Today we have a question from a listener named Max who asks about whether or not Old Testament

Saints were under the impression that the mosaic law was achievable by a sinner.

Dear Pastor John, hello, I greatly enjoy listening to your resources and have grown in many

ways from your deep love of Scripture and knowing the God who breathed out.

I have been reading a Deuteronomy in chapter 30 verses 11 to 14 caught my attention.

It states that the commandments in the book of the law are, quote, not too difficult for

you.

Thus, because obedience is attainable, they were forbidden from asking this, quote, who

will ascend to heaven for us?

End quote.

Deuteronomy 30 verse 12.

That's as antichristological as it gets to tell people not to expect someone to ascend

to heaven on their behalf.

But I'm also aware that Paul uses this passage in Romans 10 verses 6 to 8 to explain righteousness

based on faith.

Based on the context of the beginning of Romans 10, I'm curious of your thoughts regarding

whether God in chapter 30 of Deuteronomy was giving the Israelites the notion that their

righteousness would be based on faith or that following the commandments of God perfectly

was actually achievable, so achievable a savior wasn't needed.

Pastor John, how would you solve this conundrum for max?

I don't think the Bible anywhere old or new testament encourages us to believe that perfect

obedience in this life is possible.

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