What is the meaning of Romans 9:31? But Israel - Paul singles out physical Israel, the nation blessed with “the covenants, the giving of the Law, the temple service, and the promises” (Romans 9:4–5). - Despite these privileges (Deuteronomy 7:6; Amos 3:2), many Israelites remained nationally hardened (Romans 11:7–8) because they trusted heritage rather than the Messiah. - The contrast “but” tells us something has gone tragically wrong: those who should have been first to embrace God’s righteousness missed it. who pursued - “Pursued” pictures strenuous effort—an earnest chase after right standing with God (Romans 10:2–3; Philippians 3:6). - Their zeal shows sincerity, yet sincerity alone cannot save (Proverbs 14:12). - Like runners choosing the wrong course, they ran hard but in the wrong direction, for righteousness is found in Christ, not in mere performance (John 6:29; Galatians 2:16). a law of righteousness - Israel believed the Mosaic Law was the pathway to become righteous (Romans 2:17–20). - Yet the Law’s true purpose was to reveal sin and point to the promised Redeemer (Romans 3:20; Galatians 3:24). - Even perfect outward conformity could never erase inward guilt (Isaiah 64:6); only “the righteousness that comes from God on the basis of faith” satisfies His standard (Philippians 3:9). has not attained it - “Attained” means to arrive at the goal. Israel never reached the righteousness they chased because they sought it “not by faith but as if it were by works” (Romans 9:32). - The Law can diagnose but cannot cure (Hebrews 7:19); therefore, reliance on it leaves a person short of God’s glory (Romans 3:23). - Those who stumble over Christ, the “stone of stumbling” (Romans 9:33; 1 Peter 2:7–8), remain outside the very righteousness He freely offers. summary Romans 9:31 exposes the tragedy of pursuing righteousness through law-keeping rather than faith. Israel possessed unmatched privileges, exerted intense zeal, and revered the Law, yet fell short because they refused to embrace the righteousness God provides in Christ. The verse warns against trusting any human effort and directs every reader to receive, by simple faith, the perfect righteousness found only in the Savior. |
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