The Folly of Works Based Religion. Romans 9:27-33
“27) And Isaiah cries out concerning Israel, “Though the number of the sons of Israel be like the sand of the sea, it is the remnant that will be saved; 28) for the Lord will execute His word on the earth, thoroughly and quickly.” 29) And just as Isaiah foretold, “Unless the Lord of Sabaoth had left to us a posterity, We would have become like Sodom, and would have resembled Gomorrah.” 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” Romans 9:27-33
Paul now uses Isaiah to explain to the rejection of the Messiah by Israel in his day. Put very simply, they chose works based religion above a faith based relationship with Jesus Christ. They turned away from the freedom and forgiveness that comes through faith to embrace the bondage and condemnation that comes through the Law.
The Gentiles however, came to faith in Christ in groves. When they heard the gospel they received it eagerly. Works based religion always gives a false sense of security and it inevitably falls short of the glory of God and holiness. It leads to condemnation and death.
Make sure you are on a faith journey with Jesus Christ rather than being hypnotized by works based religion. Works based religion was a dead end road for Israel, and it will be the same for you.
Daily Bible Commentary By Terry Baxter: Cofounder of GoServ Global
