Definition: Wherefore? Because [they sought it] not by faith, but as it were by the works of the law. For they stumbled at that stumblingstone;

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from Romans 9:32. It's a really important and somewhat complex verse, so we’ll go through it step-by-step. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: Imagine someone is looking for something – maybe a lost treasure, a special gift, or a perfect friend. They don’t really look for it with their mind, their understanding of goodness and rightness, but instead they rely on something else – actions, habits, or doing what others expect. Let's unpack the parts: “Wherefore? Because [they sought it] not by faith, but as it were by the works of the law.” “Wherefore?” This is a question mark, meaning we need to understand why this happened. It’s asking why they weren't seeking something good with their own understanding and goodness. “…not by faith…” "Faith" in this context means believing in God, trusting him, and following his will. It's about a deep, genuine conviction that things are right. "...but as it were by the works of the law.” This is the key part. The Romans writers mean they weren’t seeking goodness with their own efforts – their own actions – but by following the rules and laws laid down by others. Think of it like following a set path instead of doing good on your own merits. “For they stumbled at that stumblingstone.” “They stumbled…” This is where it gets deeper. The “stumbling stone” refers to God’s law – the rules and commandments given to humanity. It's the principle of right and wrong. "...at that stumblingstone" It means they made a mistake, they failed to understand God's will, and they acted in ways that were not aligned with his perfect plan. They didn’t truly understand what was right and good. So, the whole verse is saying: The people weren’t seeking goodness with their own intelligence or understanding. Instead, they relied on rules and laws – things like following a strict code of behavior. And because they failed to understand God's purpose and truly believe in him, they stumbled at the very foundation – the law itself. What does this mean for us? It’s a warning about human nature. We are all prone to making mistakes when we don’t fully grasp God's truth. We can get so caught up in following rules and expectations that we lose sight of what truly matters - faith, love, and understanding the will of God. In short, it warns against relying solely on human laws instead of trusting in God's guidance. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse further with a specific example? Discuss the significance of the "stumbling stone" concept in more detail? Connect this passage to other parts of the Bible?