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Romans Commentary Chapters 9-16  /  Romans 10:1-4 the Folly of Seeking Righteousness in the Law  /  Discussion Questions
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Question 6
The lesson explicitly rejects the idea that it is wrong to seek “personal righteousness” and critiques “imputed righteousness” being used to claim believers “have no righteousness of our own”; where have you seen assurance taught in a way that discourages pursuing actual righteousness, and what would need to change in your theology or habits to pursue obedience without slipping into self-made righteousness?
Another way to ask: Where have you heard assurance taught in a way that makes people stop trying to live righteously? What would you need to change in your beliefs or habits to pursue obedience without trying to earn salvation on your own?

Direct Answer Bercot argues that some teachings about imputed righteousness wrongly discourage Christians from pursuing real obedience, as if seeking personal righteousness is automatically self-righteous. The transcript pushes for pursuing righteousness as faithful obedience to Christ, while rejecting the idea that righteousness comes from an obsolete law-system or human effort apart from grace.

Support from Transcript:

  • Bercot says many take this passage “out of context” to teach believers “have no righteousness of our own” and that Christ’s righteousness is merely “imputed…in the books of heaven.”
  • He notes some even claim “it is wrong for us to try to obtain personal righteousness by faithfully obeying Christ.”
  • He counters with Scripture calling people righteous and concludes: “no human is righteous in an absolute sense,” but God requires “the faithfulness and obedience that fallen humans can give.”
  • He distinguishes personal righteousness from “seeking…own righteousness” meaning righteousness “from the law.”
  • Origen’s framing: we should “obey…Christ,” rather than chase a righteousness “seen by men.”
Discussion Follow-ups What habits help you obey Christ without making obedience your “credential”? How can assurance be rooted in grace while still taking Jesus’ commands seriously?

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