By Law...or Through Faith?

"Faith is a living and unshakable confidence, a belief in the grace of God so assured that a man would die a thousand deaths for its sake."  - Martin Luther

Some assume that if they "do this and not that," they should be okay in the eyes of God. In other words, they have fulfilled some sort of obligation or requirement on their part to satisfy God.

Perhaps this would be true if a person and God had some sort of written agreement of terms (a contract) such as when one buys a house or car. There, everything is spelled out for the buyer and seller prior to finalizing the deal.

This could be where confusion may lie between law and faith. The above example is one in which law is clearly defined. Both parties are aware of their obligations and any deviation or failure to comply is seen as a definite problem.

Faith, on the other hand, as it applies to God, is the means through which we receive His gracious gift of salvation. That is, we are saved by God's grace through faith. Think of it as a channel by which salvation flows from God to you and I (John 1:17).

Review the ten commandments (Exodus 20:1-17; Deuteronomy 5:6-21). Which ones haven't you broken at one time or another in your life? If we counted on our heavenly inheritance based on compliance with law, we'd be in big trouble.

Fortunately, since our being saved (salvation) is by grace (God's free gift), we never have to worry about God ever taking it back. "God's gifts and his call are irrevocable" (Romans 11:29).

This is very powerful. It basically says that when we have been saved by grace, we've been saved by God. We have His official stamp of approval! And it doesn't end there, you see, whatever God starts He always finishes (Philippians 1:6).

Is there any documentation that needs to be read then agreed to? No, because unlike law, we receive God's gift of salvation by grace through faith. No lawyers needed! This is very liberating for the believer.

Instead of wringing our hands with worry, wondering if our salvation is secure only through obedience of the law, we can devote our time to praising God. And isn't this much better than having your prospects of salvation depend on a check-list?

Scripture: Ephesians 2:8; Titus 2:11; Romans 5:2; Hebrews 11:6; John 11:25

Prayer: May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit, amen.  - Romans 15:13

May God richly bless you,

Barbara