I. The Word: Romans 10:5-7

⁵ Moses writes concerning the righteousness that comes from the law, that “the person who does these things will live by them.” ⁶ But the righteousness that comes from faith says, “Do not say in your heart, ‘Who will ascend into heaven?’” (that is, to bring Christ down) ⁷ “or ‘Who will descend into the abyss?’” (that is, to bring Christ up from the dead).

Reflection Questions

1. Why do we love to ask renowned artists about who inspired them?

2. Does it tell us anything important about them or their work?

If the Tanakh was a One Direction concert, Paul would be a screaming, collapsing, ravenous tween. Paul is the Old Testament’s #1 fan, and we must research his inspiration to understand his musings. In this short passage, Paul allegorizes speeches given by Moses to the people of Israel. Verse 5 is self-explanatory, but I would bet most readers find difficulty in Verses 6-7. For this reason, I’ll put the source text here:

“ ¹¹ Surely, this commandment that I am commanding you today is not too hard for you, nor is it too far away. ¹² It is not in heaven, that you should say, “Who will go up to heaven for us, and get it for us so that we may hear it and observe it?” ¹³ Neither is it beyond the sea, that you should say, “Who will cross to the other side of the sea for us, and get it for us so that we may hear it and observe it?” ¹⁴ No, the word is very near to you; it is in your mouth and in your heart for you to observe.” -Deuteronomy 30:11-14 NRSV

Interesting… The Word is very near to you… the Word is in your heart… and we later find out the Word became flesh! Paul employs Moses’ statements to showcase Christ’s necessary place in the Hebrew story. Verse 5 comes from Leviticus 18, a chapter notorious for its staunch views on sexual purity. Though Verse 5 is truthful, no one can live by The Law alone. Paul cleverly juxtaposes this strong declaration with God’s gracious gift illustrated in the Deuteronomy passage. Moses discourages his people from searching for someone to make the Law approachable, because God already did that!

“He was destined before the foundation of the world, but was revealed at the end of the ages for your sake.” -1 Peter 1:20 NRSV