What does Romans 10:6 mean?

Explanation

Romans 10:6 discusses the nature of righteousness that comes from faith, contrasting it with the righteousness based on the law.

The apostle Paul quotes Deuteronomy 30:12 to express the metaphorical distance humanity perceives in reaching up to heaven to bring Christ (Messiah) down.

The point being made is that faith-based righteousness is not about achieving the impossible, such as descending into the abyss or ascending into heaven, but about believing the message of Christ that is near to the believer.

It implies that Christ has already come down (incarnation) and there’s no need for any extraordinary efforts or works to bring Him close; faith alone, not works, is necessary for righteousness and salvation.

Historical Context

Romans was written by the apostle Paul around 57 A.D. to a mixed community of Jewish and Gentile Christians in Rome.

Paul has not yet visited Rome at this time but is setting out his understanding of the Christian Gospel in preparation for his intended visit.

The historical context implies that there are debates within this community regarding how righteousness is obtained–whether through adherence to the Mosaic Law (particularly relevant to Jewish Christians) or through faith in Jesus Christ (a point Paul emphasizes for Gentile believers).

Theological Insights

This verse offers key insights into the doctrine of salvation by faith alone (sola fide), which became central to the Protestant Reformation.

It defines righteousness as a state that comes from trusting in God's actions through Christ, not from human efforts.

This has provoked discussions across various denominational lines, with some emphasizing the necessity of faith accompanied by actions, while others uphold that faith is sufficient for justification.

Practical Applications

The practical applications of Romans 10:6 center around the accessibility of salvation.

This passage reassures individuals that communion with God does not require extraordinary spiritual feats; rather, it is a matter of heartfelt belief in the message and person of Jesus Christ.

This can encourage believers to trust in the simplicity of faith and discourage the reliance on works or legalistic practices for salvation.

Cross-References

• Deuteronomy 30:12 - "It is not in heaven, that thou shouldest say, Who shall go up for us to heaven, and bring it unto us, that we may hear it, and do it?"
• Romans 10:9 - "That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved."
• Ephesians 2:8-9 - "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast."

Language Study

The Greek phrase for "righteousness that is by faith" is "ἡ ἐκ πίστεως δικαιοσύνη" (he ek pisteos dikaiosune). "ἐκ πίστεως" (ek pisteos) means "from or out of faith," emphasizing the origin of righteousness, and "δικαιοσύνη" (dikaiosune) translates to "righteousness" or "justice." The question “Who shall ascend into heaven?” (τίς ἀναβήσεται εἰς τὸν οὐρανόν;) uses the verb "ἀναβήσεται" (anabesetai) which means "ascend" or "go up," symbolizing human efforts to achieve divine closeness or revelation.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

The concept of obtaining divine wisdom or revelation by ascending to the heavens is present in various ancient cultures, including the Greek myth of Icarus, who attempted to fly too close to the sun, or various accounts of heroes and demigods ascending Mount Olympus.

Similarly, in Jewish mysticism, there is the notion of “Merkabah” mysticism, which involves ascending to the heavens to witness divine visions, contrasting with Paul's advocacy for faith-based righteousness.

Scientific Perspectives

From a scientific perspective, "ascending into heaven" could be metaphorically seen as the human quest for understanding and transcending beyond the physical world.

While science aims to understand the cosmos through empirical evidence and observation, this verse communicates a spiritual truth that transcends physical reality, indicating a belief that ultimate truth and righteousness are accessed through a different dimension, faith.

commentaries

Various biblical scholars and theologians have commented on Romans 10:6. For example:

• John Stott discusses the futility of attempting to establish our own righteousness through the law, emphasizing that true righteousness comes through the Good News of Christ which is based on faith.
• F.

F.

Bruce notes that Paul interprets Deuteronomy in a Christological fashion, bringing out the idea that what the law sought to do but could not, Jesus has accomplished.

• N.

T.

Wright suggests that Paul is redefining the understanding of "the word is near you," to mean the message about Jesus, his incarnation, ministry, death, and resurrection, is the real key to righteousness and salvation.

Wright emphasizes the role of this message in transforming the hearts and lives of believers.