“Christ is the end of the law so that there may be righteousness for everyone who believes.” Romans 10:4
Paul once expressed that his fellow countrymen (his fellow Israelites) were zealous about God, but not according to knowledge (Romans 10:2). (This idea of knowledge derives from Greek terminology – epignosis, indicating knowledge that is personal, and from a real-life experience with God.) Many of the religious people in Paul’s day had a working knowledge about God. In fact, many Jews of Paul’s day – including Paul, knew the Old Testament, the Mishnah, and the Torah very well. Some even had much of the writings memorized. But Paul, one of their own, accused them of ignorance. And of what were these devout Jews ignorant? They did not know the righteous of God.
Today, many “professed Christians” attend services, enjoy the piety of religion, relish in the duties of faith, and gladly associate with a particular denominational identity, or church name. But there are many in the faith community who do not know God.
We have heard the statistics, have we not? A. W. Tozer once estimated that 70% of people who attend church services are not saved. Billy Graham actually estimated 80%. How is it possible that good religious people could have a zeal for God, but without a deep knowledge of His salvation? Romans 10:3 gives the answer: “Since they did know the righteousness that comes from God and sought to establish their own, they did not submit to God’s righteousness.” But Christ Jesus is the end of the law! This simply means that without faith in Jesus, the righteousness of God in one’s life is an absolute impossibility. Only through Jesus can we be accepted by God. Not through the law. Not through any religious practice! Not religious affiliation. Only through faith in Jesus Christ.
There are none righteous in their own works. There are none deserving of God’s affirmation, for He is perfectly holy. Therefore, only Jesus, the perfect One, can bring us into a right relationship with God. Only Jesus. Are you trusting Him, or are you still depending upon your own good works?
This truth offers the ultimate line of questioning from Paul. How can one call on Him who has not believed? Further, how can one believe without hearing? And how can one hear without someone preaching to them?
Many religiously pious Israelites had the answer to righteousness right in front of them, but they did not trust the Gospel (Romans 10:16). They had heard but refused to place their whole dependence for righteousness on Jesus. They could not break loose from the lie that their life of good works was enough. Many in the church today have not responded by faith to the Gospel of Jesus Christ, but instead continue to depend upon ceremony, tradition, good deeds, and a right reputation of good religious behavior. But this certainly is not enough. In fact, this is the quintessential dead end!
Terry Coy, author of “Return to the Margins,” offers this summary: “The Gospel is not an invitation to accept doctrinal beliefs or even to ‘live our best life now,’ but an invitation to be a part of the world changing Kingdom of God.” Is your life best characterized by living for Jesus and His kingdom, or only by religious affiliations and practices? Make certain that today, Jesus is your only reason. Trust Him. Live for Him. Surrender to His rule and reign in your life. Seek His forgiveness and restoration.
Is Jesus your reason for praying, reading the Scriptures, attending church, worshiping, advocating for social justice, loving your family, kissing your child at night with a prayer? Is Jesus the reason?
Blessings,
Ken
Read Romans 10:1-15 and be encouraged by the power of the gospel over the practice of religion.
