10:5
The Law describes righteousness by works. Lev 18:5 describes righteousness by Law, “Keep my decrees and laws, for the person who obeys them will live by them”. In the Old Testament we read of the repeated failures of Israel to keep God’s decrees and laws, and the consequences. After the return from exile it seems that they made a more concerted effort to keep the Law, but this lead only to a blind alley. The ultimate proof of this was the willingness of the religious leaders to crucify the Son of God.
10:6-8
Paul then cites Deut 30:12-14 as a different kind of righteousness. In some ways it seems that Paul is wildly reinterpreting these verses, but what he was doing was in line with rabbinical methods. Also we must interpret all of the Old Testament in the light of Christ. Verses 6 and 7 effectively talk about human effort, about presenting God’s requirements as a great quest. Instead things are actually far “easier”. The word is near, in our mouth and in our heart. We need to put faith in Christ.
No comments:
Post a Comment