Faith (part 2)

In this episode, we continue our exploration of faith, building on what was covered in Part 1. "When we work hard to believe, we usually move away from faith. Faith is not obtained in striving, it's found in rest." - Bill JohnsonRomans chapter 4 explains that Abraham is our example. How is he our example? Genesis 15:6 tells us Abram believed God and it was accounted to him, or credited to him, as righteousness. His faith alone justified him before God, not obedience or the observance of religious practices. He is our example in that all who will come to salvation must do so on the basis of faith alone, not through the law. It must be received as a gift. Righteousness came by believing (i.e., trusting) in God and God’s promises rather than by doing works required by the Law.Ephesians 2:8-9 says, "For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast."All that’s required is to offer no resistance. Our role is to simply receive the benefit of his declaration of what He’s already accomplished. This is the faith-rest life described in Hebrews chapters 3-4, which I hope to cover more in-depth in a full-length teaching. For now, take some time and meditate on these amazing truths revealed in the scriptures, and the incomprehensible gift we’ve been given in Christ.