Romans 9:30-33

The Scandal of the Stumbling Stone

Introduction.

In evangelical circles there has been a drift away from confessional Christianity, like the Apostles and Nicene Creed, or the Reformed confessions, such as the Three Forms of Unity, Westminster, London Baptist, and so one. Some will say, “I only need Jesus, I don’t need theology or confession,” others will say “No creed but the Bible.” What is ironic in that statement is that Jesus Himself, the God-man, truly God, truly man, was himself a theologian. He taught many of the truths we find here in Romans 9 quite directly and explicitly.

In terms of God’s sovereign election he tells us that no one can come to him unless the Father draws Him. That the sheep hear his voice and they come.

In terms of God’s inclusion of the Gentiles he says there are sheep who are not of this fold, referring to Israel, whom he will call as well. He recognizes that explicit appeals to one’s heritage are insufficient to be in the covenant community.

In terms of justification by faith alone, he deals with the self-righteous Pharisee and the wicked tax collector. The Pharisee boasts about his works as the means by which he will be justified, but the sinner tax collector reacts differently. One is justified by faith. Luke 18:13–14“But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even lift up his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me, a sinner!’ I tell you, this man went down to his house justified, rather than the other. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.””

Scripture is completely clear that our right standing with God, our justification by faith, the declaration by God based upon Jesus’ Christ’s work upon the cross that Romans 8:1 “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus” is a scriptural fact. Evangelicalism in general will move away from the basic fundamental elements of Scripture because to the ears of the seeker sensitive church attender, to the ears of the Muslim, the Jew, the atheist, and so on, God’s Word is a stumbling stone to them. And so also the message of Christ that 1 Corinthians 15:3–4“For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures,” is foolishness to those who are perishing.

Yet this message is a great pearl, a fantastic gem demonstrating the utter holiness of God in His sovereign election and the completed work of Christ in his redemption and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit in his application of these truths. Today we will see the great contrast between righteousness by faith and that by works. One saves, the other condemns to eternal hell.

a pursuit of righteousness by faith (9:30)

a pursuit of righteousness by works (9:31-33)

[1] A Pursuit of Righteousness by Faith (9:30)

Romans 9:30 “What shall we say, then? That Gentiles who did not pursue righteousness have attained it, that is, a righteousness that is by faith;”

Introduction to the first main point.

[v. 30a] Paul begins with another hypothetical question. Once again, he is bringing to bear the culmination of his previous argument in Romans 9. Even though Israel has rejected the Gospel, the Word of God and the promises of God are still yes and amen in Christ Jesus. Israel’s unbelief is because only those born of the promise, a child of Abraham, who was declared righteous by faith alone (Genesis 15:6), are part of true Israel. Again, Romans 9:6 “not all who are descended from Israel belong to Israel.” This is one of Paul’s main arguments to the church at Galatia as well. Specifically, Galatians 4:28 “Now you, brothers, like Isaac, are children of promise.”

The Word of God has not failed because the promises to Abraham were not merely his physical descendents, or seed, but all of those who would receive the Gospel by faith. Paul further demonstrates this which is undergirded in the doctrine of election and predestination, as demonstrated through Jacob and Esau. God is therefore not unjust to carry this forward. Why? Because he mercys whom he will and he compassions whom he will.

Paul also moves on to explain that God is perfectly righteous and sovereign to do so, since he is the Potter. Paul quotes numerous passages from Genesis, to Isaiah, to Hosea, to demonstrate these biblical facts. Salvation was by grace alone through faith alone in the Old Testament, just as it is by grace alone through faith alone in the New Testament. The covenant of grace as defined in the Westminster Confession of Faith VII.3, states,

“Man by his fall having made himself incapable of life by that covenant, the Lord was pleased to make a second, commonly called the Covenant of Grace: whereby he freely offereth unto sinners life and salvation by Jesus Christ, requiring of them faith in him, that they may be saved; and promising to give unto all those that are ordained unto life his Holy Spirit, to make them willing and able to believe.”

Though administered in different ways throughout redemptive history, it was all part of Grace from the beginning. Genesis 3:15 was a gracious promise of redemption that the seed of the woman would crush the serpents head. To further stamp the exclamation point on this very fact, Paul writes that the Gentiles who did not pursue righteousness have attained it by faith.

