Wednesday, August 6, 2008
Romans 3:28 Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith apart from the deeds of the law.
FAITH ALONE
The word "faith" is one that is often misunderstood. In religion, it is often said, "Faith saves." This would then be true in the Christian religion as well as in the many other religions of the world. Some people even go so far as to say, "It doesn't matter what you believe in, as long as you believe strongly in something." This is what the religious pluralists of our world would have us believe. They want people to stop fighting about what religion is the best, and agree that all religions are essentially the same, only offering different ways to achieve the same thing.
But the Christian can't give in to such a "politically correct" sentiment because the God of the Bible claims to be distinct from the so-called "gods" of the world.
He says: "I am the LORD, that is My name; And My glory I will not give to another, Nor My praise to carved images" (Isaiah 42:8).
Jesus the Christ says He is the only way to eternal life: "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me" (John 14:6).
To some people "faith" is little more than wishing on a star. But when we as Christians speak of faith, we are talking about much, much more.
Faith alone saves us. Faith, not because we can't be sure, or because this way is just the same as any other, but because we trust in the person and the work of Jesus Christ alone for our salvation. Faith is TRUST. It saves not because of how strongly we believe or are convinced we are right. Faith in Christ saves because it is built on the unmovable rock of Jesus Christ and His work for us!
I know my faith is founded on Jesus Christ, my God and Lord;
And this my faith confessing, unmoved I stand upon His Word.
Man's reason cannot fathom the truth of God profound;
Who trusts her subtle wisdom relies on shifting ground.
God's Word is all-sufficient, it makes divinely sure,
And trusting in its wisdom, My faith shall rest secure.
(The Lutheran Hymnal, 381:1)
