First, God’s statements are absolutes because he accomplishes them. Romans 9:26 - “And in the very place where it was said to them, ‘You are not my people,’ there they will be called ‘sons of the living God.’” He doesn’t look into the future and see what people will do, sitting back only to observe. He is actively in the future from the past. He knows what he will accomplish.

Regarding the salvation of the Gentiles, he knew that Christ would shine light upon them. Matthew 4:16 - "The people who live in darkness have seen a great light, and for those living in the land of the shadow of death, a light has dawned." Just like he created the world from nothing and spoke light into darkness, he shines in our hearts to give knowledge of his glory, and makes us new creations! He creates the praise that comes from our lips, saving us entirely by grace. Isaiah 57:19 - ""creating words of praise." The LORD says, "Peace, peace to the one who is far or near, and I will heal him." Therefore, it is said, “Look what God has done.”

Do not fall into the “helpless god syndrome” that plagues so many. Worship the mighty God of Scripture, and you’ll have hope. It is not the greatness of sin but the greatness of God that we trust. Preach Christ confidently and preach him well… not as one who will not save, but as One who will, because he can, and he purposed it. The sins of today are not too mighty for God. He tames leviathan and casts out demons. He speaks and sin is conquered. He has the voice of authority. Psalm 29:4 - "The voice of the LORD is powerful; the voice of the LORD is full of majesty." He is no absentee god rooting for humanity: He is the Sovereign who saves as promised, and he uses people who trust him. Trust in the Lord fully.

Secondly, righteousness is by faith. Romans 9:30, “What shall we say, then? That Gentiles who did not pursue righteousness have attained it, that is, a righteousness that is by faith;”

You’ve heard God on election, now believe him. You’ve heard that he hardens whom he pleases, so trust him with reverence. You’ve heard only a remnant will be saved, so include yourself in the number by faith alone. Romans 9:27 - "And Isaiah cries out concerning Israel: "Though the number of the sons of Israel be as the sand of the sea, only a remnant of them will be saved.” Don’t let destruction come upon you. Flee while you can.

Faith alone means add nothing to Christ - not your feelings, power, or performances. Trust him to save you because he finished the work at the cross. He put away sin and followed God fully. Romans 5:19 - "For as by the one man's disobedience [Adam] the many were made sinners, so by the one man's obedience the many will be made righteous." Christ was obedient. By his blood, God justifies many. By his obedience, we are made righteous.

Righteousness is imputed, meaning that we don’t have it in us. We are counted as righteous by faith. Romans 4:5 - "And to the one who does not work but believes in him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is counted as righteousness." The ungodly person who trusts the Son of God is righteous before him, forever. He is totally accepted and has the promises. He has peace with God by faith and access into grace. Romans 5:2 - "Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God." He has everything that he needs.

Faith links the soul to the entirety of God’s salvation. It is as if a man kept the whole law, then God would favor him. We who haven’t done anything to earn God’s favor have been given it just by believing. It doesn’t require anything from us, and nothing will be accepted, lest we spoil it. It is by faith alone, always.

The prostitute with last night’s stench upon her body is as righteous as the preacher as soon as she trusts in Jesus. The businessman who’s given faithfully is not more accepted by God than the murderer on death row, who trusts Christ in his last hour. This is the marvel of grace: it is not works of righteousness that we’ve done. The thief on the cross is in the same Paradise as Paul. 2 Timothy 4:8 - "Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing."

If we believe the gospel, then we have all of the benefits that God can give, and everything that he’s promised! We have heaven to come, and we have hope now. We have peace and joy by the Spirit, and good works that he will perform. We’ll overcome our sin. Nothing is needed but faith. Mark 5:36 - "But overhearing what they said, Jesus said to the ruler of the synagogue, "Do not fear, only believe."" Do you have it? Do you believe?

Finally, faith in Christ is often stumbled over. People refuse the simplity of believing God. They do not want the whole gospel of grace that makes us holy.

Don’t be offended. This meets our greatest need, which is peace with God, eternal happiness, and salvation from sin; it is true deliverance. Everyone who believes will enjoy God’s favor as one that he has specially loved. Everyone else will perish in regret.