Romans 10:1-4 "Brethren, my heart's desire and prayer to God for them is that they may be saved..."

"Brethren, my heart's desire and prayer to God for them is that they may be saved. I bear them witness that they have a zeal for God, but it is not enlightened. For, being ignorant of the righteousness that comes from God, and seeking to establish their own, they did not submit to God's righteousness. For Christ is the end of the law, that everyone who has faith may be justified" (Romans 10:1-4 RSV).

Comment:

In this passage from Paul's letter to the church in Rome he clearly sets forth the essence of his understanding of the new understanding of our relationship with the divine that Jesus taught and demonstrated through his ministry. He is distinguishing between Jews ("Israelites"), whose relationship with God is based on obedience to the law, and the followers of Jesus, whose relationship with God is personal, unique and innate—a realization of the Christ Presence within. Israelites, he says, have a zeal for God, but it is not an enlightened zeal—it is based in old beliefs, superstitions and fears. We must have faith—believe in our hearts—in the indwelling Presence of God that responds with infinite love to our prayerful and creative choices to express that love. "For 'everyone who calls upon the name of the Lord (the Christ) will be saved.'"   Blessings! Rev. Ed