³² For God has shut up all in disobedience so that He may show mercy to all.

Curious, to say the least, confounding to say the most. Theologians debate, fools mock, sluggards yawn—but the spiritually faithful and wise appreciate. Chapters 9-11 can be difficult to unpack and place into theological categories, though understanding God is certainly a worthy goal in our wrestlings. It was certainly important enough for Him to devote a significant portion of Scripture to lay it all out. The truth is that at times God is incomprehensible, as He spoke through the prophet: “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways And My thoughts than your thoughts” (Is 55:9). Some things about Him will always be difficult to get our minds around!

Two truths are laid out here, not just to be studied but to be appreciated. In this penultimate statement (the comment before his grand finale) on Paul’s brief study of God’s way, he provides a summary. First, the bad news, or the downside to the truth: “God has shut up all in disobedience.” The phrase “to shut up” means “to enclose” or “hem in.” Translators render this as “bound over to,” “consigned to,” “imprisoned in,” and “committed to.” The thought is that God has closed down any logical exit from the predicament of humanity—all have disobeyed, a reflection of Romans 3:23, “all have sinned …” and Romans 6:23, “the wages of sin is death.” Just as “the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable,” so also the predicament of humanity is inviolable. Nothing can change the nature of God and His Word. There is death for sin. We are all consigned to this judgment, hemmed in by it, shut in, closed up and imprisoned. And the key seems to have been thrown away, so to speak.

However, while this predicament is inviolable, it is not unsatisfiable, if I might coin a word. God has not given up on the relationship. Therefore, despite the nature of our situation, God remains satisfiable, but only by perfection. And that perfection came when in mercy, He provided satisfaction through the death of a substitute, the Lord Jesus Christ. God accepts—no, He provided—a substitute. That is His mercy. And that is the good news—the upside to counter the bad news, the downside. We are lost sinners, and God is merciful. And this is available to all because all have sinned.

At this juncture, one has a choice: 1) Reject out of pride, refusing to acknowledge one’s need, or 2) Recognize and confess one’s sinfulness and believe on the Lord Jesus Christ. The choice should be a no-brainer. How could anyone turn down such a wonderful offer of mercy?

O Lord, I stand forgiven before You as a vessel of Your mercy!