They Stumbled at the Stumbling Stone

On this Reformation Sunday, it is most appropriate that the subject of today's text is the pursuit of righteousness in two ways: the failed attempt of the unbelieving children of Israel who sought it by the works of the Law, and the success of the believing children of both national Israel and from among all the Gentile nations, kindred, and tongues of the world. The pursuit of righteousness was the catalyst of the Reformation in the days and years leading up to 1517. Shall we by justified by works, or are we reckoned righteous through the merits and work of Jesus Christ? That was, and is, the question. As represented to us in the text, the answer is based upon both the person and work of Jesus Christ and "whoever believes on Him" or rejects Him. This has always been the case and the call to trust in the Savior is central to the gospel message. As the Apostle Peter also preached regarding the Stumbling Stone, there is no "…salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved." (Acts 4:12) – Pastor Schlegel