How does Romans 10:5 relate to the concept of salvation by faith? Immediate Literary Context Romans 9–11 addresses Israel’s past election, present stumbling, and future restoration. In 10:1–4 Paul grieves over Israel’s zeal “not in accordance with knowledge,” concluding, “Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes” (10:4). Verse 5 begins a two-part contrast: righteousness by law (v. 5) versus righteousness by faith (vv. 6-13). Leviticus 18:5 As Quoted By Paul Paul cites Leviticus 18:5 verbatim from the Septuagint: “do this and live.” Moses’ original setting—laws of holiness—presents life as the reward for flawless obedience. In intertestamental Judaism the verse became shorthand for the covenant principle of works (cf. Sirach 15:15-17; 4QMMT). By invoking this text, Paul lets Scripture itself define the standard: absolute, uninterrupted obedience is required if one seeks life through Torah performance. Exegetical Contrast With Romans 10:6–8 Verse 6 introduces “the righteousness that is by faith” and quotes Deuteronomy 30:12-14, where the word is “very near.” Paul applies the text Christologically: incarnation (“Who will ascend into heaven?”) and resurrection (“Who will descend into the abyss?”) have already occurred. Thus salvation is not secured by human effort reaching up or down but by confessing the accomplished work of the risen Christ (10:9-10). Theological Significance: Law As Impossible Ladder 1. Unyielding Standard James 2:10 confirms Moses: “Whoever keeps the whole law yet stumbles at one point is guilty of all.” Perfection or penalty—there is no middle ground. 2. Universal Failure Romans 3:19-20, written earlier in the epistle, declares “no flesh will be justified” by law-keeping because the law exposes sin. 3. Necessity of a Substitute Galatians 3:10-13 (where Paul repeats the Levitical citation) argues that Christ “became a curse for us,” redeeming law-breakers. Therefore Romans 10:5 sets up the logical need for substitutionary atonement received by faith. Harmony With The Wider Biblical Narrative • Pre-Mosaic precedent: Genesis 15:6—“Abram believed the LORD, and it was credited to him as righteousness.” • Prophetic anticipation: Habakkuk 2:4—“the righteous will live by faith,” quoted in Romans 1:17. • New-covenant promise: Jeremiah 31:31-34—law written on the heart through the Spirit (cf. Romans 8:3-4). Practical Pastoral Application • Evangelism Begin with God’s perfect standard (Romans 10:5) as a moral mirror, then present the nearness of salvation (10:8) and the simple call: confess and believe (10:9). This replicates Paul’s own progression. • Assurance Believers rest not in fluctuating performance but in the finished work of Christ; Romans 10:5 reminds us why works can never be the ground of acceptance. • Obedience Far from promoting antinomianism, faith establishes the law (Romans 3:31). Obedience becomes fruit, not root, of salvation (Ephesians 2:8-10). Synthesis With James 2 James illustrates that genuine faith invariably produces works; Paul delineates how righteousness is obtained. The verbs differ: Paul speaks of justification before God (dikaioō), James emphasizes demonstrative vindication before observers. Romans 10:5 therefore identifies the standard that only Christ meets; James describes the evidence that believers progressively display. Illustrative Analogies And Historical Examples • Bronze Serpent (Numbers 21): looking, not laboring, brought healing—an Old Testament gospel picture echoed in John 3:14-15. • Reformation Recovery: Luther called the Leviticus citation “thunderings of Sinai,” driving him to Romans 1:17 and gospel liberty. • Modern Transformations: documented cases of hardened prisoners converted through Romans 10 preaching (e.g., 1997 Angola Penitentiary revival) demonstrate the verse’s enduring power. Conclusion Romans 10:5 functions as the negative half of Paul’s soteriological equation. By citing Moses’ own words, the apostle shows that law-grounded righteousness demands flawless obedience—an impossible path for fallen humanity. Consequently, salvation must be and is offered on an entirely different basis: faith in the risen Christ. Thus Romans 10:5, in context, magnifies grace, clarifies the gospel, and underscores that eternal life cannot be earned but must be received by faith alone. |
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