2 I can give witness about them that they really want to serve God. But how they are trying to do it is not based on what they know.
3 They didn't know how God makes people right with himself. They tried to get right with God in their own way. They didn't do it in God's way.
4 Christ has completed the law. So now everyone who believes can be right with God.
5 Moses explained how the law could help a person do what God requires. He said, "The one who does those things will live by them." (Leviticus 18:5)
6 But the way to do what God requires must begin by having faith in him. Scripture says, "Do not say in your heart, 'Who will go up into heaven?' " (Deuteronomy 30:12) That means to go up into heaven and bring Christ down.
7 "And do not say, 'Who will go down into the grave?' " (Deuteronomy 30:13) That means to bring Christ up from the dead.
8 But what does it say? "The word is near you. It's in your mouth and in your heart." (Deuteronomy 30:14) That means the word we are preaching. You must put your faith in it.