How does Romans 10:5 connect with Galatians 3:12 on law and faith? Setting the Stage: One Quotation, Two Letters - Both Romans 10:5 and Galatians 3:12 cite Leviticus 18:5. - Paul lifts the same line to address the same issue: how a person is declared righteous before God. Romans 10:5—The Law’s Impossible Standard “ For concerning the righteousness that is by the law, Moses writes: ‘The man who does these things will live by them.’ ” - “Righteousness that is by the law” = a standing with God based on perfect performance. - “Will live” points to covenant life, blessed fellowship, even eternal life—but only if every command is kept (cf. Deuteronomy 27:26; James 2:10). - Paul is setting up a contrast: law-righteousness requires flawless doing; the next verses (10:6-9) present faith-righteousness that receives Christ. Galatians 3:12—The Law Is Not of Faith “The law, however, is not based on faith; on the contrary, ‘The man who does these things will live by them.’ ” - In Galatians the same citation exposes the futility of mixing law-keeping with faith (cf. Galatians 3:3). - Paul’s logic: • The law demands doing, not trusting. • Therefore, relying on law nullifies grace (Galatians 5:4). - He immediately contrasts this with “The righteous will live by faith” (Galatians 3:11; Habakkuk 2:4). How the Two Passages Interlock 1. Same Old Testament text, same apostolic purpose—showing the law’s role as tutor, not savior (Galatians 3:24). 2. Romans targets Israel’s attempt to “establish their own righteousness” (Romans 10:3); Galatians warns Gentile believers tempted to add works. 3. Together they teach: • Law exposes sin (Romans 3:20). • Law sets an unreachable bar (Leviticus 18:5 quoted). • Faith in Christ meets that bar on our behalf (Romans 10:4; Galatians 3:13). A Glimpse of the Gospel Right Here - Christ is “the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes” (Romans 10:4). - He “redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us” (Galatians 3:13). - Thus the demand “do and live” is fulfilled in Him; the invitation now is “believe and live” (John 3:16). Implications for Today’s Believer • Rest—your standing is secured by Christ’s obedience, not yours. • Obey—from gratitude, not to earn righteousness (Ephesians 2:8-10). • Guard the gospel—any blend of law-keeping plus faith empties the cross of its power (Galatians 2:21). |
    |