What is missed in English, or even German, is the alliteration Paul uses with the Greek. ὅτι ἔθνη τὰ μὴ διώκοντα δικαιοσύνην κατέλαβεν δικαιοσύνην, δικαιοσύνην δὲ τὴν ἐκ πίστεως. Five of the words start with “d” in the Greek. It emphasizes the point Paul is making. And the first point, is that the Gentiles were not in pursuit of righteousness.

[v. 30b] The word translated as “to pursue” (Gr. διώκοντα) has the idea of pursuing without hostility, to follow after something. It is often used of a hunter who is pursuing wild game, following after their trail, seeking them down. In Scripture, it is a pursuit which is commended and honored as a virtue of Christianity. It is the same pursuit Paul tells us in 1 Corinthians 14:1 “Pursue love.” It is also used in 1 Timothy 6:11 “But as for you, O man of God, flee these things. Pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness.” To pursue, in this instance, is to strive for something which belongs in the realms of the fruits of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, self-control.

What is alarming, or what should shock the ear of the reader, is that Christian virtues were not something that Gentiles pursued. They did not pursue righteousness in terms of a right relation with God. They did not strive for righteousness. Yet, they were declared righteous by faith. You know exactly what this looks like dear Christian. Before you were converted you did not strive to pursue righteousness. Paul tells us in Romans 1, that we exchanged the truth about God for a lie. We worshipped the creature rather than the Creator. We were committed to all forms of iniquity and sin. Yet because of Christ’s perfect obedience unto death and his resurrection and applying the works of redemption to us by faith, we are righteous.

Righteousness, δικαιοσύνην, is the character or quality of being right, or just. To be righteous is a gracious gift of God. It is not merited or earned. Righteousness is unattainable by obedience to the Law or by any merit of oneself. You became righteous in Christ. What God requires man to be is the very thing you could not become by yourself. Christ Jesus is the one who declares you righteous.

Similarly, faith is the instrumental cause by which we are declared righteous. Faith is the means by which we are justified. Faith is not earned, not worked, but given by God. Only the righteous shall live by faith (the means) (Rom 1:17, Gal 3:11, Hab 2:4). You are only justified, declared righteous, by faith. Romans 5:1 “Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” Ephesians 2:8 “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God,” “The reference to faith shows that human response is imperative [meaning it is required by man to obey], but the ultimate source of such faith is God’s merciful election” (Schreiner, 524).

This means by which we are saved, namely, faith, is exactly what Paul has argued in Romans 9:7–8“and not all are children of Abraham because they are his offspring, but “Through Isaac shall your offspring be named.” This means that it is not the children of the flesh who are the children of God, but the children of the promise are counted as offspring.” How are Gentiles included in this promise? As Paul writes in Galatians 3:7–9 “Know then that it is those of faith who are the sons of Abraham. And the Scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, preached the gospel beforehand to Abraham, saying, “In you shall all the nations be blessed.” So then, those who are of faith are blessed along with Abraham, the man of faith.”

The inclusion of the Gentiles was all part of the plan, as we talked about in depth last week. Salvation is not based upon upbringing, heritage, obedience, or works; no! It is by faith you are saved. The Gentiles did not pursue this righteousness because of their inability to do so and because of the great chasm of sin that separates all men from God. Yet, being a Gentile is not a disqualification from receiving the gift of grace and gift of faith. If you are in Christ, the true Israel, the true and better Adam, you are the offspring of the promise.

The Gentiles did not pursue this righteousness yet at the same time, they attained it. To attain, κατέλαβεν, is better translated as “to take eagerly” or to seize upon or take possession of that which haas a beneficial effect. It is less a matter of attainment and more along the lines of coming into possession of an inheritance. The inheritance you came into position of upon your birth was sin. You were born in iniquity (Psalm 51). You are dead in your sins and trespasses. But, what is the inheritance the Gentiles seized upon and recieved by faith? The perfect work of Jesus Christ. Again, Paul explains the very reason why we inherit anything. It is because of our adoption by way of Christ Jesus.

Romans 8:15–17“For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!” The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him.”

How beautiful is that? You were not seeking Christ yet he sought you. You were not seeking an everlasting inheritance yet Jesus Christ gave it to you. The greatest inheritance one could ever hope for in a billion lifetimes was graciously and freely given to you by the Father who sent His own Son to die for your sins and to give you the Holy Spirit as a testament and seal to the efficacious work of Christ. Though you were like the prodigal son who squandered away the inherit God receives you back, Jesus cleanses you of your sins and makes you white as snow.

