Justified by Faith

For this reason it is by faith, that it might be in accordance with grace, in order that the promise may be certain to all the descendants, not only to those who are of the Law, but also to those who are of the faith of Abraham, who is the father of us all -Romans 4:16

As we now move into Paul's next argument in 3:21-5:21 we find Paul focused on the issue of justification. As we discussed in earlier posts, if we have a just God then we are deserving of his wrath. But we are not left there in Paul's theology. We have another aspect of God to pursue. We must look at the provision made for all mankind by God that we might be justified in his eyes, in other words, that we may stand before him and not receive his wrath.

In chapter 4 Paul will base his argument on the example of Abraham. Without going into too much detail, Abraham believed the promise of God that he would make a great nation of Abraham and make his name known among the nations. Abraham believed in the covenant with God (the promise) before he was circumcised (the sign of the covenant). In the same vein Paul will say that you and I are justified through our faith in the covenant with him, which is in the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ (the promise). We are justified through our faith, by grace, before we begin to show works of God in our lives (the sign of the covenant).

There is great discussion about what faith is. What it takes to be saved (escape the wrath of a just God). The great divide is the idea of works. The truth is that works are a part of faith! The key is that works come after justification, or more rightly said, because of justification. Because you have faith in Jesus Christ you are able to live within the covenant of God. It is only through faith in him that you may live righteously. 

For a wretch like me, this is good news!