How does Romans 10:11 connect with Isaiah 28:16 about faith and shame? Romans 10:11—A Promise of No Shame “ ‘Anyone who believes in Him will never be put to shame.’ ” • Paul cites Scripture to assure every believer—Jew or Gentile—that faith in Christ eliminates disgrace. • “Shame” here speaks of ultimate disappointment before God; those who trust Christ will not stand condemned (Romans 8:1). Isaiah 28:16—The Tested Cornerstone “See, I lay a stone in Zion, a tested stone, a precious cornerstone, a sure foundation; the one who believes will never be shaken.” • The “stone” is the Messiah, placed by God Himself. • To “believe” is to rest one’s entire weight on this foundation. • Promise: believers will never be “shaken,” “hastily flee,” or “put to shame” (various renderings capture the same idea of unshakable security). How the Two Passages Interlock 1. Same object of faith – Isaiah’s cornerstone = Christ (Matthew 21:42; 1 Peter 2:6). – Romans presents Jesus as the fulfillment of that prophecy. 2. Same result of faith – Isaiah: never shaken. – Romans: never ashamed. – Both portray unbreakable confidence and vindication. 3. Same universal invitation – Isaiah speaks to Judah yet anticipates wider blessing (see Isaiah 49:6). – Romans applies “anyone” to include all nations. Additional Scriptures That Echo the Theme • 1 Peter 2:6—quotes Isaiah 28:16 again, linking belief in Christ to honor, not shame. • Psalm 25:3—“No one who waits for You will be put to shame.” Points to trust as the antidote to disgrace. • Joel 2:26–27—God’s people “will never again be put to shame.” Fulfilled in Christ’s redemptive work. • 2 Timothy 1:12—Paul: “I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed.” Personal testimony to the same promise. • John 3:18—believing in the Son removes condemnation, the deepest form of shame. Practical Takeaways for Today • Faith in Jesus is not wishful thinking; it rests on God’s tested, precious cornerstone. • Feelings of shame fade when measured against His sure promise of acceptance and vindication. • Because the promise spans both Testaments, believers can trust Scripture’s unity and reliability. • The invitation is open: “anyone”—regardless of background—can experience this freedom from shame by believing in Christ. |
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