In this chapter Paul develops an account of the two righteousnesses of faith and works, a summary of the Gospel of Christ, a description of the grace of faith, in the nature, use, and means of it, and several testimonies concerning the calling of the Gentiles; and whereas the apostle knew that this, as well as what he had said in the latter part of the preceding chapter, that the Jews had not attained to the law of righteousness, but stumbled at the stumbling-stone. Being ignorant of the righteousness that comes from God. The Israelites did not understand the extent of God's righteousness, how it would be achieved, and how it would be made available to all people (the point Paul explained in chapters 3–6). Instead, they sought to establish their own. They were not creating some new kind of righteousness; rather, they wanted to achieve God's righteousness by observing the Law and its ceremonies. Once their minds were set, they could no longer submit to God's righteousness, the righteousness that God provided for them through faith in Jesus Christ.8But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach; 9that if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. 10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation (KJV). |