Brothers and sisters pursue righteousness which is only by faith. The Word of God cannot and has not failed (cf. Rom. 9:6) since election is not based upon man’s will or effort (cf. Rom 9:16). Pursue Jesus Christ. Cling to the promises of God the Father. Repent and believe wayward sinner less you fall into condemnation like those who reject the Gospel. Which leads us secondly to a pursuit of righteousness by works.

[2] A Pursuit of Righteousness by Works (9:31-33)

Romans 9:31–33“but that Israel who pursued a law that would lead to righteousness did not succeed in reaching that law. Why? Because they did not pursue it by faith, but as if it were based on works. They have stumbled over the stumbling stone, as it is written, “Behold, I am laying in Zion a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offense; and whoever believes in him will not be put to shame.””

Introduction to the Second Main Point.

If the Gentiles were not seeking the righteousness of God, then surely those who were seeking God’s righteousness would be justified, right? The Word has not failed. Yet the righteousness Israel pursued was not by faith, but it was by works. We have now a distinct contrast between the Gentiles and the Jews.

[v. 31] Where the Gentiles did not strive, or pursue, for righteousness, the Jews did. But what is the distinction Paul makes. It is that they were pursuing a law that would lead to righteousness. The striving the Jews should have pursued was the same as the Gentiles, a pursuit of a right relationship with God based solely upon the work of Jesus Christ. Instead, they made for themselves a self-supporting law of righteousness. It would be better stated instead of Israel who pursued a law that would lead to righteousness that they “strived for a law that demanded or required righteousness.” It was right for the to pursue godliness but wrong for them to assume they could attain it by works.

Paul uses the word as translated did not succeed in reaching that law. The verb used, ἔφθασεν, means to come or arrive at a particular state. It usually means to advance or make progress. What Paul is getting at is that because Israel did pursue a law which demands or requires or a law that would lead to righteousness they did not attain or arrive to the intended state, namely, righteousness. In contrast, the Gentiles did indeed attain the righteousness because they did it by faith. The Gentiles did indeed take possession of the inheritance, the righteousness of Christ, just as Abraham demonstrated by faith.

But the Jews, on the other hand, did not attain. They did not succeed to arrive at the state of righteousness with respect to the law. Why? Because if they would have listened to the prophet Isaiah they would have known that, 64:6 “We have all become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous deeds are like a polluted garment. We all fade like a leaf, and our iniquities, like the wind, take us away.” Works of the Law cannot justify you because you are completely incapable and unable to obey them perfectly. Romans 3:10 “as it is written: “None is righteous, no, not one;” Romans 3:20 “For by works of the law no human being will be justified in his sight, since through the law comes knowledge of sin.” Romans 3:23 “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” Something else is needed. Not a work, but faith. Faith in Jesus Christ.

Paul naturally anticipates our questions with regard to verse 31. What is the big deal? Why couldn’t Israel to whom according to Romans 9:4–5“belong the adoption, the glory, the covenants, the giving of the law, the worship, and the promises. .” Why couldn’t Israel attain such an inheritance. Paul’s answer is quite clear. If you have not seen the insurmountable evidence in Scripture that your works do not save you, here it is again. Why has Israel not succeeded? Romans 9:32 “Why? Because they did not pursue it by faith, but as if it were based on works. They have stumbled over the stumbling stone,”

[Works and works of the law] What are the works Paul has in mind? It does not ned to be explicitly stated that the works in view have to do with the Law. It is often implied that works, especially in Paul’s usage in Romans, refers to works of the Law. As he clearly lays out in Romans.

Romans 3:20 “For by works of the law no human being will be justified in his sight, since through the law comes knowledge of sin.”

Romans 3:28 “For we hold that one is justified by faith apart from works of the law.”

Romans 4:2 “For if Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about, but not before God.”

Romans 4:6 “just as David also speaks of the blessing of the one to whom God counts righteousness apart from works:”

Romans 11:6 “But if it is by grace, it is no longer on the basis of works; otherwise grace would no longer be grace.”

Also in other passages in Scripture:

Galatians 2:16 “yet we know that a person is not justified by works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ, so we also have believed in Christ Jesus, in order to be justified by faith in Christ and not by works of the law, because by works of the law no one will be justified.”

Ephesians 2:9 “not a result of works, so that no one may boast.”

