Faith, Righteousness, and the Mystery of Salvation

The Gentiles, who were not pursuing righteousness, have attained it through faith, while the Jews, who were zealously pursuing the law of righteousness, have not attained it. This paradox highlights the fulfillment of prophecy and the astonishing reality of God's grace. The Gentiles, once far from God, have eagerly embraced the righteousness offered through faith in Christ. [00:00:18]

The Jews' failure to attain righteousness is not due to a lack of effort but because they sought it through the works of the law rather than faith. This distinction is crucial, as it underscores the futility of trying to achieve righteousness through human effort. The law demands absolute perfection, and any deviation results in total condemnation. [00:01:29]

The Jews, despite their fervent pursuit of the law, have stumbled over the stumbling stone, which is Christ himself. This duality is a profound mystery, yet it is the truth of God as revealed in Scripture. God's sovereign election accounts for the saved, while human responsibility accounts for the lost. [00:02:56]

The Gentiles, who made no effort after righteousness, nevertheless achieved it, which of course is entirely wrong. It's even worse than attained because it gives us the impression that as the result of their efforts they achieved it. That's the last thing the Apostle wants to say. [00:10:52]

The Jews' reliance on the law, rather than faith, reveals their spiritual blindness and highlights the necessity of embracing Christ as the cornerstone of salvation. Their rejection of the gospel justifies God's judgment upon them, much like Pharaoh's hardened heart revealed his sinfulness. [00:25:57]

The coexistence of divine sovereignty and human responsibility is a profound truth that requires humility and reverence. It challenges us to trust in God's wisdom and submit to His will, recognizing our limitations and the mystery of His ways. [00:44:58]

The Apostle Paul presents a striking contrast between the Gentiles and the Jews. The Gentiles, who were not pursuing righteousness, have attained it through faith, while the Jews, who were zealously pursuing the law of righteousness, have not attained it. This paradox highlights the fulfillment of prophecy and the astonishing reality of God's grace. [00:00:18]

The Jews' failure to attain righteousness is not due to a lack of effort but because they sought it through the works of the law rather than faith. This distinction is crucial, as it underscores the futility of trying to achieve righteousness through human effort. The law demands absolute perfection, and any deviation results in total condemnation. [00:01:29]

The Jews, despite their fervent pursuit of the law, have stumbled over the stumbling stone, which is Christ himself. This duality is a profound mystery, yet it is the truth of God as revealed in Scripture. God's sovereign election accounts for the saved, while human responsibility accounts for the lost. [00:02:56]

The Gentiles, who made no effort after righteousness, nevertheless achieved it, which of course is entirely wrong. It's even worse than attained because it gives us the impression that as the result of their efforts they achieved it. That's the last thing the Apostle wants to say. [00:10:52]

The Jews' reliance on the law, rather than faith, reveals their spiritual blindness and highlights the necessity of embracing Christ as the cornerstone of salvation. Their rejection of the gospel justifies God's judgment upon them, much like Pharaoh's hardened heart revealed his sinfulness. [00:25:57]

The coexistence of divine sovereignty and human responsibility is a profound truth that requires humility and reverence. It challenges us to trust in God's wisdom and submit to His will, recognizing our limitations and the mystery of His ways. [00:44:58]