Friday, 28 November 2025

Romans part 128 - One in Messiah 17

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Romans 9:30-33 What shall we say then? That Gentiles, who did not pursue righteousness, attained righteousness - that is, a righteousness of faith. But Israel, who pursued a Torah of righteousness, did not reach the Torah. Why? Because they pursued it not by faith, but as if it were from works. They stumbled over the stone of stumbling, just as it is written, "Behold, I lay in Zion a stone of stumbling and a rock of offense, and whoever believes in Him shall not be put to shame."

Let's bring this chapter to a conclusion. It's all about faith. It always was all about faith. Works were never an option. Abraham's Covenant was a faith covenant. (See Hebrews 11:8-19) To prove this, Abraham slept while God confirmed the covenant. (See Genesis 15:12) The Mosaic Covenant also was never intended as a works covenant, although this is largely misunderstood.

Every covenant God has made (I'm thinking of four although there are more, Abrahamic, Mosaic, Yeshua - first coming, Yeshua - second coming) involves the promise of land and also is by faith based on grace. Yeshua is certainly in the last two (His first and second coming), but what about the first two?

Who visited Abraham? Genesis 18:13 Then Adonai said to Abraham, "Why is it that Sarah laughed, saying, 'Can I really give birth when I am so old?'" When Adonai appears as a man, He is Yeshua. The Mosaic Covenant is not just a set of Laws for people, but also the many Laws governing the Aaronic Priesthood. Was Yeshua there? Exodus 33:11 So Adonai spoke with Moses face to face, as a man speaks with his friend. I say again, when God appears as a man, He is Yeshua.

Paul closes out Romans 9 by quoting ... Isaiah 28:16 Therefore thus says Adonai Elohim: 'Behold, I am laying in Zion a stone, a tested stone, a costly cornerstone, a firm foundation - whoever trusts will not flee in haste. Isaiah is inviting "whoever" to trust in that tested and costly cornerstone.

But many in Israel didn't trust, especially the builders (who are the leaders) ... they stumbled so that prophesy would be fulfilled. Psalm 118:22 The stone the builders rejected has become the capstone. Peter quoted this verse in his defense of Yeshua before the Sanhedrin (See Acts 4:11). But their stumbling is not the end of the story. (Please be patient, until we get to Romans 11, for the rest of the story.) Shalom shalom.