Israel’s Unbelief
Rom 9:30 What shall we say, then? That Gentiles who did not pursue righteousness have attained it, that is, a righteousness that is by faith;
Rom 9:31 but that Israel who pursued a law that would lead to righteousness did not succeed in reaching that law.
Rom 9:32 Why? Because they did not pursue it by faith, but as if it were based on works. They have stumbled over the stumbling stone,
Rom 9:33 as it is written, “Behold, I am laying in Zion a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offense; and whoever believes in him will not be put to shame.”
vs30-31 – The conclusion that can be drawn from this is that the Gentiles have attained righteousness by faith even though they did not pursue it through the Mosaic Law. They attained it by faith in Christ Jesus. And the Jews who pursued it through the law did not attain righteousness because they could not keep it perfectly.
vs 32-33 – And the reason they did not attain it was because the pursued it via works rather than faith in Christ. He then quotes Isaiah where he says, ” Therefore thus says the Lord GOD, “Behold, I am laying in Zion a stone, a tested stone, A costly cornerstone for the foundation, firmly placed. He who believes in it will not be disturbed.” Isaiah 28:16. Isaiah is prophesying about the coming Messiah who would come and bring salvation to all who believe, and not endeavor to attain salvation via works.