How does Romans 9:31 connect with Ephesians 2:8-9 on faith and works? “but Israel, who pursued a law of righteousness, has not attained it.” Ephesians 2:8-9 “For it is by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not from yourselves; it is the gift of God, not by works, so that no one can boast.” Setting the Scene • Israel’s story in Romans 9–11 highlights two roads to “righteousness.” • One road depends on law-keeping; the other rests on God’s gracious gift received by faith. • Paul contrasts these approaches to underscore that only faith secures the righteousness God requires. What Romans 9:31 Reveals • Israel “pursued a law of righteousness.” The effort was sincere, zealous, meticulous. • Yet the nation “has not attained it.” Perfect obedience is the standard (James 2:10), and no sinner achieves that mark. • The verse exposes the fatal shortfall of works-based religion: striving minus faith equals failure. • Romans 9:32 adds the missing piece: “Why not? Because they pursued it not by faith, but as if it were by works.” Faith, not effort, is the decisive ingredient. Ephesians 2:8-9—Grace on Display • Salvation is “by grace…through faith.” Grace supplies; faith receives. • “Not from yourselves” removes every hint of self-generated merit. • “Not by works” slams the door on boasting and legalistic pride. • The gift is complete: God plans it, provides it, and preserves it (Titus 3:5; 2 Timothy 1:9). The Core Connection—Faith vs. Works • Romans 9:31 shows the negative side: law-pursuit without faith fails. • Ephesians 2:8-9 shows the positive side: grace through faith succeeds. • Together they assert one unified truth: righteousness is imputed, not earned. • The two passages dismantle self-reliance and direct all glory to God’s mercy. Other Scriptures Echoing the Same Theme • Romans 4:4-5—“To the one who does not work but believes…his faith is credited as righteousness.” • Galatians 2:16—“A man is not justified by works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ.” • Philippians 3:9—Paul counts every credential “rubbish” to “be found in Him…through faith.” • Isaiah 64:6—All human righteousness is “filthy rags,” underscoring the need for divine righteousness. • Habakkuk 2:4 & Romans 1:17—“The righteous will live by faith,” an unbroken biblical principle. Living the Truth Today • Trade law-keeping for trust: rest in Christ’s finished work (John 19:30). • Cultivate humility: salvation is sheer gift; boasting is excluded (1 Corinthians 1:31). • Let good works flow from gratitude, not for merit (Ephesians 2:10). • Share the message: many still chase righteousness the hard way; point them to the gift. |
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