A Meditation on Romans 10:3

For, being ignorant of the righteousness of God, and seeking to establish their own, they did not submit to God’s righteousness. (Romans 10:3).

I am interested in the words, ". . . being ignorant of the righteousness of God, . . ." Of what were they (or any people) ignorant when they push past God's righteousness in order to establish their own?

They are ignorant of its existence.
Many do no know of the wonderful holiness secured in Jesus Christ. This is one purpose of the gospel message to the lost. Others, like the Jewish nation here mentioned, were willingly ignorant, for the truth had been proclaimed to them in the law of Moses and throughout the entirety of the Old Testament. Indeed, Paul had already established their advantage, “They are Israelites, and to them belong the adoption, the glory, the covenants, the giving of the law, the worship, and the promises.” (Romans 9:4). 

They had access to the truth. But then so do so many in churches today. Oh, that we would relish the righteousness of Jesus Christ and not fight to gain what is already ours! Oh, that more would accept its work in their lives and not let our enemy beat us up over sins forgiven.

So, some are ignorant and need to hear. Others have heard and still remain ignorant.
 
They are ignorant of its perfection.
No man ever had a pure righteousness. Due to his own spiritual malady, any effort on man's part becomes tainted both in design and application. Man, at best, can only cover over some sins, but never remove any nor especially obliterate all. In Jesus' atonement, not just the noticeable sins, but sin in its issue has been eradicated. Only He who is Perfect can provide the perfect sacrifice. It is complete, it is perfect, and it is efficacious. 

They are ignorant of its beauty.
Beautiful because of who secured it--the spotless Lamb of God. Beautiful because of who has been enabled to receive it--rebels worthy of eternal destruction away from the presence of the Lord. Beautiful for the completion each enjoys--forever sanctified in Christ.They who know their sin to be the worst find Christ's redemption to be the greatest. The shiny diamond of Christ's righteousness gleams brightest against the velvety black backdrop of sin.