Daily Writing

Thursday, 25 July 2019

For we all stumble in many things. If anyone does not stumble in word, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle the whole body. James 3:2

James just spoke of the need for people to not be hasty in becoming teachers, “knowing that we shall receive a stricter judgment.” Now, to support that notion, he says, “For we all stumble in many things.” It is a universal statement, inclusive of himself, that people are prone to error. The word translated as “stumble” is the same word used in verse 2:10 where he noted –

“For whoever shall keep the whole law, and yet stumble in one point, he is guilty of all.”

His point is that all are guilty of breaking the law. It is something confirmed by Paul in the book of Romans –

“…for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” Romans 3:23

Next, to further define what he means by “stumble,” he says, “If anyone does not stumble in word.” The idea here is that everyone is prone to stumble, and thus people who desire to be teachers need to be properly trained in teaching. However, there are those whose point of stumbling is in their words. Such cannot keep watch over their tongues. This is a great error because the tongue is the very means by which the teaching is communicated.

Therefore, if the person’s words are not circumspect, there will be a negative impression brought upon the very word which is being taught. And yet, it is the word which is intended to bring life, restoration with God, and a proper walk before Him. A man who can guard his tongue is needed. In this, James says, “he is a perfect man.”

The word translated as “perfect” gives the sense of full maturity, being brought to the end of the development process so that there is a perfection of his verbal conduct. There will be no stumbling because he has trained himself in the word. It is reflective of what is said in Psalm 39:1 –

“I said, ‘I will guard my ways,
Lest I sin with my tongue;
I will restrain my mouth with a muzzle,
While the wicked are before me.’”

Finally, James describes such a perfect man by saying that he is “able also to bridle the whole body.” How can that be? The tongue is so small, and it is normally kept out of sight. And yet James says that in keeping the tongue in check, the whole body is bridled! The word he uses is one only found here and in James 1:26, chalinagógeó, and it signifies “to curb,” “restrain,” or even “to bridle.” One puts a bridle in the horse of a mouth, and the horse can then be moved wherever the rider determines. This is the idea that James gives here. To bridle the tongue will keep the whole body moving in the desired path.

James will continue with his thoughts on the tongue in the verses ahead, warning all that the tongue must be properly restrained, or severe consequences will result.

Life application: Living a faultless life is a hard challenge and, as James indicates, we all stumble in many ways. There are certain sects and cults which claim that we can have total victory over sin even in this life. But 1 John 1:10 dispels that notion –

“If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us.”

We cannot claim that we were or are yet free from sin. To make such a claim is to call the inspiration of Scripture into question. However, we can strive to be faultless in the use of our tongue. And this, in turn, will allow us to keep the rest of our actions in check as well.

Because of the large amount of effort James will dedicate to the subject of keeping watch over our tongues, we will demonstrate wisdom to take heed to his admonitions. In addition to James, the book of Proverbs deals with the subject of exercising care in the use of our mouths.

Let us make a concerted effort to use our mouths for praise and not cursing, adoration and not contempt, uplifting and not tearing down. If we do this, not only will those we address be blessed, but we will as well.

Negativity in life stores up in our souls and makes us bitter. So let us attempt to focus on the good aspects of others – to the extent possible, depending on the person. If there is nothing redeeming in the person, then don’t say anything at all. Why lower yourself to the level of a debased person? All things to the glory of the Lord! So let us watch our tongues closely.

Heavenly Father, we surely and openly admit to our inability to control our tongues in all situations. Therefore, we ask a heaping dose of restraint in this matter. Refresh us and give us the ability to overcome the use of inappropriate words. We ask this that You will be glorified in our lives and in the eyes of those around us. Amen.

Wednesday, 24 July 2019

My brethren, let not many of you become teachers, knowing that we shall receive a stricter judgment. James 3:1

James now begins Chapter 3 by once again addressing fellow believers with the words, “My brethren.” He is concerned about the quality of understanding matters of doctrine within the fellowship, and so he says to them, “let not many of you become teachers.”

The word he uses signifies one competent in instruction. In this case, he is referring to a knowledge of Scripture and its right application, meaning proper theology. This is obvious because he is writing to an assembly of believers who are gathered as a synagogue (verse 2:2), meaning a group which has come together for this purpose.

