"We hold that a man is justified by faith apart from the works of the law".
I didn't write that, Paul did in Romans 3:28.
Many Christians think that they are living in freedom because they do not live according to the Law of Moses. Some judge the Orthodox Christian faiths as leaning towards the law because of traditions and practices they observe. We miss the point entirely when we think this way.
Paul is writing about 'faith righteousness' and he uses Abraham as his example. He is making the point that we are righteous by faith in the finished work of Jesus not by any effort of our own. Not by performance. Not by good works. Not by man's measure or standard.
Romans 4:13 tells us that all the promises of God came to Abraham by faith. Verse 16 tells us that all these promises are ours by faith.
In the fourth chapter of Romans Paul goes to great length to make sure we understand this. Again, Abraham is his example. Paul is clearly saying that Abraham, before the law, even before he was circumcised, was reckoned righteous before God by faith. Rom.4:10.
What is the point? We hold that any human soul is righteous before God by trust in what Jesus did rather than what he/she does. It is not about the idea that since we are not required to live by the law of Moses any longer that we are now walking in the 'freedom' that the New Testament speaks of. No, we walk in true freedom when we are convinced in our hearts that we are secure in our relationship with God because of the great love He demonstrated toward us by the sacrifice of Jesus.
The point is best expressed in Romans 4:3 " What does the scripture say? 'Abraham believed God and it was reckoned to him as righteousness'"
What reckoned Abraham righteous? "It" What was the it? Belief. Faith. Trust.
God want us to trust Him.
Monday, July 13, 2009
Saturday, July 11, 2009
Righteousness
If you are new to this wesite you will note that we are still working on some of the pages. You will also note, I trust, that this website is devoted to the message of the gospel. I believe that it is the power of God unto salvation as Paul states in Romans. (chapter 1:16&17)
That is very significant in that Paul is saying that the truth of the gospel has a power of its own. He tells us that it leads to salvation. We all have had experience with the power of the gospel bringing us, and the ones we share the gospel with, into reconciliation with God. But the word salvation means much more. It comes from the Greek word 'Sozo' which means wholeness of body, mind and heart along with the promise of blessing.
Paul tells us that this comes by a revelation of a truth revealed in the gospel. Here is where I believe the real power of the gospel is made known to us; when we 'get it', when we have the truth of the gospel revealed to our very soul, we will be transformed.
The incredible truth of the gospel is that we become (by faith) the very righteousness of God. This reality, once understood in its awesome totality, will do something to our spirit that can only be understood in the context of the mystery of God's Kingdom reality.
This is the very substance of faith. God does spiritual work in hearts and lives that goes beyond human understanding. When we receive truth by faith we are walking in Kingdom realms that position us for every blessing and promise that is in the Bible. (Rom.4:13-16) God loves our faith. He wants us to trust Him.
The revelation of 'faith righteousness' will be emphazised on this website because it is the source of transformation. It reveals what God is after. He wants us to be fully alive, restored and blessed so that we can utilize the gifts He has given us to reach the world with His marvelous gospel in all its power. Not to mention that He wants us whole because He loves us!
That is very significant in that Paul is saying that the truth of the gospel has a power of its own. He tells us that it leads to salvation. We all have had experience with the power of the gospel bringing us, and the ones we share the gospel with, into reconciliation with God. But the word salvation means much more. It comes from the Greek word 'Sozo' which means wholeness of body, mind and heart along with the promise of blessing.
Paul tells us that this comes by a revelation of a truth revealed in the gospel. Here is where I believe the real power of the gospel is made known to us; when we 'get it', when we have the truth of the gospel revealed to our very soul, we will be transformed.
The incredible truth of the gospel is that we become (by faith) the very righteousness of God. This reality, once understood in its awesome totality, will do something to our spirit that can only be understood in the context of the mystery of God's Kingdom reality.
This is the very substance of faith. God does spiritual work in hearts and lives that goes beyond human understanding. When we receive truth by faith we are walking in Kingdom realms that position us for every blessing and promise that is in the Bible. (Rom.4:13-16) God loves our faith. He wants us to trust Him.
The revelation of 'faith righteousness' will be emphazised on this website because it is the source of transformation. It reveals what God is after. He wants us to be fully alive, restored and blessed so that we can utilize the gifts He has given us to reach the world with His marvelous gospel in all its power. Not to mention that He wants us whole because He loves us!
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