Romans 9:31 – “but the people of Israel, who pursued the law as the way of righteousness, have not attained their goal.”

Extended Explanation

This verse is part of Paul’s discussion about why many of the Jewish people had missed out on the salvation that God offered through Jesus. While the Gentiles—who weren’t even looking for righteousness—received it by faith (Romans 9:30), the Jewish people, who worked hard to follow God’s law, failed to obtain true righteousness.

Paul is making an important point:

• The Israelites pursued righteousness the wrong way. They thought they could be made right with God by obeying the Law of Moses.
• Despite all their effort, they didn’t reach their goal. Instead of finding righteousness, they remained spiritually lost because they were trusting in their own works rather than in God’s grace.

This verse is a warning: religion and good works alone cannot save anyone. No matter how hard someone tries, righteousness cannot be earned—it must be received as a gift through faith in Jesus Christ.

Historical Context

The Jewish people were deeply committed to the Law of Moses. They believed that by following the commandments, offering sacrifices, and keeping religious traditions, they could be righteous before God. This belief was ingrained in their culture and identity.

However, the Law was never meant to be a means of earning salvation. Instead, it was meant to point people to their need for a Savior (Galatians 3:24). But many Jews misunderstood this and thought their obedience and good works would make them right with God.

This is why they struggled to accept Jesus. Instead of seeing Him as the fulfillment of the Law, many saw Him as a threat to their religious system. They rejected Him because He taught that salvation was by faith, not by works (John 14:6).

Paul, as a former Pharisee, knew this mindset firsthand. He had once tried to earn righteousness through the Law, but after encountering Jesus, he realized that true righteousness only comes through faith (Philippians 3:9).

Theological Implications

This verse highlights some crucial spiritual truths:

1. Righteousness Cannot Be Earned – No matter how hard people try, they cannot make themselves right with God by their own efforts.
2. Religious Effort is Not Enough – Being devoted to religious traditions does not guarantee salvation. Faith in Jesus is the only way.
3. The Law Points to Jesus – The purpose of the Law was to lead people to Christ, not to serve as a way of earning righteousness.

Many people today still believe that being “good enough” will make them right with God. This verse reminds us that only faith in Jesus can save us.

Literary Analysis

Paul’s wording in this verse is striking.

• “The people of Israel, who pursued the law as the way of righteousness” – This emphasizes their effort. They actively worked to achieve righteousness but failed.
• “Have not attained their goal” – Despite their best efforts, they missed what they were looking for.

This contrast highlights the failure of self-righteousness. It does not matter how sincere or determined someone is—if they are pursuing righteousness apart from faith, they will never attain it.

Paul’s tone is both sorrowful and urgent. He is deeply concerned that his fellow Jews have rejected the very salvation they had been waiting for.

Biblical Cross-References

• Galatians 2:16 – “A person is not justified by the works of the law, but through faith in Jesus Christ.”
• Philippians 3:9 – “Not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ.”
• Romans 3:20 – “No one will be declared righteous in God’s sight by the works of the law; rather, through the law we become conscious of our sin.”
• Isaiah 64:6 – “All our righteous acts are like filthy rags.”

These verses reinforce that righteousness comes from faith, not from following rules or traditions.

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

Many people today still struggle with the same mistake the Israelites made.

• Some think that going to church, reading the Bible, or doing good deeds will make them right with God.
• Others believe that if they are “better than most people,” God will accept them.
• Some trust in religious rituals but never fully surrender their hearts to Christ.

This verse reminds us that true righteousness is not about effort, but about trust. It challenges us to ask:

• Am I trusting in my own goodness, or in Jesus alone?
• Am I following religious rules, or do I have a real relationship with Christ?

God calls us to stop trying to earn His approval and instead receive His grace through faith in Jesus.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

At first, this verse might seem discouraging—why would God allow people to fail in their pursuit of righteousness? But when we look deeper, we see His love at work.

• God gave the Law to show our need for Him. He never intended for people to earn salvation through rules—He wanted them to trust Him (Romans 3:20).
• God provided a way through Jesus. Even though many Israelites missed it, God’s mercy remained available to them (Romans 10:9-13).
• God loves us too much to let us rely on ourselves. If people could earn salvation, they would become proud and self-righteous. God’s way requires humility and faith, which brings us into a deeper relationship with Him.

This verse shows that God’s love is not about rewarding effort—it’s about offering grace.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

Jesus is the reason why righteousness is no longer based on the Law.

• Jesus fulfilled the Law – He obeyed it perfectly, so we don’t have to rely on our own works (Matthew 5:17).
• Jesus offers righteousness as a gift – Instead of demanding perfection, He gives His righteousness to those who believe in Him (2 Corinthians 5:21).
• Jesus is the only way to be made right with God – He removes the burden of religious performance and invites us to rest in His finished work (John 14:6).

This verse highlights the mistake of rejecting Jesus. He is the only way to righteousness, and those who look elsewhere will never find it.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. Why do you think so many people try to earn righteousness instead of trusting in God’s grace?
2. How does this verse challenge religious traditions that emphasize works over faith?
3. Have you ever fallen into the trap of trying to earn God’s approval? How did you realize the truth?
4. What does it mean to rest in Christ’s righteousness instead of our own efforts?
5. How can you help others understand that salvation is by faith, not by works?