What shall we say then? That the Gentiles, which followed not after righteousness, have attained to righteousness, even the righteousness which is of faith. But Israel, which followed after the law of righteousness, hath not attained to the law of righteousness. Wherefore? Because they sought it not by faith, but as it were by the works of the law. For they stumbled at that stumblingstone; As it is written, Behold, I lay in Sion a stumblingstone and rock of offence: and whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. Romans 9:30-33

As the Apostle Paul, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, continues to reveal to us the New Covenant in Christ, the Chief Cornerstone, Paul also explains to us why many failed to achieve righteousness, even if they were elect or not, righteousness is attained by faith and not the works of The Law. 

Paul begins “The Gentiles, which followed not after righteousness, have attained righteousness, even the righteousness which is of faith” Israel was given The Law through Moses, yet they failed to obtain righteousness because they didn’t understand The Law. As Paul continues “because they sought it not by faith, but as if it were by the works of the law” Israel tried to earn their own salvation, they tried to obtain righteousness by themselves

However nobody is able to obtain righteousness by works, The Law was given to reveal our sin, not to make us sinless. The Law is a mirror, that should have brought them to their knees of repentance, however it made them boast in arrogance of sin. Ultimately The Law condemned them because they didn’t seek God by faith, but they sought God by works. 

The Apostle Paul reveals another prophecy about Christ from the Old Testament, the prophet Isaiah fortold about Jesus all throughout His ministry, Paul quotes him here “Behold I lay in Zion (Israel) a stumbling stone, a rock of offence, and whoever (Jew or Gentile) believes on Him (Christ) will not be put to shame” (Isaiah 28:16) The prophet was telling Israel, salvation is found in faith in Christ and not of yourselves!

Jesus Christ is the Chief Cornerstone, (1 Peter 2:6-8) He is the only way to salvation (John 14:6) Its not by the works of The Law but its by faith in Christ, everyone who calls upon the name of The Lord shall be saved! (Joel 2:32, Romans 10:13) Amen!

What if God, willing to shew his wrath, and to make his power known, endured with much longsuffering the vessels of wrath fitted to destruction: And that he might make known the riches of his glory on the vessels of mercy, which he had afore prepared unto glory, Even us, whom he hath called, not of the Jews only, but also of the Gentiles? Romans 9:22-24

This is a very powerful text or revelation from the Apostle Paul, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. We as finite creatures, have these preconceived notions that we know God should be doing or how He should be doing it. And then we need to come to the realization that we are the creation and God is The Creator, the Boss of us all. And this really sums up the New Covenant in Christ. 

As the Apostle Paul begins here “What if God, willing to show his wrath, and make His power known, endure with longsuffering (patience) the vessels of wrath fitted for destruction” In other words what if God is going to show you His sovereignty and power by saving the Gentiles who were worthy of being destroyed? And of course this was sickening to the Jews, we are “Gods chosen people” why would our God save the “Gentile Dogs”? Well because they are Gods children also and He can! God doesn’t need your understanding or approval to accomplish His will

And the ironic thing is the Church today acts the same way. Most “Christians” today will say “The Jews are done away with” , they are all apostates worthy of Hell, but that’s not what the Word of God says! Well this is my theological doctrine belief and ect, ect. God is not impressed by your theological understanding, God is going to demonstrate His power on giving mercy to whoever He wants to give mercy!

As Paul continues here “And that He (God) might make known the riches of His glory on the vessels of mercy, whom He prepared in advance for His glory” While this may be a shocking revelation to the Jews and Gentiles, this is not suprising to God, He already knew who His children are, He already knew that Jesus Christ would become flesh, die on the cross and defeat sin, death, hell, and Satan forever! 

Even Us, whom He called, not of the Jews only, but also the Gentiles! The New Covenant that was prophesied by the prophets is fulfilled in Christ, to the Glory of God the Father, Jesus the Son, and the Holy Spirit, Amen!