As we read through ROMANS 3, 4, and 5, there is much stress on FAITH as the way to CHRIST JESUS, our LORD, and SAVIOUR, although it IS necessary to remind oneself that Paul is speaking to, and about the Jewish people, who stand convinced that 'the law' is their way to Salvation, and whom do not believe that CHRIST JESUS IS THE SAVIOUR of Mankind, because HE did not appear as they expected HIM to, in royal pomp, AND because HE died on the cross, for they believed that once HE appears, HE will remain...
Works ARE a part of FAITH, and there is NO argument between Paul, and James as some might imagine! Works were shown even in Abraham's FAITH; they are synonymous, because in FAITH IS FAITHFULNESS TO THE WILL OF *GOD*, which IS PROACTIVE, and EVER WORKING! The Jews on the other hand, void of FAITH, and concreted to 'the law', needed to understand that by their clinging to 'the law' their works were not going to save them, as ONLY through CHRIST JESUS can one be saved, and so, we have the lengthy discussions by Paul, and others to shed some LIGHT in their darkened reasoning, and stubbornness! Included in this was the Jewish converts to Christianity who were wrecking havoc within THE CHURCH by holding onto their previous ways, and so forth, thus, great attention was given them by the leaders, such as Paul, THAT they might begin to SEE!!!
It IS natural to a REBORN person IN CHRIST JESUS TO exhibit HIM; thus, our thoughts, actions, and reactions ACCOMPANY our FAITH, as we GROW, and DEVELOP INTO RIGHTEOUSNESS! It IS part, and parcel to the TRANSFORMATION from flesh into spirit, as we are Sanctified, Consecrated, and brought into the HOLINESS which we were CREATED in FOR HIS GLORY!!!
Our part is to be OPEN to HIS WORKS being done in us, and conforming in conduct TO HIS WILL, THAT we are KNOWN by the world AS HIS own! We have choices in this time, which see us choosing to heed either THE WILL of *GOD*, or the world, and HONEST allegiance TO THE LORD *GOD* shall see us stripping off the old self, and ever putting on the new self, which IS set apart for HOLY use!!!
The law could not save in or from sins, yet it gave the Jews advantages for obtaining salvation. Their stated ordinances, education in the knowledge of the true God and his service, and many favours shown to the children of Abraham, all were means of grace, and doubtless were made useful to the conversion of many. But especially the Scriptures were committed to them. Enjoyment of God's word and ordinances, is the chief happiness of a people.
But God's promises are made only to believers; therefore the unbelief of some, or of many professors, cannot make this faithfulness of no effect. He will fulfill his promises to his people, and bring his threatened vengeance upon unbelievers. God's judging the world, should for ever silence all doubtings and reflections upon his justice. The wickedness and obstinate unbelief of the Jews, proved man's need of the righteousness of God by faith, and also his justice in punishing for sin. Let us do evil, that good may come, is oftener in the heart than in the mouth of sinners; for few thus justify themselves in their wicked ways.
The believer knows that duty belongs to him, and events to God; and that he must not commit any sin, or speak one falsehood, upon the hope, or even assurance, that God may thereby glorify himself. If any speak and act thus, their condemnation is just.
It is in vain to seek for justification by the works of the law. All must plead guilty. Guilty before God, is a dreadful word; but no man can be justified by a law which condemns him for breaking it. The corruption in our nature, will for ever stop any justification by our own works.
Must guilty man remain under wrath? Is the wound for ever incurable? No; blessed be God, there is another way laid open for us.
God will have the great work of the justification and salvation of sinners carried on from first to last, so as to shut out boasting. Now, if we were saved by our own works, boasting would not be excluded. But the way of justification by faith for ever shuts out boasting. Yet believers are not left to be lawless; faith is a law, it is a working grace, wherever it is in truth. By faith, not in this matter an act of obedience, or a good work, but forming the relation between Christ and the sinner, which renders it proper that the believer should be pardoned and justified for the sake of the Saviour, and that the unbeliever who is not thus united or related to him, should remain under condemnation. The law is still of use to convince us of what is past, and to direct us for the future. Though we cannot be saved by it as a covenant, yet we own and submit to it, as a rule in the hand of the Mediator.
Giving priority to God's intentions, God is the ultimate source of law, and the essence of law is fairness. On the basis of the Mosaic covenant, God's justice is in question if those who sinned against the law are permitted to go free (see verses 23-26). In order to rescue all humanity rather than condemn it, God thinks of an alternative; the law or principle of faith (verse 27). What can be more fair than to admit everyone into the divine presence on the basis of forgiveness grasped by faith? Indeed, this principle of faith antedates the Mosaic law, as Paul will demonstrate in Chapter 4, and does not therefore mark a change in divine policy...
Before we head into Chapter 4, let us prepare our minds for openness with this:
James 2: 24 appears to conflict with Paul's statement (Faith without works). However James combats the error of extremists who used the doctrine of justification through faith as a screen for moral self-determination. Paul discusses the subject of holiness in greater detail than does James, and beginning with Chapter 6 shows how justification through faith introduces one to the gift of a new life in Christ through the power of the Holy Spirit. In Chapter 6, Paul will show, and defend that the Gospel does NOT promote moral laxity...
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