In the first eleven chapters of Romans, the apostle Paul makes a long argument concerning the inclusiveness of the gospel. Along the way, he shows the inclusiveness of the gospel.
For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. But they are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus. (Romans 3:23-24)The experience of mortality and sin is universal, but so to the rectification and life Christ has secured for us through his faithfulness. And at the end of Paul's extensive argument, this is the conclusion he comes to:
Consequently, just as one trespass resulted in condemnation for all people, so also one righteous act resulted in justification and life for all people. (Romans 5:18)
God has bound everyone over to disobedience so that he may have mercy on them all. (Romans 11:32)At this amazing declaration of universal mercy, Paul leaps into doxological wonder.
Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable his judgments, and his paths beyond tracing out! “Who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has been his counselor? Who has ever given to God, that God should repay them?” For from him and through him and for him are all things. To him be the glory forever! Amen. (Romans 11:33-36)
