Roman 9:31-33:
31 Whereas Israel, though ever in pursuit of a law [for the securing] of righteousness (right standing with God), actually did not succeed in fulfilling the Law. 32 For what reason? Because [they pursued it] not through faith, relying [instead] on the merit of their works [they did not depend on faith but on what they could do]. They have stumbled over the Stumbling Stone. 33 As it is written, Behold I am laying in Zion a Stone that will make men stumble, a Rock that will make them fall; but he who believes in Him [who adheres to, trusts in, and relies on Him] shall not be put to shame nor be disappointed in his expectations.
We could never do enough "good works", or obeying the law, to win a place in Heaven! The price that must be paid for sin, for making a selfish decision to do things our own way instead of God's way, is the death that is total separation from the God of the Bible! Because mankind is born with the nature of sin as a result of the sin of Adam and Eve, no natural man or woman could ever have paid the "ransom" necessary to buy us back! It took the completely sin-less Son of God Himself to be the perfect Sacrificial Lamb! He DID it! It is FINISHED! NOW, don't be talked into going back to trying to gain points with God by keeping a set of rules and regulations! Obey the Word of God BECAUSE you are HIS! You can never be more righteous than you became the moment you were born again! It is human nature to want to see, hear, feel, taste or touch the Answer! THAT is why Israel then, and many people now, stumble over this ROCK! Believe Him, believe His Word, and you will NOT be put to shame! TRUST Him, He hasn't failed yet! AMEN! Here is Hillsong United with "Oceans - Where Feet May Fail":
Shalom in Him!
