Zeal without knowledge
Of these it was that he speaks so affectionately, in the beginning of this chapter. My heart's desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they may be saved. For I bear them record that they have a zeal for God, but not according to knowledge. For they, being ignorant of God's righteousness, and seeking to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves to the righteousness of God, and consequently seek death in the error of their life.
God's righteousness is the justification that flows from his mere grace and mercy, freely forgiving our sins through the Son of his love, through the redemption which is in Jesus. Their own righteousness is their own holiness, coming before faith in him who justifies the ungodly, taken as the ground of their pardon and acceptance.
They were ignorant that Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes (Romans 10:4). By the offering of himself once offered, he had put an end to the first law, or covenant, which indeed was not given by God to Moses, but to Adam in his state of innocence. The strict tenor of it, without any abatement, was, Do this and live (Romans 10:5). And at the same time he purchased for us that better covenant, Believe and live. Believe, and you shall be saved: saved now, both from the guilt and power of sin, and, in consequence, from the wages of it.
1771 text
2. Of these it was that he so affectionately speaks, in the beginning of this chapter. My heart’s desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they may be saved. For I bear them record, that they have a zeal for God, but not according to knowledge. For they being ignorant of God’s righteousness (of the justification that flows from his mere grace and mercy, freely forgiving our sins through the Son of his love, through the redemption which is in Jesus) and seeking to establish their own righteousness, (their own holiness, antecedent to faith in him that justifieth the ungodly, as the ground of their pardon and acceptance) have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God, and consequently seek death in the error of their life.
3. They were ignorant, that Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth, that by the oblation of himself once offered, he had put an end to the first law or covenant (which indeed was not given by God to Moses, but to Adam in his state of innocence) the strict tenor whereof, without any abatement was, “Do this and live:” And at the same time purchased for us that better covenant, “Believe and live;” believe and thou shalt be saved; now saved both from the guilt and power of sin, and, of consequence, from the wages of it.
About this text
Rendered in modern English, to be read and heard. Open the 1771 text under each part to check the claims and the scripture.
Rendered in modern English. The 1771 panel is his own Pine printing of the Works. It is public domain.
Catalogue & scope
Sermon 6 in the 1771 Works. Romans 10:5-8.
This is an AI-assisted study translation. Source fidelity and completeness have not been independently certified. It is not a complete critical edition.