Romans 10:6-8 : But the righteousness which is of faith saith thus, Say not in thy heart, Who shall ascend into heaven? (that is, to bring Christ down:), or, Who shall descend into the abyss? (that is, to bring Christ up from the dead). But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach. In the connection in which these words are used, they seem at first glance to be somewhat obscure. Paul was quoting Deut. 30:12-14, with parenthetical words of his own to adapt the words of Moses to his own purpose. But the words of Moses in the verse preceding the words Paul quotes, together with the last words quoted, help us to understand the significance of the passage: "For this commandment which I command thee this day, it is not too hard for thee, neither is it far off. . . . But the word is very nigh unto thee, in thy mouth, and in thy heart, that thou mayest do it." "This commandment" refers to the whole law, which Moses had just finished giving them in detail and in completeness. Hence, it was nigh them; so that it was not necessary to go to heaven to bring it down, nor across the sea to learn it. That law was not in heaven, but here among them. The law had been within easy reach, but righteousness had been unattainable. But the righteousness which is by faith in Christ is attainable, and is within easy reach. It does not require the impossible, such as ascending to heaven to bring Christ down or to bring him up from Hades. No such additional signs are necessary; nor do we now have to hear direct from heaven to enjoy this righteousness by faith. The word of faith, or the word which produces faith, was preached--that is, made known--by the apostles. The connection shows that this plan of righteousness made known by the apostles is all that is necessary--is, indeed, the only plan through which we may become righteous by faith in Christ. To pray for some additional power to come direct from heaven is to show a lack of faith in what God has said. But to believe in Christ means more than to give mental assent to the truths and facts revealed about him; it means more than to have a passive trust in him it must be an active faith--a faith made per-fect by obedience to the commands of him in whom we believe.