Romans 10:12

Romans 10:12 says, For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him.  Paul was speaking to the Jews in his day in particular, but to all believers in Christ in general. There is no difference in people in the eyes of God.  Paul tells us that salvation is made available to all who call on God through Christ.  God is rich in His salvation, not limited. I believe this precludes any concept that some are predestined to salvation and some to damnation. If this were the case, God would not be rich in His provision of salvation but limited.  We cannot attempt to hoard the love of God, which is what the Jews in Paul's day were attempting to do.  Just as there was no difference in people in Paul's day in the eyes of God, there is no difference today. Verse thirteen adds, For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.  Paul tells us that all who truly believe in Christ as Savior and Lord shall be saved. There are no qualifiers in this statement.  Paul did not say if we fortunate enough to be elected, if we were born into a particular group, or if we were good enough we would be saved.  He simply says that whosoever shall call on the name of Christ in sincere faith, as the previous verses stated, shall be saved.  We do not have to wonder if we are saved if we truly put our faith in Christ as Savior and Lord.  Verse fourteen continues, How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?  This is a question for the followers of Christ today.  How is the lost world going to believe on Christ if they have not heard the gospel?  I do believe that God will reveal Himself to all people, but we are challenged to present the gospel that it might be easier to come to salvation through Christ.  Paul asked how they would hear without a preacher.  As followers of Christ, we are all to proclaim the gospel of Christ.  In that respect, we are all to be preachers.  Verse fifteen states, And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!  We know that the scripture says that some are called to be preachers and teachers.  These indeed have a specific call to a life of spreading the gospel, but that does not excuse all Christians from the general call of the Great Commission.  We are to present the gospel of peace, the good news of Christ.  Verse sixteen adds, But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Esaias saith, Lord, who hath believed our report?  We know that not everyone who hears the gospel is going to believe the gospel.  This does not relieve us of the responsibility for sharing it though.  Verse seventeen continues, So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.  I believe Paul is telling us that hearing the word of God, the gospel, leads to faith.  Not all will receive the gospel by faith, but it is our responsibility to share it.