Papa JoeMac's Corner Commentary - #169
Justified By Faith (Through Grace)
Romans 2:13; 3:10,20-26; 5:1; 6:15,18,23; 14:10-13
Faith is a simple word. People are named Faith. We use 'faith' in every-day language when we tell someone, "Keep the faith, baby!"
Is 'faith' so simple when it comes to eternal things? No. It is amazing we will call a 1-800 number, not know the person answering, and give them our credit card number, our social security number or our driver's license number! Why? We have 'faith' the person answering the phone will use this sensitive information only to complete the transaction at hand.
An unbeliever cannot believe securing salvation is as simple as having 'faith'. They are more confused to learn Faith is necessary for salvation! Not because there is any merit in it but because when we place our faith in God's promises, we position ourselves - in complete trust - of His promises. The unbeliever wants proof - not faith. They want to see, touch, smell, and feel Him. It does not work that way.
Consider this: "Did your Mother love you?" If I ask "Prove it", could you? Anyone can wipe your tears, cook your food, or change your diapers. See? It is not possible to prove your Mother loves you. We believe so through faith. For salvation, the same - in theory - holds true. We accept by faith that God's promises are true.
The verses of Romans speak loudly to the fact that we know, instinctively, right from wrong. You don't have to read the Bible to know that murder is wrong. We know that lying, adultery, dishonoring our parents, cheating our neighbors, being envious, etc. is wrong. God's law is already written in us. When the time comes for us to face God, we will be judged by what we know to be true. We are sinful beings. Romans tells us that none are good; no not one. Many people believe that they are truly good enough to come into the presence of a Holy God on their own merits. Friends, if we lay aside our pride and ego, and admit to ourselves who we really are and study the person we see in the mirror, we will admit that we are far from being righteous in God's sight! We need a redeemer. One who is pure and unblemished - His name is Jesus. Our faith in Jesus is our salvation. Our faith in anything or anyone other than Jesus is futile.
God's Word tells us we are precious to Him. In fact, in Genesis, God says that we are made in His image! But, God gave us the freedom to do as we please. Our 'freedom' is the very thing that shackles us. It is ironic, eh? Have you ever thought that you were a good person? Have you ever said, 'well, I'm not perfect but I'm not as bad as so-and-so'? Well, friends, the plain truth is that we are dirty rags compared to the holiness of the Almighty God. The thing to do is to be honest and admit we are sinners! Once we admit this, we begin seeking redemption and justification!!
When you accept Jesus Christ by faith, you are made right in God's sight. You are justified by faith. Through this judicial act, God pardons our sins. He accounts for them all through our faith in Jesus. The part most people struggle with is that although you accepted Jesus and placed your faith (trust) in Him, we still live in this world. We are at peace in our relationship with Jesus but we are still faced with the sins and temptations of this world. Our 'peace' with Jesus means we know we are His for eternity. When we accept Jesus, we are one with Him but we are still growing in Him. Understanding that we can never be perfect outside of Jesus is key.
Jesus died for our sins. Jesus' resurrection gave us new life in Him. By faith in Jesus, you become a child of God. You are no longer a slave to sin! Where are you? In reality, there are only two things that a person can do: (1) Continue to sin and ignore God's promise of salvation through Jesus or (2) Choose Jesus. Which have you done? Scripture says one day, every knee will bow and every tongue confess that Jesus is Lord. Will you bow and confess Jesus as Lord for the first time on that day? Can I tell you that if that is true, it's too late? All 'roads' lead to God as all will face Him. But not all 'roads' lead to eternity in Heaven with God. Which path will you take? Place your faith in Jesus today and know the peace of being eternally secure through God's justification of you through Jesus.
- - - Mr. Joseph Mcklemurry received his Masters in Biblical Studies with Trinity Seminary in Newburgh, Indiana and is an ordained minister serving as a praise and worship leader with Beautiful Feet Church in Fort Worth, Texas.
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