It is difficult to overemphasize the importance of the doctrine of Justification by Grace through Faith and not of works.
And that doctrine is articulated so strongly throughout the entire book of Romans. St. Paul describes again and again, in beautiful and articulate ways, how and why it is important to understand that we are declared righteous and just before God through faith in Jesus and not by works of the law.
For the promise to Abraham and his offspring that he would be heir of the world did not come through the law but through the righteousness of faith.
Romans 4:13
But we forget this sometimes. Or at least we forget that it applies to others and not just us. Sometimes we’re more willing to overlook our foibles rather than those of others; ascribing to them motivations and a heart that must be far from God if they’re doing things that are against God’s will, but understanding in our own heart that we mess up, even if we still love God.
But all who believe in Jesus are saved with a righteousness that comes by faith – just like Abraham. He received the promise of that righteousness before the Law was given on Mount Sinai to Moses and all the Israelites. His faith was credited to him as righteousness before that was to come about.
That was good for the Israelites, it’s good for us, and it’s good for the world. Because if we try even a little bit to make our salvation dependent upon our actions or upon the Law, we are not just in trouble, we are in a damnable situation.
But thanks be to God that that’s not the way things are, that’s not how God structured it, and that’s not the path for salvation. God knew this, and He knew that we couldn’t attain it. That’s why He did it for us. That’s why He gives it to us. That’s why He sends the Holy Spirit to inform our motivations and our heart for following the Law and not as a basis for it.
Praise God for His infinite and indescribable mercy!
“We thank you, Lord, for giving us a salvation – a righteousness – that comes through faith and not of ourselves. Help us to remember that in times of struggle, when we fail You and Your Holy Law, so that we can look to Your faithfulness which covers our actions. Help us to live a life of righteousness through the faith that You’ve bestowed. In the name of Jesus, who accomplished all of this for us. Amen.”
Scripture
- Romans 4:13-25
- Psalm 119:65-72 (Responsory)
