Topical Bible: Righteousness Imputed: The Jews: Stumble at Righteousness by Faith

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Topical Encyclopedia

The concept of righteousness imputed is central to Christian theology, particularly in the context of the New Testament teachings. It refers to the righteousness of Christ being credited to believers by faith, rather than through their own works or adherence to the law. This doctrine is pivotal in understanding the relationship between the Jews and the message of the Gospel, as it highlights a significant theological stumbling block for many Jews of the first century and beyond.

Biblical Context

The Apostle Paul addresses the issue of righteousness imputed and the Jewish response to it extensively in his epistle to the Romans. In Romans 9:30-32 , Paul writes, "What then shall we say? That the Gentiles, who did not pursue righteousness, have obtained it, a righteousness that is by faith; but Israel, who pursued a law of righteousness, has not attained it. Why not? Because they pursued it not by faith but as if it were by works. They stumbled over the 'stumbling stone.'"

This passage underscores the contrast between the Gentiles, who received righteousness through faith, and the Jews, who sought righteousness through the law. The "stumbling stone" refers to Christ Himself, as prophesied in Isaiah 8:14 and 28:16, and reiterated by Paul in Romans 9:33 : "As it is written: 'See, I lay in Zion a stone of stumbling and a rock of offense; and the one who believes in Him will never be put to shame.'"

Theological Implications

The Jewish stumbling at righteousness by faith is rooted in their historical and religious context. The Jews were given the Law of Moses, which was central to their identity and relationship with God. The Law was seen as the path to righteousness, and adherence to it was paramount. However, with the coming of Christ, the fulfillment of the Law was revealed, and righteousness was offered through faith in Him, not through the works of the Law.

Paul further elaborates on this in Romans 10:3-4 : "Since they did not know the righteousness of God and sought to establish their own, they did not submit to God’s righteousness. Christ is the end of the law, in order to bring righteousness to everyone who believes."

Historical and Cultural Factors

The Jewish resistance to the concept of righteousness by faith can also be understood in light of their cultural and religious heritage. The Law was not only a religious code but also a cultural identity marker. Accepting righteousness by faith in Christ required a paradigm shift that many found difficult. It meant acknowledging that the Law, while holy and good, was insufficient for salvation and that faith in Christ was the new covenantal requirement.

Paul's Heart for Israel

Despite the Jewish stumbling, Paul expresses a deep longing for their salvation. In Romans 10:1 , he writes, "Brothers, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for the Israelites is for their salvation." Paul himself, a Jew and a former Pharisee, understood the zeal for the Law but also recognized the necessity of faith in Christ for true righteousness.

Conclusion

The Jewish stumbling at righteousness by faith serves as a profound lesson in the history of salvation. It highlights the transition from the old covenant of the Law to the new covenant of grace through faith in Jesus Christ. This theological shift remains a cornerstone of Christian doctrine, emphasizing that righteousness is a gift from God, imputed to believers through faith, and not earned by human effort.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Romans 9:32
Why? Because they sought it not by faith, but as it were by the works of the law. For they stumbled at that stumbling stone;
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Justification by an Imputed Righteousness;
... things and bad may sometimes be imputed to men ... (1.) It curseth and condemneth the
righteousness of Christ. ... Thus deridingly they scoff at, stumble upon, and are ...
/.../justification by an imputed righteousness.htm

Of Justification by Faith. Both the Name and the Reality Defined.
... object in so expressing himself being to convince the Jews, that in ... Romans, he proves,
by the testimony of David, that righteousness is imputed without works ...
/.../the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 11 of justification by.htm

The Positive Side
... corruptions, which obtained among the Jews, hence He ... Righteousness imputed to the
believer produces in the justified one ... in many things we all stumble" (James 3 ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pink/the law and the saint/the positive side.htm

Covenanting Enforced by the Grant of Covenant Signs and Seals.
... not circumcised; that righteousness might be imputed unto them ... truth, in judgment,
and in righteousness; and the ... 723] Yea, to the unbelieving Jews the martyr ...
/.../cunningham/the ordinance of covenanting/chapter xi covenanting enforced by.htm

A Defence of the Doctrine of Justification, by Faith in Jesus ...
... That it is impossible Christ's righteousness should be imputed to an ... Faith justifieth,
as it includeth true holiness in the nature of it; it justifieth ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/a defence of the doctrine.htm

The Doctrine of the Church.
... as well as by the Jews, for worshipping a man ... of justification by faith through the
imputed righteousness of the ... by One righteous, and the righteousness of One ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/killen/the ancient church/chapter v the doctrine of.htm

The Christian Described
... righteousness of the Son of Mary is imputed unto thee ... the gospel, of grace, of faith,
and righteousness, and the ... Esther begged the lives of the Jews, and the ...
/.../bunyan/the riches of bunyan/xii the christian described.htm

Paul's Departure and Crown;
... do not in this act thus, thou wilt stumble at some ... when Esther begged the life of
the Jews, and the ... hurt a man, as thou art, and thy righteousness may profit ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/pauls departure and crown.htm

The Seventh vision "In Heaven"
... it is their own, [395] inherent, not imputed." The Scripture ... judge and make war upon
the former in righteousness. ... The Jews probably stumbled at the Prophecy of ...
/.../bullinger/commentary on revelation/the seventh vision in heaven.htm

Light for them that Sit in Darkness;
... shall be called, THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS' (Jeremiah 23:5 ... Indeed, the Jews did
make one objection against Jesus ... But this their stumble might arise either from ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/light for them that sit.htm