Rom 9:30-32What then shall we say? That the Gentiles, who did not pursue righteousness, have obtained it, a righteousness that is by faith; 31 but the people of lsrael, who pursued the law as the way of righteousness, have not attained their goal. 32 Why not? Because they pursued it not by faith but as if it were by works. … Rom 10:5-13 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) 7 “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: If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved. 11 As Scripture says, “Anyone who believes in him will never be put to shame.” 12 For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile-the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses who call on him, 13 for, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”
The law was given as a way for us to live a good life, one of blessing. It is the manual for life that so many long for. It provides the way to life abundant. However, it does not offer a way into heaven. The only way into heaven is to live a perfect life. God cannot be around sin and, therefore, requires perfection. According to Hebrews, faith is counted to us as righteousness. This is still but filthy rags without the blood of sacrifice - Jesus being the final, atoning sacrifice for all. We are called therefore to first call up Jesus for salvation, then cling to faith that we shall be saved, then live a life of faith and good works. Doing only the final step does not get you into heaven.
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