Faith - Why It Is Important
THE RIGHTEOUS WILL LIVE BY FAITH. Romans 1:17
Within the first four chapters of Romans, Paul lays out his case for faith in much detail. His entire case can be summed up when he quoted Habakkuk 2:4, “the righteous will live by faith.” Within the details of Paul’s writing, he demonstrates that “without faith it is impossible to please Him” (Hebrews 11:6a).
The ground at the base of the cross is level. The necessary faith that pleases God, is the same for all peoples. There is one way and only one way to salvation. At the cross there is only one people, whom all come by faith to the one Savior. This one faith, Paul traces back to Abraham. This demonstrates the continuity of God’s plan of salvation throughout history.
By Faith
Arriving at chapter 5, verses 1 and 2 Paul lays out the results of faith. “Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have obtained our introduction by faith into this grace in which we stand; and we boast in hope of the glory of God” (Romans 5:1-2).
By faith we are justified. By faith we are at peace with God. By faith we introduced to grace. By faith we stand. And, by faith we have hope. Jesus Christ is at the center of these. All are now present and real for the Christian. All five of these truths come as a gift. Giving initiated by the giver: “By grace you have been saved through faith, and this not of yourselves, it is the gift of God” (Ephesians 2:8). “Being justified as a gift by His grace” (Romans 3:24).
Designed
Here in full view, is a richly designed tapestry. Faith, grace and justification are tightly woven together, and all are from one amazing gift giver, Jesus Christ. We must notice the means Christ uses, “by faith.” But, this faith is not our own, it is not something innate. This faith is from outside of man, he is not born with it, nor is it something natural or native to his character. It is a gift. In other words, the means, the ability which is faith, comes as a gift from Christ the gift giver.
By this gift of faith, comes justification. By faith we are introduced and have access to grace. Because of faith, we can be justified and now the door of grace is open. Because of these, we have “peace,” our relationship with God is restored. This in turn gives “hope,” that there is a day to come when we will be in the presents of our Savior. This in turn, gives the Christian a firm foundation on which to “stand,” standing on the unmovable Rock (Psalm 18:2).
The beauty of this tapestry is like no other. Truth richly woven together in full color, that is salvation of sinners. It displays the lovingkindness of our God. From His mercy He gave us, His enemies, “faith” in order to be “justified.” This opened up our “introduction” and access to the wonders of His “grace.” That puts us in a place of “peace” with our Creator and causes us to “stand” in “hope of the glory of God.” This tapestry like any fine work of art, deserves to be place in full view and continually enjoyed!
“Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and unfathomable His ways! For WHO HAS KNOWN THE MIND OF THE LORD, OR WHO BECAME HIS COUNSELOR? Or WHO HAS FIRST GIVEN TO HIM THAT IT MIGHT BE REPAID TO HIM? For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things. To Him be the glory forever. Amen.” Romans 11:33-36
