In this passage, Paul is discussing why the Israelites failed to attain righteousness. He points out that their failure was due to their reliance on works rather than faith. The Israelites believed that strict adherence to the law would make them righteous, but this approach caused them to miss the essence of true righteousness, which is found in faith. The "stumbling stone" is a metaphor for Jesus Christ, who was rejected by many because He did not fit their expectations of the Messiah. Instead of recognizing Jesus as the fulfillment of the law and the prophets, they stumbled over Him, unable to see that faith in Him was the path to righteousness. This message underscores the importance of faith over works in the Christian journey. It reminds us that our efforts alone cannot achieve righteousness; it is through faith in Christ and His grace that we are justified. This teaching encourages believers to focus on a relationship with God through faith, rather than relying solely on their own deeds.
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
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