In our last visit we found that the action of faith as found in Romans 3:21-6:23 is seen in contrast to our efforts at trying to live the Christian life. There are no grounds for hope if we rely in any way upon our own human effort. Our hope must be placed in God and His power to do what He promised. Once this focus is in place we’re ready to look at Romans 5:17.
The action of faith is a matter of receiving “God’s abundant provision of grace and of the gift of righteousness.” The provision of salvation to meet us in our need as sinners is a gift. It remains a gift only if we receive it by faith. If we try to earn it or pay for it after we receive it then it is no longer a gift. It is then merited. And that is diametrically the opposite of grace.
Having come to this conclusion it’s important to notice what is said in Romans 6:17, “You wholeheartedly obeyed the form of teaching to which you were entrusted.” When by faith you “receive God’s abundant provision of grace and of the gift of righteousness,” your heart will be attuned to and want to obey the teaching to which you were entrusted.
The action of faith opens the door for God to do a spiritual rebirth in your innermost being, and the Holy Spirit comes to dwell within you. He inclines your heart to the truth, enlightens your understanding of the truth, and then prompts you to obey the truth. The momentum created by the act of faith expresses itself in wholehearted obedience to the truth.
Does this describe your faith journey?
