Why not? Because they pursued it not by faith but as if it were by works. They stumbled over the "stumbling stone." Romans 9:32
Footnote: The "stumbling stone" was Jesus. The Jews did not believe in him, because he didn't meet their expectations for the Messiah. Some people still stumble over Christ because salvation by faith doesn't make sense to them. They would rather try to earn their way to God, or else they expect God simply to overlook their sins. Others stumble over Christ because his values are the opposite of the world's. He asks for humility, and many are unwilling to humble themselves before him. He requires obedience, and many refuse to put their wills at his disposal.
But what does it say? The word is near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart, that is, the word of faith we are proclaiming: That if you confess with your mouth, Jesus is Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved. As the Scripture says, Anyone who trusts in him will never be put to shame. For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile -- the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him, for Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. Romans 10:8-13
Footnote: Have you ever been asked, "How do I become a Christian?" These verses give you the beautiful answer -- salvation is as close as your own mouth and heart. People think it must be a complicated process, but it is not. If we believe in our hearts and say with our mouths that Christ is the risen Lord, we will be saved.
Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and
knowledge of God!
How unsearchable his judgments,
and his paths beyond tracing out!
Who has known the mind of the Lord?
Or who has been his counselor?
Who has ever given to God,
that God should repay him?
For from him and through him and to him are all
things.
To him be the glory forever! Amen.
Romans 11:33-36
JUST KEEP READING.........
All footnotes in italics taken from Life Application Study Bible, New International Version.
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