This text in Hebrews reads like a “Who’s Who” of Old Testament heroes all linked to some action prompted by faith in God’s Promise. They believed, therefore they did something.
A man is not justified by the works of the law but by faith in Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Christ Jesus, that we might be justified by faith in Christ and not by the works of the law; for by the works of the law no flesh shall be justified.
Galatians 2:16 (NKJV)
Faith glorifies God, and faith knows what God says about man. God is good, but man is an imperfect reflection of that goodness. God is love, but man lacks God’s abundant compassion. Man sins and falls short of the glory God while God is pure and holy.
Faith, like all living things, shows signs of life: faith responds to God, it works, and it moves us along in harmony with what God wants from us. St. James wrote, “Faith without works is dead.” Faith, firm acceptance of God’s truth in Christ, leads us to acts of faith or works.
Faith: receive it, believe it, live it!
Scriptures
- Galatians 2:16
- Hebrews 11:1
- Hebrews 11:17-19
