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What kind of faith justifies?


Introduction. The fact faith justifies is clearly established. Paul wrote, "Therefore being justified by faith... (Rom. 5:1). Of course, our question asks about the kind of faith which justifies.

There are different kinds of faith in the scriptures. There is "great faith" (Matt. 8:10), "no faith" (Mk. 2:5), "weak faith" (Rom. 4:19), "faith only" (Jas. 2:24), and "faith which worketh by love" (Gal. 5:6). Beloved, just because a person believes or has "faith" does not necessarily mean that person is saved or justified. There were many chief rulers who believed, we are told, but they were not saved (John 12:42, Matt. 10:33). James said, "...the demons also believe and tremble" (Jas. 2:19). Are demons saved?

Faith which justifies is an obedient faith. In the context of discussing "that which avails" or justifies Paul wrote, "...but faith which worketh by love" (Gal. 5:6). Paul said he had received grace and apostleship for or unto "obedience to the faith among all nations..." (Rom. 1:5). James wrote: "Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only" (Jas. 2:24). "Faith only" is a dead faith. Saving faith, then, is an active, obedient faith (cf. Heb. 5:8, 9, chapter 11).

An obedient faith is not tantamount to meritorious justification. Man is to save himself (Acts 2:40), but not in the sense of earning his salvation (Tit. 3:5). In fact, this is Paul's subject in Romans 4 – man's justification does not come as a result of "working," perfect law keeping. After we have done all commanded of us, we are pronounced right (justified) "by grace" (God's part, his mercy without which there would be no hope); and "through faith" (man's part, his obedience to God's word), Eph. 2:8.
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