Romans 9:31–32

“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.” — Romans 9:31-32

When Pursuit Misses the Goal

Romans 9 sits at the intersection of sorrow and theological clarity.

The Apostle Paul grieves that many of his fellow Israelites, zealous for God and devoted to the Law, have not attained the righteousness they sought.

In verses 31–32, he exposes the tragic irony: they were pursuing righteousness, yet they stumbled over it.

The problem was not effort. It was the method.

They pursued righteousness “as if it were based on works” rather than by faith!

This passage confronts one of the most enduring religious assumptions in human history… that righteousness before God can be achieved through moral performance, religious devotion, or obedience to sacred law…

However, Paul insists otherwise!

What Does “Pursuing a Law of Righteousness” Mean?

Israel’s pursuit was sincere. The Law was God-given, holy, and good (Romans 7:12). It revealed God’s character and defined covenant life.

Yet, the Law was never intended to function as a ladder by which humans climb into right standing with God.

Instead, it served to:

• reveal God’s holiness
• expose human sinfulness
• point forward to the need for redemption

When righteousness becomes a goal earned through obedience, the Law is misused.

Paul’s critique isn’t of the Law itself, but of relying on law-keeping as the means of justification.

Why Works Cannot Produce Righteousness

Paul’s reasoning throughout Romans builds toward this conclusion:

• God’s standard is perfect righteousness (Romans 3:23).
• Human beings are universally sinful.
• Therefore, no one can achieve righteousness through obedience.

Our works can demonstrate devotion, but they can’t erase sin.

If righteousness were attainable through works:

1. grace would be unnecessary
2. Christ’s atonement would be redundant
3. salvation would be earned rather than gifted

The book of Romans dismantles this possibility.

Faith vs. Works: Two Approaches to God

Paul contrasts two fundamentally different postures toward God:

1. Righteousness by Works

– rooted in human effort

– motivated by earning acceptance

– dependent on personal merit

– produces pride or despair

2. Righteousness by Faith

• rooted in God’s grace received, not achieved

• dependent on Christ’s finished work

• produces humility and gratitude

Israel stumbled because they treated righteousness as an achievement rather than a gift.

The Stumbling Stone

Verse 32 concludes: “They have stumbled over the stumbling stone.”

Paul identifies this stone in the following verse as Christ.

The tragedy is profound; the very Messiah sent to save became the obstacle over which many fell.

Why?

Because Christ ends the pursuit of self-earned righteousness.

To accept Christ requires admitting:

• we can’t save ourselves

• our works can’t justify us

• we need grace

This is offensive to human pride, yet essential for salvation!

Faith Alone: Paul’s Consistent Message

Romans 9:31–32 harmonizes with Paul’s broader teaching:

“The righteous shall live by faith.” (Romans 1:17)

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

“To the one who does not work but believes… his faith is counted as righteousness.” (Romans 4:5)

“By grace you have been saved through faith… not a result of works.” (Ephesians 2:8–9)

Faith isn’t a work we perform… it’s the open hand receiving what God provides.

Why This Matters Today

Romans 9:31–32 isn’t merely about first-century Israel. It diagnoses a universal human instinct.

Many still attempt to earn righteousness through:

• moral improvement

• religious participation

• charitable deeds

• spiritual disciplines

These are good and valuable… but they can’t justify us.

The gospel declares that salvation rests not on what we do for God, but on what Christ has done for us.

The Freedom of Righteousness by Faith

When righteousness is received by faith:

• striving gives way to resting

• insecurity gives way to assurance

• pride gives way to gratitude

• fear gives way to peace

Obedience doesn’t disappear… it is transformed. Good works become the fruit of salvation rather than the root of it.

Romans 9:31–32 confronts us with a searching question:

Are we pursuing righteousness by performance, or receiving it by faith?

The difference is eternal.

Those who strive to earn righteousness will always fall short, or stumble, as the Bible warns us.

Those who trust in Christ’s sacrifice for us, receive the righteousness they could never achieve themselves.

The stumbling stone becomes the cornerstone.

And salvation is revealed to be what it has always been:

A gift of grace, received through faith alone. Amen!