Romans: Righteousness

Romans 9:30-10:4

All roads in the Bible lead to Romans, and all views afforded in the Bible are seen most clearly from Romans….[1] 

That statement, written by the great theologian J. I. Packer, is not hyperbole. If I were stranded on a desert island and could only choose one book of the Bible, I would pick Paul’s letter to the Romans. Now, if I could pick seven books, they would be the ones we will have studied this year: Genesis, Job, Isaiah, John, Romans, Revelation (beginning November 3), and Psalms (scattered throughout our study).  

In Romans, we learn about the transforming power of the gospel (Rom. 1:1-17), the problem of sin (Rom. 1:18-3:20), the plan of salvation (Rom. 3:21-5:21), the process of sanctification (Rom. 6:1-8:39), and, in our current section, how the sovereign God works all these things together (Rom. 9:1-11:36).

At the beginning of chapter 9, Paul expresses his concern for the Jewish people, recognizing them as God’s chosen nation, blessed with a rich heritage of both physical and spiritual blessings. He then lists spiritual blessings in Romans 9:4-5: They were adopted as God’s chosen people, experienced his glory, received the covenants, and were given the law, which contained specific instructions on how to worship him. They also had all the promises related to the coming Messiah, and they descended from the lineage of the patriarchs, just as Jesus did. 

The Jews felt they had an insider’s position. But as the early church grew, it became filled with more Gentiles than Jews. Perhaps this was a sign that God had not kept his promises to Israel. 

Of course, God had not reneged or failed. Paul emphasized that factors such as nationality, family background, or religious traditions do not determine a person’s salvation. Not all Israelites by birth are God’s chosen people through spiritual rebirth (Rom. 9:6-7). His sovereign work of foreknowledge, choosing, calling, justifying, and glorifying extends to both Jews and Gentiles (Rom. 8:25-39). Paul demonstrated how God made sovereign choices in the Old Testament by choosing Isaac over Ishmael and Jacob over Esau (Rom. 9:6-24).  

And Paul has much more to say on this subject.

Romans 9:30-31
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. 

Throughout church history, many have believed in a salvation based on works. Israel believed, and many still think today, that following a set of standards can earn a right standing before God. In fact, all world religions except Christianity are works-based. However, in Romans 3, Paul clearly states that a relationship with God is established by grace through faith in Jesus. He says, “For by works of the law no human being will be justified in his sight, since through the law comes knowledge of sin” (Rom. 3:20). 

After explaining how the Gentiles, who did not pursue the law, have attained a right standing with God through faith, Paul reminds the Jewish readers that, although they pursued the law, they did not “succeed in reaching that law.” Why was that the case?

Romans 9:32-33
…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.”

The law was meant to reveal the “knowledge of sin.” But Israel did not admit that they were unable to keep the law perfectly and ask God for forgiveness. Instead, they worked harder to comply with the law. 

Paul cites two passages from the prophet Isaiah to support his point: Isaiah 8:14 and 28:16. The prophet describes a “stone of stumbling and a rock of offense.” Who or what was the stumbling stone? Remember, Scripture is the best commentary on Scripture. The apostle Peter clarifies that the stumbling stone is Jesus (1 Pet. 2:4-8). Yet, those who trust in him will never “be put to shame.”

The Messiah did not act as the Jews expected, nor did they imagine their long-awaited Christ being crucified in shame. As a result, they rejected him. Now, Paul encourages them to see that Jesus’ “shame” of the cross was for their eternal salvation. 

Romans 10:1
Brothers, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for them is that they may be saved.

Again... the key has always been that salvation is only through faith in Jesus. 

But hold on a second! What if someone shows a passion to obey all of God’s commands? What about those who fast and pray? What about someone who prays to God three times a day, bowing their face in humility? Won’t God honor that kind of sincerity and zeal? Should he? Paul continues:  

Romans 10:2-3
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.  

Paul recognizes that many people desire God, but their pursuit does not align with what Scripture teaches. For many, their enthusiasm is focused on proving themselves favorable in God's eyes. They believe that by keeping the law, doing good deeds, giving generously, and avoiding certain things during Lent, they can show God how good and sincere they are. However, Paul emphasizes that those who try to earn their way to God are “ignorant of the righteousness of God.” 

Here's how Paul wraps up this section: 

Romans 10:4
For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes. 

The word “end” (Greek: telos) means “the purpose of the law” (Gal. 3:24) or “the object the law was pointing to.” In Greek, “end” is the first word of this sentence to highlight its importance. 

The law was never intended to make us righteous (Rom. 3:20; 7:7). Instead, its purpose is to reveal our continual shortcomings and to point us to the One who perfectly obeyed the law (Matt. 5:17-18), lived a sinless life (John 8:46), and then died in place of everyone who broke the law (Col. 2:13-14). Jesus is the Savior! All who trust in Jesus's work are justified (made right) before God. 

PERSONAL TIME WITH GOD
Time in the Word: Read and reflect on Romans 9:30-10:4.

Talking to God: Are you trusting in your performance or in Christ alone for your righteousness before God?

Have questions? Please send your questions to our team. We're happy to help as we study God's Word together. Submit your question below, and we'll respond soon. Let us know if you'd like to learn more about a relationship with Jesus or if you're seeking spiritual guidance.

[1] J. I. Packer, Knowing God (Downers Grove, Ill: IVP Books, 1973), 253.