579. ROM 4:16. SAVING RELIGION A RELIGION OF FAITH
Rom_4:16. Saving Religion a Religion of Faith
"Therefore it is of faith that it might be by grace; to the end the promise might be sure to all the seed: not to that only which is of the law, but to that also which is of the faith of Abraham; who is the father of us all."’97Rom_4:16.
It is very clear that man must be saved and accepted of God, on the ground of the one, or of the other, of three things. His intrinsic excellency or freedom from guilt. His good deeds by which he atones for his sins. Or as an act of pure mercy on the part of God. Now as to the first mode, both the Bible and the human conscience testify as to man’s guilt. "There is none righteous," &c. "All have sinned," &c. As to the second,’97man, by his transgression is so unholy, that he can do no good thing without the gracious help of God. Besides, as a sinner, his life is forfeited to the Divine law which he has broken. He cannot then, redeem his own forfeited life. So that we are shut up to the third process, if saved at all, it must be by a pure, free act of God’s grace. This is the reasoning of the apostle, of which the text is the conclusion,’97therefore it is of faith, &c. Let us consider,
I. What is meant by faith.
II. What connection faith has with saving religion.
I. What is meant by faith.
Faith is the credence given to testimony. The belief of what is declared. So that there must be some declaration or testimony given to us, before we can believe. Hence, "faith cometh by hearing," &c. Now the testimony or declaration, which is the ground of faith, is the gospel. The glad tidings of God’s love to our world, in the gift of Jesus Christ. And that Jesus Christ, the Son of God, came into our world to save sinners. That he died for our sins and rose again, &c. That God was in Christ, &c. And that God in Christ is willing and able to save all who come unto him by Christ. Now this is an epitome of the glorious plan of salvation. Now observe,’97All this is distinctly revealed in the Holy Scriptures. These scriptures make known these truths to us, and our faith is demanded in them. Faith, then, receives this testimony of God as true; that is the intellectual part of faith. Faith heartily and joyously rests on this testimony; that is the experimental exemplification of faith. Faith humbly appropriates the blessings of salvation in Christ to its need, and rejoices in them. That, in connection with the other acts of faith, introduces into the soul the enjoyment of the blessings bestowed. He then can say,’97"He loved me, and gave himself for me." Now the warrant for all this is God’s word. He has said, he has so loved the world, &c. I am one, &c. He has sent his Son to save sinners’97I am one. He came to seek’97and to save the lost,’97I am one. He taketh no pleasure in the death of a sinner,’97I am one, &c. Whoso cometh, he will in nowise cast out,’97I came therefore, &c. We add further, it is the province of faith to believe all that God has spoken. And to expect, and live and feel, as though we already possessed all that he has promised. Such, then, is the faith which is an essential principle of religion. Notice, then, II. What connection this faith has with saving religion. (1.) It has not any connection with merit. It is the opposite of this. So says our text. So says the united testimony of scripture. So we have shown in the great truths to be believed. Faith hears God’s love and mercy in the gospel. Faith sees the Lord Jesus as the only sacrifice for sin. Looks to the cross of Christ entirely. Faith receives the gift of God,’97comes with an empty hand, &c. Does nothing that can include the least worthiness. We are saved by and through faith, but not for it. But observe the connection of faith,
1. With the commencement of saving religion in the soul. By the Word of God the sinner has been brought to see and feel his lost and ruined state. That he is naked, and faith receives and puts on the robe of salvation. That he is poor, and faith receives the pearl of great price, and the unsearchable riches of Divine grace. That he is guilty, and faith looks to the great surety alone for acceptance and pardon. Polluted, faith at once plunges into the fountain, &c. That he is perishing, and faith rolls the soul on the one great and precious foundation. That death and hell are before him, and flies into the city of refuge and is safe. Hence, then, you see how faith has to do with the commencement of religion. Observe,
2. Its connection with the progress of saving religion. When a sinner is justified, that is, pardoned and accepted of God, and regenerated, religion then is only begun.
(1.) There is a progressive work of sanctification. The building up of the soul. The growth of the child of God. The perfection of the graces and virtues,’97the meridian noon of holiness and bliss. Now faith believes and meditates on that truth of God’s word, by which the soul is fed and nourished. "As babes they desire the sincere milk of the word," &c. "Sanctify them by thy truth," &c. "I commend you to God," &c.
(2.) The life of the Christian is one of trouble and trials. But God has engaged to support and keep,’97to sanctify all their afflictions. Now faith looks to the promise and realizes the help, etc. Faith casts all the care and burden on the Lord, etc. Faith calls on the Lord in the day of trouble, etc. Faith sings, Although the figtree shall not blossom, etc. "We know that all things work," etc.
(3.) The life of the Christian is one of conflict, as well as of trouble. These conflicts have to do with three enemies: the world. This both tries to allure and fascinate, and also to terrify. It labors both to beguile and alarm. How do we overcome the world? "This is the victory," etc. Faith recognizes it as an enemy’s country. Looks to the better land. Sings, "This is not my rest," etc.
"I seek a country out of sight,
A city in the skies!"
Faith lifts the Christian above it. There is the unsanctified nature within. Faith crucifies the flesh. Mortifies the deeds of the body. Brings into the soul the cleansing balm, etc., confesses sin, and obtains forgiveness. Then there is our great adversary, the devil. He tempts and harasses the soul. Faith holds fast to the Divine Word. Satan says, God has forsaken thee. Faith says, God has said, "I will never leave," etc. Satan says, We shall never hold out,’97we shall fail to persevere. Faith says, God’s grace is sufficient,’97the Divine strength shall be given. "As our day is," etc. Satan says, we shall perish after all. Faith says, that Christ’s promise runs thus: "My sheep shall never perish," etc. Thus faith is the shield by which we quench all the fiery darts of the devil. Now remember all the appointed means for the security and happiness of the Christian life, faith receives and applies, etc. Observe its connection,
3. With the conclusion of the Christian life, and eternal glory. The spiritual race is run throughout by faith,’97the Christian perseveres till he touches the goal. The sick chamber is irradiated by faith. It supports when the constitution gives way. When pain, etc., indicate the taking down of the tabernacle, etc. "We know," etc. Faith produces resignation to the Divine will. "To live is Christ," etc. Either to wait, as Job said, "I will wait," etc. Or as good old Simeon, "Now, Lord, lettest thou thy servant," etc. And at length the Christian dies in faith. Having served God and his generation, he falls asleep in Jesus. Hence as earth recedes,’97now faith is lost in the visions of the beatified. The racer is welcomed,’97the warrior crowned,’97and an abundant entrance given, etc.
Learn,
1. The inestimable worth of faith. Have we faith? Do we credit implicitly the testimony of God? etc. Do we rest on Christ only? Do we live the life of faith? Looking not at the things which are seen, &c.
2. We see the fearful nature of unbelief. It disbelieves God’s word. Despises God’s mercy. Rejects God’s Son. Refuses God’s pardon. And hence keeps the soul under Divine condemnation and Divine wrath, and then sinks the spirit into the endless darkness of eternal despair.
3. Call upon all to believe the gospel and live.
Autor: JABEZ BURNS