His words indicate that a few who are qualified and knowledgeable in the word are far more preferable than having many teach but who are unqualified. Indeed, there are many valid reasons for this, but James then goes on to give one main reason for the directive by saying, “knowing that we shall receive a stricter judgment.”

Using the first person plural, James is including himself in being a teacher, and the consequences of this if his duties are not properly handled. As a teacher of the word, he has a concern even for his own state as a teacher. It shows a care and a concern that his doctrine and instruction is more important to him than merely holding the position.

The results of not having this care and concern for doctrine will lead to an unfavorable judgment. The KJV unfortunately and incorrectly translates this word as “condemnation” rather than “judgment.” As James is writing to believers (my brethren), and as this means that they are in Christ and are saved, there is a truth revealed elsewhere in Scripture concerning this matter – as is noted by Paul in Romans 8:1, 1 Corinthians 11:32, and elsewhere – which is that believers have gone from condemnation to salvation. Ours is a judgment not for condemnation, but for rewards and loss.

James’ point is that a teacher who is unqualified will not be excused because of his lack of knowledge, but will rather be held to a higher standard because of the position he has assumed. Instead of rewards for accepting the challenge, there will be loss for failing to bring honor to the position, sound instruction to those who listen, and glory to God through the instruction.

Life application: Having a proper understanding of the Bible before teaching ought to be the norm, but it is more often than not the exception. Very few ministers, pastors, and teachers have actually read through the Bible even once. Bible teachers will often use non-biblical texts for Bible study, something which defeats the purpose of the study. Rather than the word itself, teachers are known to refer to A Purpose Driven Life, the Left Behind series, or one of a number of other non-biblical texts as if they were authoritative for successful living, or for an understanding of points of doctrine, such as end-times events.

If you want bad doctrine, just click on the internet and type in “Bible Study.” There are millions of sites containing such bad information that it simply isn’t possible to discern what is right and what is wrong without already knowing what the Bible actually says. Is it ok to drink alcohol? Only one answer is correct – Yes or No. But without having personally studied the issue, how can you know which is true?

What should be the truth about Christian giving – tithing or something else? What does the Bible really teach about tithing anyway? The list is long of such lesser issues which can lead people down faulty paths, and which will inevitably set our lives on unhappy courses. How much worse then with the greater issues such as justification, sanctification, proper conduct within the church, and etc.

Consider other major doctrines such as the Trinity, the virgin birth, the resurrection, etc. If you have gotten those wrong, your salvation very well may be in question. And yet there are millions of people who either deny these fundamental truths, or don’t know where they stand on the issue. If the masses who aren’t teachers are in trouble, then how much more will be the teachers of such heresies. Misdirected faith is wasted faith. Make sure you read your Bible and know the truth – eternity awaits.

Lord God, may You be our guide and our teacher through the word You have given. When we attend a Bible study or read a commentary, may You open our eyes to the truth of what is being taught. Give us proper biblical discernment as a gift to us so that we might not sin against You. This we ask in the beautiful name of Jesus our Lord. Amen.

Tuesday, 23 July 2019

For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also. James 2:26

James closes out Chapter 2 with a clear and concise simile which sums up his thoughts on faith and works. He begins with, “For the body without the spirit is dead.” It is an obvious statement. When the spirit of a man departs, the body dies. This is seen throughout Scripture, including the most poignant example found in human history –

“So when Jesus had received the sour wine, He said, ‘It is finished!’ And bowing His head, He gave up His spirit.” John 19:30

Jesus literally and truly died when His spirit left Him. His body could no longer perform the functions of a living being. This is true with all who die. Understanding that, and using a word translated as “as” for the comparison, James then says, “so faith without works is dead also.” Faith by itself serves no one. But when faith is moved into action, as when a spirit moves a body, so faith is alive.

As throughout several verses already, the question comes down to “what works?” As this commentary is being evaluated, fingers are typing on a keyboard. It takes faith that the keyboard will transmit the signal to the computer. As the keyboard is battery-operated, it takes faith that the battery has sufficient energy in it to continue the commentary. Though we don’t think of this, it is always true concerning such things. Faith is defined in Hebrews 11:1 –

“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”

The answer to the question of “What works?” is “Anything that carries the substance of the things hoped for into action.” There is not an arbitrary set of rules or standards invented by man which say, “He is doing works that demonstrate saving faith,” or “He cannot be saved because his works are not evident.” The only one who can do the works in faith is the individual with the faith. And the only One who can truly evaluate the works as to whether they are of faith or not is God.

