New Testament

Romans 10:6

The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English

At a Glance

In this verse, Paul is explaining that true righteousness, which comes from faith, does not require us to perform impossible tasks to reach God.

Author: Paul the apostle
Written: Around AD 57
Genre: Letter (epistle)
Original Audience: Christians in Rome

CBTClear Bible Translation

But the righteousness that comes from faith says, "Do not say in your heart, 'Who will ascend into heaven?'" — that is, to bring Christ down —

KJVKing James Version

But the righteousness which is of faith speaketh on this wise, Say not in thine heart, Who shall ascend into heaven? (that is, to bring Christ down from above:)

Verse Analysis

Plain-English insight for readers

In this verse, Paul is explaining that true righteousness, which comes from faith, does not require us to perform impossible tasks to reach God. Instead of trying to bring Christ down from heaven, we should understand that faith in Him is what connects us to God. The phrase 'Who will ascend into heaven?' suggests a futile effort to achieve righteousness through our own works or efforts. Paul emphasizes that faith is about believing in what God has already done through Christ, rather than striving to reach Him through our own strength. This highlights the accessibility of faith; it is not about human achievement but about trusting in God's grace and the work of Christ. The righteousness that comes from faith is about accepting God's gift rather than trying to earn it through our own actions. Explore related anxiety.

Related Bible verses

How to apply Romans 10:6 to your life

This verse encourages us to rely on faith rather than our own efforts to connect with God. Instead of feeling overwhelmed by the need to achieve perfection, we can find peace in trusting that Christ has already accomplished what we could not. Embrace faith as a gift.

Curated for this public verse page. Romans Summary

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick, clear answers about this verse

What does Romans 10:6 mean?

Romans 10:6 explains that true righteousness comes from faith and does not require us to perform impossible tasks to reach God. Instead of trying to bring Christ down from heaven, we should trust in what He has already done for us.

What is the meaning of 'Who will ascend into heaven?' in Romans 10:6?

The phrase 'Who will ascend into heaven?' suggests a futile effort to achieve righteousness through our own works. It emphasizes that we cannot earn our way to God but must rely on faith in Christ.

How does Romans 10:6 relate to faith and grace?

Romans 10:6 illustrates that faith is about accepting God's grace rather than striving for perfection through our own actions. It reassures us that we can trust in Christ's work for our righteousness.

What does righteousness by faith mean in Romans 10:6?

Righteousness by faith in Romans 10:6 means that we are made right with God not through our efforts but by believing in what Christ has done. It emphasizes that faith is a gift from God, not a result of our achievements.

Book Summary

The Book of Romans

Romans 1: Paul's Greeting and the Wrath of God Against Ungodliness

Paul introduces himself as a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle and separated to preach the gospel of God. He says this gospel concerns God's Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who is made of the seed of David according to the flesh and declared to be the Son of God with power by the resurrection from the dead. Paul explains that through Christ he receives grace and apostleship to bring about obedience of faith among all nations. He addresses the believers in Rome as those loved by God and called to be saints, and he gives thanks for their faith, which is spoken of throughout the whole world. He tells them he prays continually to visit them and longs to see them so he may share a spiritual gift and be comforted together with them by mutual faith.

Paul says he is ready to preach the gospel in Rome and declares he is not ashamed of it, because it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. He states that the righteousness of God is revealed in the gospel from faith to faith. He then describes the wrath of God revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men who suppress the truth. He says people know God through creation, yet they do not glorify him as God. Their thinking becomes empty, and their foolish heart is darkened. They exchange the glory of the incorruptible God for images of corruptible creatures. God gives them over to uncleanness, dishonorable passions, and a reprobate mind. They fill themselves with all manner of unrighteousness and continue in these things while approving others who do the same. Romans 2: God's Righteous Judgment Paul addresses a person who judges others and says that anyone who judges commits the same kinds of sins. He warns that God's judgment is according to truth and that those who continue in evil will not escape. He explains that God will render to every man according to his deeds: eternal life to those who continue in well-doing, and indignation and wrath to those who obey unrighteousness. He says there is no respect of persons with God. Gentiles who sin without the law perish without the law, and Jews who sin under the law are judged by the law.

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