Walking in Faith

³⁰ What shall we say then? That Gentiles, who did not pursue righteousness, attained righteousness, even the righteousness which is by faith; ³¹ but Israel, pursuing a law of righteousness, did not arrive at that law. ³² Why? Because they did not pursue it by faith, but as though it were by works. They stumbled over the stumbling stone, ³³ just as it is written, “BEHOLD , I LAY IN ZION A STONE OF STUMBLING AND A ROCK OF OFFENSE, AND HE WHO BELIEVES IN HIM WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED.”

Paul brings back the Jew and Gentile argument. He is making the point that not only the Jews can now find salvation. In fact, many Jews will stumble because of their commitment to the old covenant. God has provided for everyone on the world if only they are willing to believe.

He also makes a point to call out that justification is not by works but a gift of faith. Maybe this seems like a simple point to many people, but to lots of people (and religions) it is all about your deeds. The Word is very clear on this point. Thankfully, we can trust in the Lord to deliver us and to sanctify us because of our faith in Jesus Christ. No, there was nothing we did that made us deserving of this faith — it is simply a gift from God.

Father God, thank you for the God of faith. Thank you for giving me salvation through faith and Jesus Christ. I ask that you help me to open other’s eyes to this simply truth and allow them to enter into the Your kingdom. I pray this in Jesus name. Amen.