| Romans 10:5-8 "Moses writes this about the righteousness that is by the law: 'The person who does these things will live by them.' But the righteousness that is by faith says: 'Do not say in your heart, "Who will ascend into heaven?'" (that is, to bring Christ down) or "Who will descend into the deep?" (that is, to bring Christ up from the dead). But what does it say? 'The word is near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart,' that is, the message concerning faith that we proclaim." Paul emphasized here that the righteousness that is by faith triumphs over the righteousness that is by the law. The law was emphasized during the Old Testament era. Moses writes this about the righteousness that is by the law: "The person who does these things will live by them." And we would all agree. But the problem is that it is a mission impossible, for no one can completely achieve the righteousness that is by the law, and the righteousness that is by the law cannot be achieved by anyone alone. So Paul mentioned a different kind of righteousness, the righteousness that is by faith. He used a rhetorical question to explain that the righteousness that is by the law would not work. Verse 6 says: "Do not say in your heart", meaning the subsequent sentence is not true, which is "Who will ascend into heaven?" (that is, to bring Christ down) or "Who will descend into the deep?" (that is, to bring Christ up from the dead). In other words, who can ascend into heaven to bring down Christ? Who else can descend into the deep to bring Christ up from the dead? No one. No one can either incarnate Christ or bring Christ up from the dead. Nor can anyone save himself. The incarnation and resurrection of Jesus Christ are only achieved by the love of our Heavenly Father and by the power of the Holy Spirit. Likewise the salvation came to us. Therefore, those who believe in the Lord can be justified by faith, for the Lord has already become the atonement for our sins. We don't have to work hard to earn the salvation any more. Nor do we have to work hard to fulfill God's salvation, for God's salvation has been fulfilled. Our faith is only to acknowledge what has been done. Once we accept this truth by faith, the Lord has promised to us: "The word is near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart." Our faith is not just knowledge or doctrines. The Lord that has fulfilled the salvation will live inside us and become our strength and help. How precious this grace is. Do you know that the Lord is living inside your life, to whom you can bring everything in prayer? He will become your wisdom, holiness and satisfaction in your life. Pray with Pastor Tong Liu  Lord, we thank you for living inside our heart and help us understand our real spiritual needs. You are willing to bring strength and satisfaction into our life. May you fill us again. We thank you and we pray in the precious name of Jesus, amen!
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