Paul contrasts three religions: I) a religion of works; II) a religion of signs; and III) a religion of faith. He teaches that one need not find something or do something. Unlike the law, Christ is not unattainable, rather He is as near as the preached word. He is not found by “seekers” looking for signs and wonders, nor in a mystical subjective ascending journey into heaven. Neither is He found in the Catholic mass which claims to bring Christ down. The religion that Paul teaches is one based upon faith in Christ – and anything that detracts from Jesus is a false religion. The change in the pronoun in verse 9 to the second person, presses the individual – YOU must believe to be saved.