Is lying in a bed, completely paralyzed, and yet praying to God for others a deed of faith? Yes, of course it is. If the person is praying to God for others, it is because he has faith that his prayers are heard by God. However, if that person is praying to the god of Islam, it is misdirected faith, and thus wasted faith. One must have properly directed faith in order for it to be accepted by God. All prayers are to go through God’s Mediator, Jesus Christ. When this is done by the poor paralytic, his prayers of faith are credited to him as works of faith.

This is exactly why Paul says that one must confess Jesus as Lord –

“…that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. ¹⁰ For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.” Romans 10:9, 10

It is unreasonable to expect that a person who claims to have faith would be unwilling to do the one thing that all people can do – in faith – to be saved. Even a mute person can confess with his mouth. The sound may not be audible, but it is a confession nonetheless.

Any deed done in faith (meaning in faith in relation to Jesus Christ) is a work of faith as spoken of by James in this chapter. Any deed not done in faith is not. It is that simple.

Life application: Concerning faith and works as spoken of by James, the two are inseparable. It all points back to the work of Jesus Christ – in the life of the unbeliever and in the life of the believer.

If you have acknowledged Jesus Christ as Lord, then your deeds of faith are to continue. Trust Him, and have faith that your life is being directed by Him to a good end for you. Any actual workings of deeds are to be done in faith that they are a part of His great plan in your life – just as Abraham offering up Isaac was; just as Rahab’s faith in the God of Israel was; and just as was the case in every faithful figure mentioned (or remaining unmentioned but remembered) in Hebrews 11.

Heroes of the faith are those who live intimately connected to the Spirit of God and who exercise faith in all they do. Are you a hero of the faith? Do you honestly trust that the immense trial you are facing is for a good end and a glorious purpose?

What about the annoying things that happen throughout the day? Have you come to the realization that even these are molding you for your good and for His glory? Walk in His Spirit, trusting that what transpires is just as it should be, O child of the Living God.

Thank You Lord that all things – good and difficult – are being used to conform us to Your glorious image and to refine us both in this life and for the life to come. We will trust you, by faith, in everything that occurs – that You will be glorified through our lives. In Jesus name! Amen.

Monday, 22 July 2019

Likewise, was not Rahab the harlot also justified by works when she received the messengers and sent them out another way? James 2:25

James now proceeds to his final example of being justified by works. Here, he uses the harlot Rahab as an example. Unlike Abraham, who is discussed in detail by Paul concerning being justified by faith alone, there is very little mention of Rahab in Scripture, and she is only mentioned three times in the New Testament.

The first of these three times is in the genealogy of Jesus in Matthew 1. Her name is simply mentioned along with other names in the list. She is then mentioned in Hebrews 11 in a single verse. And now she is mentioned in this one verse by James. In the Old Testament, it tells of what she did in Joshua 2, and the results of that for her in Joshua 6. On a cursory reading, everything about what she did in Joshua 2 appears to be an active work on her part.

Because of this, James says, “was not Rahab the harlot also justified by works.” This is James’ position, and it is recorded in Scripture. It must be true. As noted, the account of Joshua 2 tells what she did, and the account in Joshua 6 shows the result – the saving of her family and herself. James then explicitly cites the work that she did. It was “when she received the messengers and sent them out another way.”

Here, like in the evaluation of the previous verse, someone might now argue that James is referring to actual, demonstrable deeds leading to righteousness. The idea (as the RCC would claim) is that Rahab has participated in her justification through her deeds. This is good news for people like Bill Gates who do lots of things to be considered philanthropic and caring. Maybe there is hope for him because of all he has done!

No. It doesn’t work that way. A man is justified by faith alone – apart from deeds of the law. This is what Paul speaks of, and it is actually – once again – supported by Hebrews 11 –

“By faith the harlot Rahab did not perish with those who did not believe, when she had received the spies with peace.” Hebrews 11:31

Hebrews 11, which is prior to the book of James for a reason in Scripture, cites the exact same deed that James now cites. And it says Rahab’s deed was a deed of faith. It was not separate from, but because of, her faith. Her faith saved her and it was expressed in her deed. In other words, a deed, not done in faith, is of no value in this equation. Bill Gates cannot use James 2 to say he stands justified before God, and the RCC cannot say that a person’s arbitrary deeds increase their justification before God. It is by faith, and by faith alone, that one is justified before God. The deeds of faith are what James is referring to.

