THE WALK OF FAITH Devotion #5 of 8

"For therein [the Gospel, v. 16) is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith." (Rom 1:17; Gal 3:11; Heb 10:38; Habakkuk 2:4)

THE LAW OF FAITH

The necessity of denying ungodliness and living righteously is acknowledged by most professing believers. There is not, however, unanimity in the approach to accomplishing these objectives. By nature, humanity reverts to the law principle to achieve religious results. Disciplinary procedures are taught and set in motion to achieve an acceptable manner of life. God has made clear that the law principle cannot produce a godly life. After 1,500 years of Law--God-ordained Law--there was "none righteous, no not one" (Rom. 3:10-12). In spite of detailed requirements and multitudinous threats, the covenanted people of Israel remained estranged from the God that called them and yearned for them.

A Higher Principle

In Christ a higher principle is in effect: "the law of faith." Hear the Word of the Lord. "Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? of works? Nay: but by the law of faith" (Romans 3:27). What is "the law of faith"? The RSV and NIV translate the word "nomou" as "principle." Academically, as used in Scripture, this word means "a law or rule producing a state approved of God." But this definition falls far short of the intentions of the Holy Spirit. The "law," or principle "of works" was dominant before Jesus. Under the administration of the Old Covenant, the people were at fundamental variance with God. Their natures were bent away from Him. They did not think like God, and thus were prone to wander from Him. The Law was given more to keep their recalcitrant natures in check than to provide a means to be saved. Meanwhile, given due heed, the Law convinced men that they were guilty of sin. It "stopped the mouths" of everyone exposed to it, proving that they were under the dominion of sin, unable to extricate themselves.

To Know What To Do Is Not Enough

Telling people what they should do--even in meticulous detail--did not produce moral purity. Having defined sin (Rom. 3:19-20), the Law provided no means of recovery--no grace, no mercy, no newness of life. After 1,500 years, no one achieved divine acceptance upon the basis of their accomplishments! Hear the lament of the prophets. "They are all gone astray . . . there is none righteous, no not one . . . all of our righteousness do fade as a leaf . . . " (Isa. 53:6; 64:6; Rom. 3:12).

A New Principle

The "Law of faith" is an entirely different principle. It draws rather than drive. It appeals to the heart instead of threatening with imminent cursing. The individual that is dominated by hope is resting in what the Lord has done, instead of personal accomplishments. The covering of the past and the opening of the future provide strong incentive to please the Lord. Those who walk by faith are motivated by the Gospel of Christ. Their persuasion of the effectiveness of Christ's death and intercession compels them to put the world behind them and stretch toward the prize of their high calling.

-- TOMORROW: THE TRANSFORMING POWER OF FAITH --