5/7/12- Faith is a Gift

God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. (2 Cor. 5:21)

know that a person is not justified by the works of the law, but by faith in Jesus Christ. So we, too, have put our faith in Christ Jesus that we may be justified by faith in Christ and not by the works of the law, because by the works of the law no one will be justified. (Galatians 2:16)

(Lost sheep - Sourd)

Thoughts: Our temptation is to think that it is our faith that saves us, and we have faith all on our own (as in a vacuum).  In this, the drowning person saves themselves by swimming in the right direction. The other temptation is to think that our faith and God's grace meet half-way.  In this the drowning person saves themselves by reaching up half-way to the great lifeguard- God.  However, the better image is that we are "dead in our sin" (Ephesians 2:6), and can no longer swim or have the strength to grab God's hand.  This does not mean that faith is not necessary.  But it does mean that even the ability to have faith is a gift from God.  Without God, there is no lifeguard.  The glory goes not to our works.  We should not see our faith as another good work.  The glory goes to God- who regenerates us, calls us, turns us around, and accepts us.  

Prayer: May I give you honor for my salvation, Lord.  You chose me, not because of my goodness but despite my sin.  You drew me to yourself, and for that I am grateful to you.  Give me grace to lead a grateful life to you, O Lord.  

Question 73: How does faith justify a sinner in the sight of God?

Answer: Faith justifies a sinner in the sight of God, not because of those other graces which do always accompany it, or of good works that are the fruits of it, nor as if the grace of faith, or any act thereof, were imputed to him for his justification; but only as it is an instrument by which he receives and applies Christ and his righteousness.