As we are working our way though Romans and highlighting passages that are related to the atonement, we now reach Romans 9-11. It is worth noting that one’s concepts of the atonement and justification are closely entwined. For many who have been influenced by the new perspectives on Paul, this next passage must be slightly awkward. Crucial to the understanding I have of the cross is that it exists in order that God can give us a free gift of righteousness that is independent of works. This passage demonstrates that Paul clearly had a perspective of the Jews that included the idea that they were pursuing salvation by working hard to please God. The doctrine of penal substitutionary atonement teaches us that because someone else has been obedient on our behalf, we can receive salvation now as a free gift.

“What shall we say, then? That Gentiles who did not pursue righteousness have attained it, that is, a righteousness that is by faith; but that Israel who pursued a law that would lead to righteousness did not succeed in reaching that law. Why? Because they did not pursue it by faith, but as if it were based on works. They have stumbled over the stumbling stone, as it is written,

“Behold, I am laying in Zion a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offense; and whoever believes in him will not be put to shame.”

Brothers, my heart's desire and prayer to God for them is that they may be saved. For I bear them witness that they have a zeal for God, but not according to knowledge. For, being ignorant of the righteousness of God, and seeking to establish their own, they did not submit to God's righteousness. For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes. For Moses writes about the righteousness that is based on the law, that the person who does the commandments shall live by them. But the righteousness based on faith says, “Do not say in your heart, ‘Who will ascend into heaven?’” (that is, to bring Christ down) or “‘Who will descend into the abyss?’” (that is, to bring Christ up from the dead). But what does it say? “The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart” (that is, the word of faith that we proclaim); because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved. For the Scripture says, “Everyone who believes in him will not be put to shame.” For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, bestowing his riches on all who call on him. For “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” (Romans 9:30-Romans 10:13)

Suddenly salvation is not about what you do, but rather about what you believe — or rather who you trust in to save you. Suddenly salvation is about believing the good news of the story of Jesus’ death and resurrection on our behalf. Suddenly it is about us not trying to please him, but recognizing our desperate need of him and crying out to him to have mercy on us and save us. Is it any wonder Paul is filled with praise of God and ends chapter 11 as follows:

“Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God!
How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways!
For who has known the mind of the Lord,
or who has been his counselor?
Or who has given a gift to him that he might be repaid?
For from him and through him and to him are all things.
To him be glory forever. Amen.”
(Romans 11:33-36)

Continues with "The Atonement in Romans 12-14"