Israel’s goal was acceptable, but their faithless seeking failed to obtain it, though the elect did obtain it, by faith. Such faithless efforts may indeed be fervent, but they are always futile and will lead to eternal death. Not by works, but only by faith in Christ can we receive and obtain the righteousness of God. Let us not fall into the neglect and legalism of national Israel. God's Reserve: the Remnant of Grace World Reconciliation