Did Moses Think Sinners Could Keep the Law? // Ask Pastor John

The Mosaic law requires obedience over and over again. Does that mean old-covenant believers earned their way to a right standing with God?

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, I have been reading Deuteronomy, and 30:11–14 caught my attention. It states that the commandments in the Book of the Law are ‘not too hard for you.’ Thus, because obedience is attainable, they were forbidden from asking: ‘Who will ascend to heaven for us?’ (Deuteronomy 30:12). That’s as anti-Christological as it gets. But I’m also aware that Paul uses this passage in Romans 10:6–8 to explain righteousness based on faith. Based on the context of the beginning of Romans 10, I am 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 commands of God perfectly was actually achievable, so achievable a savior wasn’t needed.” Pastor John, how would you solve this conundrum for Max?

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