Romans 9:32

“Wherefore? Because they sought it not by faith, but as it were by the works of the law. For they stumbled at that stumblingstone.”

Context:To understand the verse better, it is important to consider its context. In Romans 9, the Apostle Paul addresses the issue of Israel’s unbelief and God’s sovereignty in choosing His people. He explains that not all who are physically descended from Israel are considered the true Israel of God. Paul emphasizes that it is not by human effort or works of the law that one can obtain righteousness and salvation, but through faith in Jesus Christ.

Seeking righteousness:The verse begins with the question, “Wherefore?” or “Why?” Paul is referring to the fact that the Gentiles, who did not pursue righteousness by observing the law, attained righteousness by faith in Christ. On the other hand, Israel, who pursued righteousness by works of the law, failed to obtain it. This verse highlights the contrast between seeking righteousness by faith versus seeking it through adherence to the law.

Faith versus works of the law:The verse states that Israel stumbled because they sought righteousness “not by faith, but as it were by the works of the law.” The Jews relied on their obedience to the law, thinking that their efforts could earn them favor with God. However, Paul makes it clear that righteousness is not achieved by human works but is received through faith in Jesus Christ. It is faith that justifies and saves a person, not one’s ability to fulfill the requirements of the law.

Stumblingstone:The verse concludes by saying, “For they stumbled at that stumblingstone.” The stumblingstone refers to Jesus Christ, whom the Jews stumbled over because they did not recognize Him as the long-awaited Messiah. Instead of accepting Him by faith, they rejected Him, clinging to their own understanding of righteousness through the law. In their self-reliance, they missed the grace and salvation offered through Jesus.

Overall, Romans 9:32 emphasizes the importance of faith in obtaining righteousness and salvation. It teaches that relying on one’s own works and efforts to earn favour with God leads to stumbling and missing the true path to salvation, which is through faith in Jesus Christ. This verse serves as a reminder that salvation is a gift of God’s grace received by faith, not something that can be achieved by human merit.