Bible Reading: Romans 9
Romans 9:30-33 What shall we say then? That the Gentiles, which followed not after righteousness, have attained to righteousness, even the righteousness which is of faith. But Israel, which followed after the law of righteousness, hath not attained to the law of righteousness. Wherefore? Because they sought it not by faith, but as it were by the works of the law. For they stumbled at that stumblingstone; As it is written, Behold, I lay in Sion a stumblingstone and rock of offence: and whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.
How are people saved? Does it matter whether you are a Jew or a Gentile? Are Jews saved in a different way than Gentiles? The Bible clearly answers that question:
Romans 1:16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.
The Jew and the Greek are saved in the same way. So the Bible says that Israel did not attain to the law of righteousness because they sought it by the works of the law. In other words, they tried to be righteous by doing good. This is not just a Jewish thing! This is religion in any of its forms. Religion gives you a set of do’s and don’ts and says if you keep the law, you are good and if you break it, you need to do better. But good is not good enough! The Bible says:
Romans 3:20 Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin.
Israel did not seek righteousness by faith in Christ. They sought it by their good works. However, many Gentiles heard the message of Christ and believed on him and were counted righteous because of their faith. This is the only way anyone will ever be saved!
Jesus Christ is a stumbling stone and a rock of offence. Self righteous people always stumble over Jesus. They think they are pretty good people and deserve to be saved. They think they can attain righteousness by keeping the law. Jesus says we must believe on him. Do you know this wonderful truth? Do you trust in Jesus Christ? If you have, you will never be ashamed! But, if you are seeking to attain righteousness by the works of the law, you will be very ashamed because your good works do not look so good in God’s eyes apart from Christ.
Isaiah 64:6 But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away.
Don’t stumble over Jesus Christ; trust him!
In Christ,
Rody
