ put an end to OT Law for everyone who believes on His Death, Burial, Resurrection, and ultimate Ascension into Heaven.

So, while we can glean knowledge for healthy living from the OT, we no longer need to do ritualistic sacrifices for our sins as in the days of Moses. I believe that it is indeed wisdom to read which foods Creator God deem unhealthy; and, which foods He calls clean (Leviticus 11, Acts 10:15).

And, in the same breath, I am aware that if I am a guest in someone’s home; and they serve a beautiful slab of baby-back ribs which they labored over in preparation, I am not obligated to pull out my Bible app and reference that God says don’t eat pork.

No, in cases such as this, Jesus tells us (thankfully so) that we should not call unclean something that He has called clean. In other words, if you are in such a scenario, stand in faith believing that in rare occasions such as this, Jesus’ sacrifice on the Cross has purified the food for which we are to partake in His Name.

I have to add a disclaimer here: If God has given you warning that a food is detrimental to your health, use the rational judgment He has blessed you with. It is okay to be honest if you are allergic to a food. I truly don’t think Jesus would want you to eat peanut brittle if you have an allergy to peanuts. These are cases where the Spirit clearly lets you know if you should partake or abstain. In verse 8 we are told that the Word is near to us, in our mouth and in our heart. It is by faith that we preach these words as God’s Truth.

We learn in Romans 10 that God does not differentiate peoples by their representation as a Jew or a Greek, or any other religion, race, creed or color for that matter. The Lord bestows his wealth of blessings on all who call on Him. In fact, verse 13 says that anyone who calls upon the name of the Lord Jesus, shall be saved from eternal damnation.

And verse 14 becomes the meat and potatoes of today’s verse 17.

The questions arise in rapid-fire succession on how people call on Jesus if they don’t believe? Or how can one believe in Jesus when they haven’t received knowledge of Him without a preacher and/or teacher?

The succession of questions persisted as they were fervent for getting the Word out, even to the concern that some were disobedient to the gospel, and unbelieving of their report.

And, finally, to this end comes the explanation of Romans 10:17. This verse is a response to the questions. Jesus tells them that one’s faith comes by hearing, and hearing the righteousness as God approves, by His Holy Word.

The argument was laid to rest that the Israelites had indeed heard the Word of God; first by Moses and then by Esaias who acknowledged that Jesus was made manifest even to those who weren’t seeking Him.

And in spite of all of their knowing, Jesus says that the Israelites remained, as mentioned in verse 2, a disobedient and for selfish-gain people.

Sidebar: I end this verse with a thought which came to mind as I began:

The U.S. holds modern-day Israel in very high regard. Worth noting, contemporary citizens of Israel call themselves Israelis. The people mentioned in Romans and Deuteronomy were called Israelites. Today's supporters of modern-day Israel, use the OT Bible verse (Deuteronomy 7:7) which acknowledges the Israelites as God’s chosen people. However, in the NT, they are not a perfect people without God's reproach, as this book of Romans makes clear.

Now, as we end this tenth chapter of Romans, we receive a clear explanation of what the verse which starts with So, then,means. In concise measure, this verse translates into this:

Faith, according to God’s definition of righteousness, and, faith in His Son Jesus, comes by hearing in the Spirit, and in the teachings of the Word of God. So, for those who have preachers and teachers to share the Word with them; and, to those in far-reaching places who never have a human mentor, each are able to know the righteousness as God as He defines it, and receive His Son via the Power of the Holy Spirit.

Best regards.

Peace.