Topical Bible: Faith: Excludes Self-Justification

◄ Faith: Excludes Self-Justification ►

Topical Encyclopedia

Faith, as presented in the Bible, is a fundamental aspect of the Christian life, characterized by trust and reliance on God rather than on oneself. It is a gift from God that enables believers to accept His promises and live in accordance with His will. The concept of faith is central to the teachings of both the Old and New Testaments, and it is consistently portrayed as being incompatible with self-justification.

Old Testament Foundations

In the Old Testament, faith is often demonstrated through the lives of individuals who trusted in God's promises despite their circumstances. Abraham is a prime example, as he believed God's promise that he would become the father of many nations, even when it seemed impossible. Genesis 15:6 states, "Abram believed the LORD, and it was credited to him as righteousness." This verse highlights that Abraham's righteousness was not based on his own works or self-justification but on his faith in God.

The prophet Habakkuk also emphasizes the importance of faith, declaring, "But the righteous will live by his faith" (Habakkuk 2:4). This statement underscores the idea that righteousness is not achieved through human effort but through a life of faith in God.

New Testament Teachings

The New Testament further develops the concept of faith, particularly through the teachings of Jesus and the writings of the Apostle Paul. Jesus frequently called His followers to have faith, as seen in His interactions with individuals seeking healing. In Mark 5:34 , Jesus tells a woman healed of her affliction, "Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace and be free of your affliction." Here, faith is depicted as the means by which individuals receive God's grace and healing, not through their own merit.

Paul's epistles provide a comprehensive theological framework for understanding faith. In Ephesians 2:8-9 , Paul writes, "For it is by grace you have been saved through faith, and this not from yourselves; it is the gift of God, not by works, so that no one can boast." This passage clearly articulates that salvation is a result of God's grace accessed through faith, excluding any form of self-justification or boasting in one's own works.

In Romans 3:28 , Paul further asserts, "For we maintain that a man is justified by faith apart from works of the law." This statement reinforces the idea that justification before God is not based on adherence to the law or personal achievements but solely on faith in Jesus Christ.

Faith and Works

While faith excludes self-justification, it does not negate the importance of works. James 2:17 states, "So too, faith by itself, if it does not result in action, is dead." This verse highlights that genuine faith naturally produces good works as a response to God's grace, not as a means of earning salvation. The relationship between faith and works is one of cause and effect, where faith is the root and works are the fruit.

Conclusion

Throughout Scripture, faith is consistently portrayed as a reliance on God that excludes self-justification. It is a gift that enables believers to receive God's grace and live in accordance with His will, producing good works as a natural outflow of a transformed life.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Romans 10:3,4
For they being ignorant of God's righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves to the righteousness of God.
Torrey's Topical Textbook