Romans 10:6 is part of Paul's argument in Romans 9-11 where he discusses the relationship between Israel and the Gospel. Here's a breakdown of the verse and its meaning:
"But the righteousness which is of faith says this..." Paul is contrasting the righteousness that comes from following the law with the righteousness that comes through faith in Jesus Christ. The "righteousness which is of faith" emphasizes that salvation is a gift received through believing in Christ, not earned through works.
“Don’t say in your heart, ‘Who will ascend into heaven?’ Deuteronomy 30:12 (that is, to bring Christ down);” This is a quote/paraphrase of Deuteronomy 30:12. In Deuteronomy, Moses is speaking about God's law. He is emphasizing that the law is not too difficult or distant to obey. It's not up in heaven, requiring someone to ascend and bring it down, nor is it across the sea, requiring someone to go and bring it back. It is near, in their mouth and in their heart, ready to be followed.
Paul is reinterpreting this verse in light of the Gospel. He's saying that the way of salvation through faith in Christ is not something impossibly difficult or distant.
"That is, to bring Christ down..." Paul provides an explanation of how he's applying the Deuteronomy passage. He's saying that seeking to "ascend into heaven to bring Christ down" represents the idea of trying to earn salvation by one's own efforts. It implies a need to do something to make Christ available or to earn God's favor. Paul's point is that Christ has already come down, fulfilling God's plan of salvation. We don't need to try to make Him available, He already is!
In essence, the verse means:
Salvation through faith in Christ is readily available. It's not a difficult or impossible task.
We don't need to try to "bring Christ down" or "ascend into heaven" to earn salvation. Christ has already come and accomplished what is needed for our redemption.
The verse warns against the idea that we can earn righteousness through our own efforts or by trying to repeat Christ's work. Salvation is a gift we receive through faith.
Context within Romans:
Paul is arguing that Israel, by trying to establish their own righteousness through the law, has missed the righteousness that is available through faith in Christ. They are trying to "ascend into heaven" to bring Christ down, instead of simply believing in the Christ who has already come.
The following verse (Romans 10:7) continues this point, adding: “or ‘Who will descend into the abyss?’ (that is, to bring Christ up from the dead).” These verses work together to show that salvation is not about doing impossible feats, but rather about accepting the readily available gift of God through faith in Jesus Christ.
Romans 10:6 is part of Paul's argument in Romans 9-11 where he discusses the relationship between Israel and the Gospel. Here's a breakdown of the verse and its meaning:
"But the righteousness which is of faith says this..." Paul is contrasting the righteousness that comes from following the law with the righteousness that comes through faith in Jesus Christ. The "righteousness which is of faith" emphasizes that salvation is a gift received through believing in Christ, not earned through works.
“Don’t say in your heart, ‘Who will ascend into heaven?’ Deuteronomy 30:12 (that is, to bring Christ down);” This is a quote/paraphrase of Deuteronomy 30:12. In Deuteronomy, Moses is speaking about God's law. He is emphasizing that the law is not too difficult or distant to obey. It's not up in heaven, requiring someone to ascend and bring it down, nor is it across the sea, requiring someone to go and bring it back. It is near, in their mouth and in their heart, ready to be followed.
Paul is reinterpreting this verse in light of the Gospel. He's saying that the way of salvation through faith in Christ is not something impossibly difficult or distant.
"That is, to bring Christ down..." Paul provides an explanation of how he's applying the Deuteronomy passage. He's saying that seeking to "ascend into heaven to bring Christ down" represents the idea of trying to earn salvation by one's own efforts. It implies a need to do something to make Christ available or to earn God's favor. Paul's point is that Christ has already come down, fulfilling God's plan of salvation. We don't need to try to make Him available, He already is!
In essence, the verse means:
Salvation through faith in Christ is readily available. It's not a difficult or impossible task.
We don't need to try to "bring Christ down" or "ascend into heaven" to earn salvation. Christ has already come and accomplished what is needed for our redemption.
The verse warns against the idea that we can earn righteousness through our own efforts or by trying to repeat Christ's work. Salvation is a gift we receive through faith.
Context within Romans:
Paul is arguing that Israel, by trying to establish their own righteousness through the law, has missed the righteousness that is available through faith in Christ. They are trying to "ascend into heaven" to bring Christ down, instead of simply believing in the Christ who has already come.
The following verse (Romans 10:7) continues this point, adding: “or ‘Who will descend into the abyss?’ (that is, to bring Christ up from the dead).” These verses work together to show that salvation is not about doing impossible feats, but rather about accepting the readily available gift of God through faith in Jesus Christ.