Romans 9:32-33 Why? Because they did not pursue it by faith, but as if it were based on works. They have stumbled over the stumbling stone, 33 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.”
These verses show the issue Jews face in regards to salvation. They have pursued salvation through works. “Works” refers to attempting to follow the code of the laws given through Moses in order to be righteous before God. This approach to covenantal relationship is misguided and can even become a stumbling block. The primary reason is that it puts the wrong emphasis on human ability, which is weakened by sin, and does not rely on God’s mercy and grace, which are experienced through faith. The law must be followed out of faith and not a selfish desire to be considered righteous before God. Obedience must be the response of faith. The “stumbling stone” is the wrong understanding that comes from legalism and human interpretation of religion. It is the human effort to find God and eternal life through achievement or suppression. This effort may bring certain emotions of happiness and fulfillment but ultimately do not lead to eternal life because the human sacrifice is inadequate to overcome the power and penalty of sin. There is no resurrection power in human sacrifice. Only Jesus’ own death and resurrection bring resurrection life and power over the power and penalty of sin. This interpretation of faith is difficult to understand for those who are caught up in their blinding religion. Jesus becomes a stumbling stone that trips people up. The only answer to this is trusting in God’s grace through Jesus Christ.
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