You should be prostrate before God thanking Him that He has saved you apart from works. We serve a thrice holy God who deserves perfect obedience to His Law. Yet we have failed time and time again. We were born into sin and depravity and we willingly practice such things. God is just to condemn us to everlasting wrath and punishment due for our sins. Romans 4:4–5“Now to the one who works, his wages are not counted as a gift but as his due. And to the one who does not work but believes in him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is counted as righteousness,”

[v. 32c] Since the people denied the righteousness that comes by faith and not by works, what is the result? The result is that the very truth of the Gospel, the message of Jesus Christ as our solid rock and foundation, has become their stumbling stone. They have stumbled over the stumbling stone.

Paul uses the word stumbling as a metaphor of Israel in regard to Christ, whose person, teaching, and atoning death, and Gospel, were contrary to the Jewish idea of righteousness before God. The Gospel is indeed a stumbling block. The very Messiah they were in eager anticipation for, the one they should have been longing to strive for, the True Israel, the Branch of David, Immanuel, God with us, they rejected. The very Gospel message Paul writes elsewhere, 1 Corinthians 1:23–24“but we preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and folly to Gentiles, but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.”

Not only Paul, but Peter states the same exact thing with regard to Israel. 1 Peter 2:4–8

“As you come to him, a living stone rejected by men but in the sight of God chosen and precious,

you yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.

For it stands in Scripture: “Behold, I am laying in Zion a stone, a cornerstone chosen and precious, and whoever believes in him will not be put to shame.”

So the honor is for you who believe, but for those who do not believe,

“The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone,” and “A stone of stumbling, and a rock of offense.”

They stumble because they disobey the word, as they were destined to do.”

Peter attributes the same fundamental problem with unbelievers, whether Jew or Gentile, is that they take offense and reject the Messiah. Their rejection of Christ becomes the object of their stumbling. And Peter relates to exactly what Paul has been bringing forth to us in Romans 9, in saying “as they were destined to do.” To be destined means to be “appointed” to punishment.

Does this not fit exactly in the context of what we just read? Praise God Scripture is so unified on these points! The ones who reject Christ reject God’s Word, they reject the Messiah, just as they were destined to do. Being prepared as vessels of wrath beforehand, living according to their own nature, willfully disobeying God, they reject the Messiah.

Hence they have stumbled over the stumbling stone. Paul uses a different word for “stumbling” which refers to a physical barrier that one stumbles over due to their unbelief. Similarly, Paul uses the metaphor of a stone, not a large boulder or giant rock but that of a stone. It is like one who goes hiking up a mountain, or perhaps running on a trail or a rocky pathway. Rather than this person fixing their eyes upon the pathway, they blind themselves to the obstacles which are set before them. It often takes a small, foot-sized stone, for one to trip over and come crashing into the ground.

So it is with the message of the Gospel. Man is so consumed with self-righteousness and self-pride that they miss the Cross completely. Its just a stone, it cannot do any harm. Yet as the burden of sin weighs them down they come across the stone and stumble. What a picture of unbelief. The very thing that is so clearly separating us from heaven, faith in Jesus Christ, becomes the object that we stumble over.

It is not wonder Paul uses the term stone. We can think of the promises of Psalm 91:11–12 “For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways. On their hands they will bear you up, lest you strike your foot against a stone.” Only God can keep us from stumbling over the stone. And who is that stone? Who is the rock of our salvation? Jesus Christ. Ephesians 2:20 “built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone,” Jesus Christ is our sure and steadfast hope, our great cornerstone. He is folly to the unbeliever but a dear and precious treasure to the believer.

And we are being called to be watchful in this passage. We are to fix our eyes not inwardly on ourselves, but upon Jesus Christ. Is this not what the author of Hebrews says? Hebrews 12:2“looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.”

[v. 33]

Paul concludes really with another passage of Scripture. If you do not have a firm conviction in the Word of God, you should take the model of Paul who constantly cites the Scriptures as proof of what is unfolding in redemptive history. Even Jesus Christ knew the powerful nature of the all sufficient, God-breathed, Word written to us and for us. And so Paul concludes, as it is written.

We often gloss over this small phrase. But when you see “just as it is written” or “as it is written” you should circle or highlight that. In the Greek it is in the perfect tense, meaning it is definitive. Scripture has the final say. It is the very Word of God, we take head to its message. So Paul then quotes from Isaiah 1:9, “Behold, I am laying in Zion a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offense.”

As we looked briefly in 1 Peter 2:8, “and “A stone of stumbling, and a rock of offense.” They stumble because they disobey the word, as they were destined to do.” Peter uses the same verb that Paul does here in reference to “laying in Zion a stone of stumbling.” The word “laying” refers to the Lord appointing or placing an object or barrier, in this case a stone which becomes the object of stumbling.

