What shall we say then? That the Gentiles, which followed not after righteousness, have attained to righteousness, even the righteousness which is of faith. But Israel, which followed after the law of righteousness, hath not attained to the law of righteousness. Wherefore? Because they sought it not by faith, but as it were by the works of the law. For they stumbled at that stumblingstone; As it is written, Behold, I lay in Sion a stumblingstone and rock of offence: and whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. Romans 9:30-33

As the Apostle Paul, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, continues to reveal to us the New Covenant in Christ, the Chief Cornerstone, Paul also explains to us why many failed to achieve righteousness, even if they were elect or not, righteousness is attained by faith and not the works of The Law. 

Paul begins “The Gentiles, which followed not after righteousness, have attained righteousness, even the righteousness which is of faith” Israel was given The Law through Moses, yet they failed to obtain righteousness because they didn’t understand The Law. As Paul continues “because they sought it not by faith, but as if it were by the works of the law” Israel tried to earn their own salvation, they tried to obtain righteousness by themselves

However nobody is able to obtain righteousness by works, The Law was given to reveal our sin, not to make us sinless. The Law is a mirror, that should have brought them to their knees of repentance, however it made them boast in arrogance of sin. Ultimately The Law condemned them because they didn’t seek God by faith, but they sought God by works. 

The Apostle Paul reveals another prophecy about Christ from the Old Testament, the prophet Isaiah fortold about Jesus all throughout His ministry, Paul quotes him here “Behold I lay in Zion (Israel) a stumbling stone, a rock of offence, and whoever (Jew or Gentile) believes on Him (Christ) will not be put to shame” (Isaiah 28:16) The prophet was telling Israel, salvation is found in faith in Christ and not of yourselves!

Jesus Christ is the Chief Cornerstone, (1 Peter 2:6-8) He is the only way to salvation (John 14:6) Its not by the works of The Law but its by faith in Christ, everyone who calls upon the name of The Lord shall be saved! (Joel 2:32, Romans 10:13) Amen!