Romans 9:30-33

A Study of The Book of Romans

Lesson 70 Chapter 9:30 – 33

By Pastor Randy Johnson

1. Verse 30 “What shall we say then? That the Gentiles, which followed not after righteousness, have attained to righteousness, even the righteousness which is of faith.”
1. The argument or question here is this “are you saying that the Gentiles whom have never served God and worked for God has gained righteousness simply by faith?”
2. The hardest thing for others of different beliefs to understand is that God justifies by grace, mercy, and through faith. All others simply cannot understand how salvation is free even free of works.
3. We need to note here that the word “attained” here means - to take eagerly – because when the Holy Spirit convicts a heart eagerness id the next step.
4. This is the argument in the question.

a. The fact is more Gentiles; who never knew God were accepting God’s salvation by faith than there were Jews.

b. These Gentiles who knew neither God nor the righteous ways of God, who knew not the scriptures nor obeyed them, were becoming the children of God by simple faith.

c. But the question should be asked, did the Jews accept Christ? John 1:11 12 “He came unto his own, and his own received him not. (12.) But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:”

d. The Gentiles were accepting Him (Jesus Christ) as their Saviour and doing it by faith, while the Jews were killing Him as an imposter.

e. It has been like that since; they still reject Him and will die rejecting Him except for a small remnant that will be saved in the Tribulation Period.

2. Verse 31 “But Israel, which followed after the law of righteousness, hath not attained to the law of righteousness.
1. First, lets notice the word “attained” here, is not the same Greek word as in verse 30, and a change of Greek words normally means a different meaning as is the case here.

a. Here in verse 31 it means - to be beforehand or to precede – therefore this verse could and does read “But Israel , which followed after the law of righteousness, hath not PROCEEDED to the law of righteousness.” And the answer would be – that is correct because salvation is by grace and faith and not by any sort of works.

b. Listen closely again to Paul’s testimony in Philippians 3:4 - 9 Though I might also have confidence in the flesh. If any other man thinketh that he hath whereof he might trust in the flesh, I more: (5.) Circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, an Hebrew of the Hebrews; as touching the law, a Pharisee; (6.) Concerning zeal, persecuting the church; touching the righteousness which is in the law, blameless. (7.) But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ. (8.) Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ, (9.) And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith:

2. This is where not only the Jews but the religious Gentiles are missing the point; one simply cannot attain salvation with works.
2. Verse 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;”
1. So many millions of religionist need to read this verse “…Because they sought it not by faith, but as it were by the works of the law…” They will ask the Lord Jesus at the “Great White Throne Judgment” “Lord why am I going to spend eternity in hell?” and His answer will be this verse, works does not save sinners, I do!
2. Let us remember God said through James in James 2:10 “For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all.”
3. “…For they stumbled at that stumblingstone;” Jesus Christ was and is their “stumbling stone” because He is the Saviour of mankind and that is what they missed.

a. 1 Peter 2:4-8 “To whom coming, as unto a living stone, disallowed indeed of men, but chosen of God, and precious, (5.) Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ. (6.) Wherefore also it is contained in the scripture, Behold, I lay in Sion a chief corner stone, elect, precious: and he that believeth on him shall not be confounded. (7.) Unto you therefore which believe he is precious: but unto them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner, (8.) And a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence, even to them which stumble at the word, being disobedient: whereunto also they were appointed.”

b. Paul said in 1 Corinthians 1:23 “But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness;”

4. Verse 33 “As it is written, Behold, I lay in Sion a stumblingstone and rock of offence: and whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.” – This verse is a combination of two verse in Isaiah.
1. Isaiah 8:14 “And he shall be for a sanctuary; but for a stone of stumbling and for a rock of offence to both the houses of Israel , for a gin and for a snare to the inhabitants of Jerusalem .”
2. Isaiah 28:16 “Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD, Behold, I lay in Zion for a foundation a stone, a tried stone, a precious corner stone, a sure foundation: he that believeth shall not make haste.”
3. “…whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.” The word “ashamed” means - to shame down, that is, disgrace or (by implication) put to the blush:” because He is their Saviour, and He is their everything. How could one ever be ashamed of Him that died to give them life everlasting.