What is the meaning of Romans 10:5? For concerning the righteousness that is by the law Paul introduces a contrast. He has just said in Romans 10:4 that “Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes.” Now he looks back at the old way—trying to attain right standing by meticulous observance of the Mosaic law. • Romans 9:31-32 shows Israel “pursuing a law of righteousness” yet failing because they sought it “as if it were by works.” • Galatians 3:10 warns that “all who rely on works of the law are under a curse,” pointing out that one slip breaks the whole. • Philippians 3:9 highlights the better righteousness that comes “through faith in Christ,” not through law-keeping. The point: righteousness “by the law” demands faultless obedience. Anything less leaves a person guilty. Moses writes By citing Moses, Paul grounds his argument in the very Scriptures Israel treasured. Moses—author of the Pentateuch—recorded God’s own standard. • Deuteronomy 27:26 pronounces a curse on anyone who does not “confirm the words of this law by doing them.” • Romans 3:19 reminds us that whatever the Law says, it speaks “to those who are under the Law, so that every mouth may be silenced.” When Moses writes, it is not mere opinion; it carries the full authority of God’s covenant revelation. “The man who does these things will live by them.” Paul quotes Leviticus 18:5 (also echoed in Ezekiel 20:11). • The promise sounds straightforward: obey the commands, enjoy life. • Yet James 2:10 clarifies the hidden catch—break one point and you are guilty of all. • Romans 3:20 concludes that “no one will be justified in His sight by works of the law,” because the law reveals sin rather than removes it. • Galatians 3:11-12 draws the same line: “The law is not of faith; rather, ‘The one who does them will live by them,’” and then insists that “no one is justified before God by the law.” So the quotation exposes our dilemma. Perfect performance would bring life, but none of us performs perfectly. The verse therefore prepares the way for Romans 10:6-13, where righteousness by faith is offered through the risen Lord Jesus. summary Romans 10:5 reminds us that the law-based route to righteousness requires absolute, continual obedience. Moses himself put it in writing: “The man who does these things will live by them.” Scripture’s plain statement leaves no wiggle room—either keep everything or fall short. That impossibility drives us to the better way God has provided, the righteousness that comes through faith in Christ, who fulfilled the law on our behalf and offers life freely to all who believe. |
    |