What does "the man who does these things" imply about following the law? Romans 10:5 at a glance “For concerning the righteousness that is by the law, Moses writes: ‘The man who does these things will live by them.’” Moses’ original statement Leviticus 18:5: “Keep My statutes and My judgments, for the man who does these things will live by them. I am the LORD.” What “the man who does these things” clearly signals • A requirement of active, continuous, and complete obedience—“does” is present-tense, ongoing action. • A demand for personal performance, not mere intention or knowledge. • An all-inclusive scope: “these things” = every statute and judgment God delivered through Moses. The built-in standard of perfection • James 2:10 — breaking one command breaks the whole law. • Deuteronomy 27:26 — “Cursed is he who does not put the words of this law into practice.” • Galatians 3:10-12 — the law is “not based on faith”; the same Levitical line is used to show the impossibility of attaining righteousness this way. Paul’s point within Romans 10 • Israel pursued “a law of righteousness” (10:3) but missed the only workable righteousness—God’s gift through Christ. • Verse 5 sets up the contrast with verse 6: righteousness based on faith “speaks” differently. • If one insists on law-based righteousness, one must measure up perfectly; failure brings condemnation, not life. Why perfect law-keeping cannot save • Human nature is fallen (Romans 3:23); none “does these things” without fault. • The law, therefore, exposes sin rather than providing rescue (Romans 3:20). • Galatians 3:24 — the law functions as a guardian leading us to Christ, showing our need for grace. Christ: the only successful “Man who does these things” • Matthew 5:17 — He came “to fulfill” the Law and the Prophets. • Hebrews 4:15 — without sin, He met the law’s demands in full. • Romans 10:4 — “Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes.” Living in light of the verse • Rest in Christ’s finished obedience; justification is by faith, not personal law-keeping. • Honor God’s commands as grateful children, not as anxious wage-earners. • Depend on the Spirit’s power to walk in practical holiness (Romans 8:4). |
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