Title: The Heart of the Matter What shall we say, then? That Gentiles who did not pursue righteousness have attained it, that is, a righteousness that is by faith; but that Israel who pursued a law that would lead to righteousness did not succeed in reaching that law. Why? Because they did not pursue it by faith, but as if it were based on works. They have stumbled over the stumbling stone, 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.” Brothers, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for them is that they may be saved. For I bear them witness that they have a zeal for God, but not according to knowledge. For, being ignorant of the righteousness of God, and seeking to establish their own, they did not submit to God’s righteousness. For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes. —Romans 9:30-10:4 The Theological Paradigm What shall we say, then? That Gentiles who did not pursue righteousness have attained it, that is, a righteousness that is by faith; but that Israel who pursued a law that would lead to righteousness did not succeed in reaching that law. —Romans 9:30-31 Biblical Prescription But Jesus answered them, “You are wrong, because you know neither the Scriptures nor the power of God. —Matthew 22:29 He answered them, “And why do you break the commandment of God for the sake of your tradition? he need not honor his father.’ So for the sake of your tradition you have made void the word of God. Matthew 15:3, 6