When someone says, “Good deeds are the fruit of faith,” the question to then be asked is, “What deeds?” Unless the answer is, “Deeds of faith,” then they have missed the mark of what Scripture is referring to. And, the only One who can determine if a deed is of faith is God who reads the hearts and minds. Arbitrary standards of what constitutes “good deeds” are to be rejected. A person’s faith belongs to that person alone.

Life application: “By faith,” Rahab was saved. The faith justifies. The deed is merely an attachment to the faith. Many attempt to climb high mountains, but the lack of motivation to reach the summit will often outweigh the physical ability to do so; some will turn back without accomplishing their task. In contrast, those who truly desire to reach the summit can do so – even if they have far less physical strength than those who couldn’t make it. Those with faith that they can do it will be those who prevail.

We often quit a task because we don’t have faith in a positive outcome. Those who do, even with fewer resources, will continue on and be successful. The outcome is attainable, but the faith is vital.

In Matthew 17, Jesus’ disciples couldn’t heal a boy with a demon. Jesus rebuked them by saying, “O faithless and perverse generation…” (Matthew 17:17). Later when they asked Him why they couldn’t drive out the demon, He responded –

“Because of your unbelief; for assuredly, I say to you, if you have faith as a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you. ²¹ However, this kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting.’” Matthew 17:20, 21

The outcome then was possible, but they lacked the proper faith to bring it about. Rahab had saving faith in the God of Israel. Her words indicate this –

“And as soon as we heard these things, our hearts melted; neither did there remain any more courage in anyone because of you, for the Lord your God, He is God in heaven above and on earth beneath.” Joshua 2:11

Rahab understood the omnipotence of the LORD and put her trust in it. Today, if you are facing a difficult situation, remember that God is in complete control. Have faith that what He has planned is sufficient to accomplish the task according to His will and for your best interests.

Lord, if Rahab the harlot can demonstrate such immense faith despite the situation she faced, surely we can too. Be with us and strengthen our faith that we might stand in the times of testing and trial. Give us faith that can move mountains and the certainty that what we need to accomplish will occur if it is in accord with Your sovereign will. To Your glory and in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Sunday, 21 July 2019

You see then that a man is justified by works, and not by faith only. James 2:24

James 2:24 is one of the most debated verses in the book of James, and even in the New Testament. It is in the indicative mood, and is likely a question, rather than a statement of fact. Thus, the Douay-Rheims Bible says –

“Do you see that by works a man is justified; and not by faith only?”

Further, the word “only,” is in the emphatic position. In essence, James asks it with a stress. He is arguing that someone who has faith only and is unwilling to exercise that faith, is missing a key element of the process of justification. As questioned before concerning works that justify, “What works?” Is there a set standard of works which defines justification? How is a person justified before God?

Concerning justification, Paul states, “Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith apart from the deeds of the law” (Romans 3:28). Deeds of the law, meaning the law of Moses (or certainly whatever other law exists at the time, because the Law of Moses did not exist at the time of Abraham) cannot justify. Man is justified apart from deeds of the law.

Rather, our faith alone in what Jesus has done justifies us, apart from the law. However, what James has written seems, on the surface, to conflict with Paul’s idea of “faith alone” for justification.

Either there is a contradiction or James is speaking on an entirely different level concerning the same matter. Paul is very clear in what he means and repeats his stand of faith alone elsewhere. He makes the same exact claim four more times his epistles: Romans 5:1, Galatians 2:16, Galatians 3:11, and Galatians 3:24. These verses and their surrounding thoughts clearly point to justification (being declared righteous) by faith alone. In addition to this, his letters allude to this concept many other times.

