Two of the great barriers to salvation and eternal life, demonstrated in Israel and in all people, are (1) the pursuit of righteousness by works and (2) excusing oneself from pursuing it at all because of its difficulty. The gospel of righteousness by faith in Christ puts an end to both of these barriers, demonstrating that the failure of every person is a result of their own sin, and that the solution is not trying harder, but believing from the heart in what Christ has done to meet that need.