The “and” can easily translated as the normal conjunction but could also be translated as namely. Meaning that the Lord is laying forth a stone of stumbling, namely, [in terms of defining it further] a rock of offense.

The offense of the stumbling stone.

If you have not been paying attention yet, hone in on this. This is so critical. It ties together exactly what Paul has been arguing from the get go. Romans 1:16–17“For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, “The righteous shall live by faith.”” Paul’s thesis is that you are saved in Jesus Christ by faith.

We get the English word “scandalous” σκανδαλον from the Greek word used as offense in the ESV. This term was originally the name of the part of a trap to which bait would be attached, the actual trap or snare. The “scandalon” is the object that ensnares its victim, in terms of wild game.

However, sometimes the hindrance or the scandalon, is in and of itself a good thing, such as with Jesus Christ. It is good to be snatched up by Christ because no one can snatch that person out of the hand of Christ. However, often the one who becomes ensnared or stumbles by it is wicked. In this instance, the reason why the stumbling stone is a rock of offense is because the very message of Jesus Christ is an offense to unbelievers. Again, 1 Corinthians 1:23 “but we preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and folly to Gentiles,”

The rock that Paul uses is different from the stone. It is the very name that Peter is given, “Petra”, the rock. It is a massive rock by which one builds a firm foundation upon. The very words of Christ in Matthew 7:24–25 points to this. “Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock.”

What are these words? That Jesus is the Messiah! The very message that offended the Pharisees and Sadducees and other non-believing Jews. Here Peter’s confession. Matthew 16:13–19“Now when Jesus came into the district of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” And they said, “Some say John the Baptist, others say Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Simon Peter replied, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” And Jesus answered him, “Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven. And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.””

The rock that Jesus builds His church is based upon Peter’s confession that Jesus Christ is the Son of the living God! But what did the religious leaders do? They crucified Him. That is why the message of Jesus is scandalous. He is the way the truth and the light. That is a scandalous message to an increasingly pluralistic world that proposes there are so many ways to salvation. But the world does not own the truth, God is truth, Jesus is truth, the Holy Spirit is truth. The Lord’s words are the true words.

And how is the passage concluded? Another reminder that it is solely by faith. Sola Fide! The one who believes in him, will not be put to shame. To be put to shame is a shame that comes to one whose faith or hope is shown to be vain. Yet this is not the case with Christ is it? Believing in Jesus Christ is the opposite of shame. Where those who believe in self-righteousness will be utterly put to shame as those who denied the saviour, your faith will not. Later Paul doubles down in Romans 10:11 “For the Scripture says, “Everyone who believes in him will not be put to shame.””When you stand before Christ on the judgment day, you will not be put to the side. You will not be ashamed.

Who are the people that will not be put to shame? Whoever believes in him [Jesus]. It makes the action or the verb, “faith” to include a group of people. It is not necessarily only “whoever believes” but it is “the faithful ones.” Just as John says in John 3:16 ““For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” It is not contingent upon “whoever believes” but rather that this people group encompass the “believing ones.” Only the believing ones who have been granted or gifted faith will not be put to shame.

This is precisely what Jesus says in the Gospels. Matthew 10:33 “but whoever denies me before men, I also will deny before my Father who is in heaven.” If you deny the saviour as unfaithful Israel did, Jesus Christ the King of kings and Lord of Lords will deny you. And he even says in Matthew 7:21–23““Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’ And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.’”

One of our dear friends passed away this week. Adam Richardson suffered for many years with brain cancer, a tumor, had many debilitating symptoms from it. Adam was a sweet and gentle man. His wife Samantha is one of the most faithful women I have ever met. Their children were a suburb testimony of Adam and Samantha’s godliness. But here’s the thing. Adam believed in Jesus Christ. Yes he passed from this life. But because of the faith that was granted to him, he believed in the Lord Jesus. And though death, suffering, and persecution may take us, the inheritance he received this week is far more glorious than what we suffer here. Adam is no longer in pain, no longer suffering, no longer despondent, but he is with Christ and walked into the heavenly gates hearing, “Well done my good and faithful servant.”

Where do you stand with Jesus Christ today? Paul has expressly laid forth in the Scriptures that this Jesus is the only saviour for mankind. He is not saving us from political rule, or from disease, or from financial distress, but he is saving us from something far greater, from eternal wrath. Jesus Christ is calling you today to repent and believe in Him. And this is his promise to us, a we will see in the coming weeks, Romans 10:9–10 “because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved.”