30 What then will we say? That the Gentiles, who did not pursue righteousness, have obtained it, a righteousness that is by faith; 31 but Israel, who pursued a law of righteousness, has not attained it. 32 Why not? Because their pursuit was not by faith, but as if it were by works. They stumbled over the stumbling stone, 33 as it is written:
“See, I lay in Zion a stone of stumbling
and a rock of offense;
and the one who believes in Him
will never be put to shame.”
Chapter 10
1 Brothers, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for the Israelites is for their salvation. 2 For I testify about them that they are zealous for God, but not on the basis of knowledge. 3 Because they were ignorant of God’s righteousness and sought to establish their own, they did not submit to God’s righteousness. 4 For Christ is the end of the law, to bring righteousness to everyone who believes.
REFLECTIONS
Written by Laura Lie
Earlier in this chapter we read Paul’s anguish over Israel’s continued unbelief, and his reminder that God is sovereign, as He calls his people to Him.
Which is where we come in at verse 30: “What then will we say? That the Gentiles, who did not pursue righteousness, have obtained it, a righteousness that is by faith; but Israel, who pursued a law of righteousness, has not attained it.”
Israel did not attain their goal of salvation, because they did not pursue it through faith, but saw it as something to be gained by works (v 32). They thought the old covenant meant they could earn their salvation through obedience to the law, but the old covenant pointed forward to Jesus. Paul saw that, in his day, the Gentiles were the ones entering the new covenant in Christ. They were putting their faith in Christ, believing in him and being saved.
Israel’s mistake was not only a danger for Jews in Paul’s day. How easily can we fall into the same trap? I was raised in a Christian household and was saved at a young age, praise God! And I know that the good works I do in obedience to God are the fruits of the Spirit’s work in my life. They can never earn me salvation, because I am saved through God’s mercy (Ephesians 2:8-10). But so quickly, in my mind they can become something to cling to “just in case” – a little ego, a little salvation backup plan. If I do enough works, if I serve enough, if I keep up the right appearance, then that should help. Right?
No. How would God, the creator of the universe, require my help? How would Jesus’ death on the cross serve any purpose, if my works are still required as part of the plan?
Thankfully, He does not, and Christ’s sacrifice was complete. God is sovereign and His plan is good.
Paul continues to remind us of this in chapter 10: “For Christ is the end of the law, to bring righteousness to everyone who believes” (v 4).
What joy and relief for those of us who have already received the Lord’s salvation, and what a wonderful message for those who have not yet.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Laura is a member of our Bossley Park Morning congregation.