THURSDAY February 18, 2021

Saving Faith is Not of Works

…the law is not of faith, but “the man who does them shall live by them.”
Galatians 3:12

Remember, Abraham in his lifetime had established that “the just should live by faith.” In other words, he became righteous because of his faith in Christ. Abraham lived before Moses, before the Law was given. Abraham believed the promises of God by faith (Genesis 12:1-2; Genesis 15:6). His actions confirmed he believed God by faith––not by works. His faith made him righteous before God. Abraham became the Father of Faith. Paul explained Abraham’s justification by faith to the Christians in Rome:

What then shall we say that Abraham our father has found according to the flesh? For if Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about, but not before God. For what does the Scripture say? “Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.” Now to him who works, the wages are not counted as grace but as debt. But to him who does not work but believes on Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is accounted for righteousness, just as David also describes the blessedness of the man to whom God imputes righteousness apart from works… (Romans 4:1-6).

In the Old Testament and in the New Testament, people were saved by faith––not by works. If Abraham was saved by his own righteousness, he could have boasted about himself and gloried in his own works.

The Law is a matter of principle on performance, of “doing” rather than “believing,” when we need to “believe” rather than “do.” After you truly believe in Christ, you will do what is right. So actually, faith and works go together. The Apostle James spoke about works, and the Apostle Paul spoke about faith––they work together hand in hand. The Apostles were of one mind. True works come from true faith in Christ.

A person who tries to be saved by works will find themselves still in debt. They are not free. Only through believing by faith in Jesus Christ can a person becomes right with God. Christianity is so beautiful!

Faith wraps itself in the righteousness of Christ.
~Thomas Brook~

For more from Raul Ries, please visit SomebodyLovesYou.com!