faith and works

Good morning friends,
Today Paul makes a crucial distinction between faith and works and between faith and the law (law and works go together for Paul). When we try to follow the rules to be righteous we are really trying to establish and control our own righteousness. This almost inevitably leads to self-righteousness and pride as well as judging others. That's why the law, even though it comes from God, can't save us; it is a system we try to use to define our terms of following God.

In contrast Paul commends the righteousness that comes from faith. That simply means not trying to build our own righteousness, but instead trusting God's love in Christ to make us righteous. In this case it is not about us; it's about God. It doesn't lead us to self-righteous pride, but humble gratitude. That righteousness through faith is always available because God loves us, as Paul writes, "The word is near you..." God is always near. To be righteous all we have to do is ask.

God bless,
Sam

Romans 10:1-11

Brothers and sisters, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for them is that they may be saved. 2I can testify that they have a zeal for God, but it is not enlightened. 3For, being ignorant of the righteousness that comes from God, and seeking to establish their own, they have not submitted to God’s righteousness. 4For Christ is the end of the law so that there may be righteousness for everyone who believes.



5Moses writes concerning the righteousness that comes from the law, that “the person who does these things will live by them.” 6But the righteousness that comes from faith says, “Do not say in your heart, ‘Who will ascend into heaven?’” (that is, to bring Christ down) 7“or ‘Who will descend into the abyss?’” (that is, to bring Christ up from the dead). 8But what does it say? “The word is near you, on your lips and in your heart” (that is, the word of faith that we proclaim); 9because if you confess with your lips that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10For one believes with the heart and so is justified, and one confesses with the mouth and so is saved. 11The scripture says, “No one who believes in him will be put to shame.”