Biblical commentaries will state that good works stem necessarily from salvation because of “true faith.” In other words, if you have true faith, you will naturally do “good works.” Therefore, the claim is that James is referring to good works as the “fruit” of justification or “proof of faith.” In fact, many people judge another’s salvation based on the works they do; the claim is that if there are no works, there is no saving faith. This is shallow at best and fails to recognize two things:

1) That non-Christians – all over the world – are actively doing “good works.” Many times these are equal to or better than those of saved Christians. Even self-proclaimed “atheists” go out and do good stuff for other people. Such works simply cannot be what justifies us or “proves” our justification, in any way, shape, or form. If they do, then non-believers have a right to look down on Christians who don’t do what they do and at the same level of output.

2) This doesn’t align at all with what James is saying. James is saying that a person is “justified by works,” not that justification is somehow proved by what he does.

Good works as a demonstration of salvation may appear to be the biblical admonition, but it is not always the biblical norm. The entire book of 1 Corinthians is written to already-saved believers. Paul never questions their salvation – even in the midst of gross immorality that was worse than the pagans. They are the most disorganized, haphazard bunch of people one can imagine. Good works are certainly lacking in the lives of these saved people… and yet they are saved – hence justified.

If one pursues works as evidence of true saving faith to its logical conclusion, then no known amount of good works could ever be enough to justify a person or prove that justification. In essence, one would be in a never-ending cycle of fret as to whether he has “appeased” God enough to prove his faith. This is the dilemma that Martin Luther was caught in. Roman Catholicism completely controlled its adherents in this respect, of which he was one. In essence, he was in complete bondage to the strict edicts and demands of the Roman Catholic Church.

The extra-biblical teachings of depraved men grow abundantly in such an environment – indulgences, purgatory, prayers to the saints, adoration of Mary, legalism of all types, etc. are all the natural result of leaving behind the simplicity of the Gospel of Jesus which says we are justified by faith alone.

The RCC, in its official canons from the Council of Trent (which are in full effect today), goes beyond Scripture and actually implicitly declares the Apostle Paul anathema. This is because what is being stated in them is 100% contrary to what he wrote. Additionally, canon 23 directly contradicts Jesus’ words and therefore, by default, proclaims Jesus anathema (oops):

Canon 9 “If any one saith, that by faith alone the impious is justified; in such wise as to mean, that nothing else is required to co-operate in order to the obtaining the grace of Justification, and that it is not in any way necessary, that he be prepared and disposed by the movement of his own will; let him be anathema.”

Canon 10 “If any one shall say that justifying faith is nothing else than confidence in the divine mercy pardoning sins for Christ’s sake, or that it is that confidence alone by which we are justified … let him be accursed”

Canon 14 “If any one saith, that man is truly absolved from his sins and justified, because that he assuredly believed himself absolved and justified; or, that no one is truly justified but he who believes himself justified; and that, by this faith alone, absolution and justification are effected; let him be anathema.”

Canon 23 “lf any one saith, that a man once justified can sin no more, nor lose grace, and that therefore he that falls and sins was never truly justified; or, on the other hand, that he is able, during his whole life, to avoid all sins, even those that are venial,- except by a special privilege from God, as the Church holds in regard of the Blessed Virgin; let him be anathema.” (Underlining added by me.)

Canon 24 “If any one saith, that the justice received is not preserved and also increased before God through good works; but that the said works are merely the fruits and signs of Justification obtained, but not a cause of the increase thereof; let him be anathema.”

Canon 30 “If any one saith, that, after the grace of Justification has been received, to every penitent sinner the guilt is remitted, and the debt of eternal punishment is blotted out in such wise, that there remains not any debt of temporal punishment to be discharged either in this world, or in the next in Purgatory, before the entrance to the kingdom of heaven can be opened (to him); let him be anathema.”

Canon 33 “If any one saith, that, by the Catholic doctrine touching Justification, by this holy Synod inset forth in this present decree, the glory of God, or the merits of our Lord Jesus Christ are in any way derogated from, and not rather that the truth of our faith, and the glory in fine of God and of Jesus Christ are rendered (more) illustrious; let him be anathema.”

This council declares that if anyone disagrees with it, rather than the teachings of Scripture, they are damned.

If these official canons were true, then the message of eternal life through the work of Jesus Christ (by faith alone) would be false. Further, salvation would be entirely up to the determination of the RCC. Thanks be to God, however, that the truth of the gospel is that we are saved, justified, sanctified, and glorified by Jesus’ work alone.

