SortingBeans

An opportune Time!
It is quite interesting how the Lord works at times. It can even be a bit humorous. Not only does the Lord give us this faith, but He gives us opportunities to use it. He would not give us something we would not use, correct? Well, this post came at the opportune time. In the process of this post, I am currently being stretched in my faith.

No, not the comfortable, morning-happiness, kind

First, let us stay on topic
As pertaining to salvation – which was introduced here, what is faith for? We have already looked at some Biblical figures and how faith was relevant to them, we examined a brief exegesis of faith, and had Pastor Don Dudley discuss from where it comes. Now, we shall look at what it is for. Remember, this series is written mainly in relation to faith unto salvation. Therefore, the application will be for this purpose. However, I am going to share something with you on a personal note in just a moment.

“For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, “But the righteous man shall live by faith.” Romans 1:16-17

Here we see the Gospel being the message by which God’s righteousness is revealed, and faith being the way whereby a person can believe the message; and in believing, the person is “righteous” and is able to live in it; hence, “by faith”. The following verses are connotative:

“But apart from the law, the righteousness of God has been manifested, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets, even the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all those who believe; for there is no distinction; for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” Romans 3:21-23

Question: if all have sinned, who can live righteously? If sin is separation from God, how can a person be reconciled? Surely not on their own efforts!

“Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have obtained our introduction by faith into this grace in which we stand; and we exult in hope of the glory of God.” Romans 5:1-2

These verses state that we have received peace with God through Jesus Christ by faith; and it is because of this we are able to “exult in hope of the glory of God.” In part 2 of this message series, I mentioned how faith was in relationship to hope. But man, alone, is unable to have this hope in God, because it has not been revealed to him. For only to those who it has been revealed can one truly hope in God, it is by faith this is channeled.

So, what does all this mean?

I would humbly submit – as pertaining to salvation – that faith is the gift from God, to peoples whom He chooses, to reveal His glory to, whereby those people can substantiate the hope of eternal live and exult Him, Glorify God in their lives, live righteously to bring praise to the Father, and believe the Word of God: Scripture. That is the SortingBeans’ perspective.

My faith is being stretched. I have been laid off because my [former] company cannot afford to keep me. Bad times. I have been “sensing” this. Partly, I believe – and have for a while – that God is bringing something about. I really do. I say partly because it has not been revealed to me – yet. I also look at my two daughters asleep and feel the intense weight of this responsibility of a provider of my home – without a job or a financial cushion. Believe me, I am being stretched. Here’s my point: without faith, I would have no hope in the things of a good God to bring good things for those whom He has called according to His purposes. For this, I somehow have this rising up in me to rejoice – in spite of present circumstance. I know this place is not my home because Christ has revealed that to me. This is a broken world with broken people (myself being one) running broken businesses out of broken purposes for broken results.

BUT GOD!

He is not broken. His purposes are whole. He is the restorer of all things. He is the author and finisher of my faith. He is the one who will provide eternally – and temporally. It is in Him that I trust – not this world. And it is because of Him that I can trust; for without Him I can do nothing. But in Him, I can do all things. Not because it makes me feel good, but because it is truth.

- Jonathan J.