The Pulpit Commentary — Romans — Section 284

uf rie:bt.. But as to an objective rightrousness, e. being right with God, this was not in all their thoughts. They regarded God as not much troubling himself with huumn oondact, 11,Ild sin itself as rat.her a defect, an ignorance, than something for which ma.n is gravely ~ulpe.ble. So, in this sense, it was emphat ice.Uy true that they "followed not after righteousness." 2. But of the same Gentiles it is said, of their acceptance of Christ's gospel, that they "att.ained to righteousness, even the righteousness which is of faith." The dormant conscience awoke; the weakness of their ethical systems was re_vealed; the exceeding guilt of sin, as well 88 the exceeding love of God, was set forth 1n the cross of Christ; and being stricken to the heart, and crying," What must I do ~ be saved?" they were ready, nay, eager, to respond to the blessed command, "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shal.t be saved." And, accepting the great salvation, they stood as justified in the presence of him who forgiveth for the ake of Christ. 'l'hey "att.'lined to righteousness." II. JEWS. 1. The history of the Jews is stated, by way of contrast to that of the Gentiles, as consisting in this-that they" followed after a Law of righteousness." The wording is most accurate. They followed a Law, which was designed by God to teach them their sin, and lead them to look to his free grace, through Christ, for pardon; but it was not this "end of the Law" which they in reality followed, but rather the Law itself. They made an end of the means, and thus entirely subverted its design ; for instead of learning by the Law their sin, they sought, by a. supposed fulfilment of its precepts, t.c, make themselves just before God. So, instead of learning to be poor in spirit, they learned an arrogant self-complacency; instead of coming to God's grace for pardon, they thanked God they were not as other men, and stood before him self- jastified. 2. What was the result? They "did not arrive at that Law;" not at its true pmport, its ultimate design. And so the real law of justification, the being saved by grace through faith, was hidden from their eyes. To them the Rock of Ages was "a Stone of stumbling, a Rock of offence." Oh, let us lea.rn., from the history of the past, that there is shame for us, and shame only, if we seek t.c, make ourselves just before God. But, accepting freely the grace which is freely given, we shall prove, "He that believeth on him shall not be put to ahame."-T. F. L. Ver. 4.-The right use of privileges. The apostle turned from his rapt meditation on the present and future glory of the Christian dispensation, t.o think of the race of Israel e:xcluding themselves from participation in its benefits, and he felt his soul charged with heaviness on their behalf. They hated him as overturning venerable cnstoms, and as lowering their dignity by admitting the Gentiles to the blessings of the covenant on lll1Ch easy terms. But in reply he vehemently asserted his still 8WJ!li6ting love for his" kinsmen," and for those whom in the past God had so signally honoured. None can look without emotion on the face and form of a Jew, who consider his history and destiny. L TH:z 6U1"REIIE DI.BTI!i"CTIOl!lB OF LIFE ABE THOSE WHICH CONCERN OUR RELATIONSHIP TO Gon. All the items particularized are connected with the Divine manifestations granted to leraeL The apostle cares little for the story of military prowess, or even of skill in literature; but all that appertained to the knowledge and worship of God, this was worth dwelling upon. It becomes a speedy test of judgment when we know the things on which a man prides himself. Does he point with chief delight to his acquisition of lands or goods, or to his rank in society, or to his fame in sc~ence or art circles? or does he account his position in the family of the Most High, and the revelation vouchsafed of Divine mercy and grace, as his possession of greatest worth? Which in our hearts do we deem the most highly favoured nation-Greece, or Rome, or Israel ? The true wealth and place of a modern empire should be reckoned, not according t.o ita material resourcee and fighting strength, but rather by its widespr~ad distribution of moral and religioUB truth. This meaas real refinement and endurmg prosperity. Many opportunities occur to all of 118 to exhibit our genuine opinion in the lives we lead, the money and time devoted to the highest pu,suits, the notions cheribhf:d in the family, the books read, and the amusements indulged in. Missionary enthusiasm rests on a sure baeis when the value is perceived of an acquaintance with the tlli1Jg11 of God. Such a knowledge is the best legacy tha.t can be bequeathed to children. mt.1x. 1-33.J THE EPISTLE OF PAUL TO THE ROMANS. 283