However, this still doesn’t resolve the apparent conflict between Romans 3:28 and James 2:24. Our arbitrary works cannot resolve the dilemma between what Paul said and what James said, and so the answer must not lie within us at all. Rather the good works which justify us according to James must be as Jesus declared.

“Jesus answered and said to them, ‘This is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom He sent.’” John 6:29

This is because –

“He who believes in Me, believes not in Me but in Him who sent Me.” John 12:44

Our faith in Jesus is the “work” that God requires. We believe in (have faith in) Jesus’ earthly ministry and are justified as Paul says in Romans. Our justification in what we do then (according to James) must be our reliance on Jesus’ works – His continued work on our behalf as the Mediator between God and man and the future promises which we wait patiently for. This is exactly what was seen in Abraham. He believed that his son, Isaac, would be the son of promise even though he was about to sacrifice him.

If this isn’t the case, then we remain in a never-ending cycle of wondering if our “works” are justifying us – even though Paul says we are already justified. By necessity, it must all come back to Christ.

This is even confirmed by James –

But do you want to know, O foolish man, that faith without works is dead? ²¹ Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered Isaac his son on the altar? ²² Do you see that faith was working together with his works, and by works faith was made perfect? James 2:20-22

Paul states in Romans 4 that Abraham was justified (declared righteous) by faith, and then he cites Genesis 15. But James cites Genesis 22 (seven chapters and many years after the declaration of righteousness made in Genesis 15). The Genesis 22 account (which James refers to) is explained in Hebrews 11:17-19 –

“By faith Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Isaac, and he who had received the promises offered up his only begotten son, ¹⁸ of whom it was said, ‘In Isaac your seed shall be called,’ ¹⁹ concluding that God was able to raise him up, even from the dead, from which he also received him in a figurative sense.”

Do you see? Abraham’s faith (By faith Abraham…) was made complete in what he did, as it was motivated by further faith in God. This was the very work that James is citing. The deed is the faith in God’s provision to bring Isaac back from the dead. It is not the sacrificing of Isaac, but the trust in God that is being spoken of in the words, “By faith Abraham.”

From first to last, our declaration of justification is from and of Jesus Christ – what He did on our behalf. Our works of justification are faith in Him and the works He is accomplishing and will accomplish on our behalf. Again –

“This is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom He sent.” John 6:29

One argument against this could be that James, in most of chapter 2, is talking about actual, demonstrable deeds leading to righteousness. As an example –

“What does it profit, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can faith save him? ¹⁵ If a brother or sister is naked and destitute of daily food, ¹⁶ and one of you says to them, ‘Depart in peace, be warmed and filled,’ but you do not give them the things which are needed for the body, what does it profit? ¹⁷ Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.” James 2:14-17

Counterargument – James gives a tangible example of food and clothing, but then turns to say, “faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.” However, no action is specified. We’ve already determined that the action required for justification is faith. Our faith justifies us through and through.

In the coming verse, James will cite another example of works justifying a person. Will that example align with what is presented here? We shall see when we get to it. For now, Romans 4 debunks any thought of boasting before God based on deeds. Take time to read the entire passage again to understand what it is saying. Understand that it fully supports what is presented here.

Life application: To say that justification leads naturally to good works and that they, therefore, prove salvation discounts the biblical example (which is cited in this note) and it also leads to a never-ending cycle of wondering which works count and which don’t. Rather, all good things come from Christ, belong to Christ, and are by necessity a result of what He alone has done, is doing, or will do for us. Have faith in Him and His salvation and you are secure in that…in that alone.

Concerning the gospel of Christ, Paul says –

“For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, ‘The just shall live by faith.’” Romans 1:17

“Moreover whom He predestined, these He also called; whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified.” Romans 8:30

Have faith in Jesus Christ – what He did for you, what He is doing for you, and what He has promised to you. Your works of faith are a demonstration of your faith.

Lord God, the Bible says that Christ Jesus has done everything necessary for us to be saved, and that our faith alone is sufficient to reconcile us to You. Help us not to fall back onto a law which could never save, but to trust in the One who fulfilled that law for us. And then, Lord, help us to have faith that this is so, and that the promises He has made are sure and reliable. With this, You will certainly be pleased. Thank You for Jesus – the One who has saved us! Amen.