The Just Shall Live by Faith

“One Year Bible” New Testament Passage
Romans 1:1-17

¹⁶ For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek. ¹⁷ For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, “The just shall live by faith.”  Romans 1:16-17 (NKJV)

Romans has been called “The Gospel according to Paul.”  Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John have told us the day-by-day life of Jesus – the events surrounding this one singular life.  Paul now gives us the MEANING.  Paul tells us not only THAT Jesus died on the Cross, but WHY He died and WHAT it does for us. 

It is possible to believe the events ABOUT Jesus’ life and yet to never believe IN Jesus.  It is possible to accept His death on the Cross and even the validity of His bodily resurrection, yet still to remain unchanged, unrepentant, and unforgiven.

There are two basic aspects the Gospel of Jesus Christ:

 First, there are the FACTS, the events of His life (Rom. 1:1-4).  He lived a perfect life.  He died a cruel death.  But, that’s not the end!  He rose from the dead, and is now seated at the right hand of the Father!  He is Lord!

Second, there is the FAITH TRANSACTION in response to these facts.  “The just shall live by faith” (Rom. 1:17).  Justification by faith is at the core of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  Through the saving life of Jesus, we (all of us) have access directly to God.  All may come.

In the midst of a world of wall, rules, barriers, and hatred, this Gospel cuts through and says, “Only Believe.”  Religion teaches us that there are a thousand things we must DO to be accepted by God.  The Gospel tells us the work is DONE. 

This is grace!  This is God’s love!  This is life!  None of us can do enough to merit it.  It is received by faith.