ROMANS 4:16-18: “Therefore it is of faith that it might be according to grace, so that the promise might be sure to all the seed, not only to those who are of the law, but also to those who are of the faith of Abraham, who is the father of us all (as it is written, “I have made you a father of many nations”) in the presence of Him whom he believed—God, who gives life to the dead and calls those things which do not exist as though they did; who, contrary to hope, in hope believed, so that he became the father of many nations, according to what was spoken, “So shall your descendants be.” NKJV

OBSERVATION: What is the power of faith? When one thinks of faith, they usually think of the blessings or results of faith rather than faith itself. Faith becomes the action of the individual rather than the action of God. While there is a partnership of faith between God and man, faith always originates with God Himself.

Paul, in his opening chapters in the book of Romans, looks at three types of individuals. First, there is the pagan who openly opposes the things of God. Second, there is the moralist who does not believe in God but tries to live a good life. Third, there is the religious, (the Jew), who claims to believe in God and sees themselves as holding a special position with God.

What is Paul’s conclusion of the whole matter?

Romans 3:9-12: “What then? Are we better than they? Not at all. For we have previously charged both Jews and Greeks that they are all under sin. As it is written: “There is none righteous, no, not one; There is none who understands; There is none who seeks after God. They have all turned aside; They have together become unprofitable; There is none who does good, no, not one.” NKJV

Faith is not a work. It is not being moral. It is not being religious. It is not living life on our own terms. While James discusses the importance of faith and works, this is not a definition of faith, but an examination of what true faith produces in the heart of one who believes. Yet, everyone begins their journey devoid of faith. Faith is not something you purchase at the store or earn because you attend church.

Faith, in its inception and in its essence, is a gift of God!

The power of faith is that it is available to ALL! This is the wonder that Paul speaks of in the fourth chapter of Romans. Faith is not found in one’s efforts but in one’s recognition that they are sinners in need of a Savior. The Law brings us to this knowledge and points us to the Cross of Jesus Christ!

Romans 3:19-20: “Now we know that whatever the law says, it says to those who are under the law, that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God. Therefore by the deeds of the law no flesh will be justified in His sight, for by the law is the knowledge of sin.” NKJV

Without the Law, I would not know what sin is. Without the Law, I would still be headed down the highway to hell at full speed. Without the Law, I would never know my need for a Savior. The Law brings me to a crossroads. I can harden my heart and keep on the road to destruction, or I can receive the gift of faith. Paul rejoices in the free gift and offer of faith that is available to all!

“Therefore it is of faith that it might be according to grace, so that the promise might be sure to all the seed, not only to those who are of the law, but also to those who are of the faith of Abraham, who is the father of us all…”

It is of faith, that it might be according to grace! Faith is a gift of God’s grace. It is not a reward for my work. If this is true, then how does one receive this gift of faith? This is where we discover the power and mystery of faith.

Paul tells us how faith is received further in our reading in Romans.

Romans 10:17: “So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” NKJV

And, in the opening chapter of the book of Romans, Paul tells us the means by which this gift of faith is given.

Romans 1:16-17: “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. For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, “The just shall live by faith.” NKJV

Faith, saving faith, life-transforming faith, is the gift of God that is given through the Gospel of Jesus Christ to all who will believe. When the Cross of Jesus Christ is preached, the Holy Spirit gives the gift of faith to everyone who repents and places their trust in Jesus Christ.

Without the Gospel, there is no power. Without God’s Word, there is no faith.

While there is a complete discourse that one can begin on the effects of saving faith on the life of the believer, the starting point is that we are saved by God’s grace, through the proclamation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and the gift of faith given to all who repent of their sin and believe. God the Father sent His Son to die for our sins. Jesus fulfilled all righteousness, defeated sin and death, and now sits at the right hand of the Father. The Holy Spirit empowers the Gospel to impart saving faith to all who will place their trust in the completed work of Jesus Christ.

The power of faith is in the wonder of God’s gift of grace!

“Therefore it is of faith that it might be according to grace, so that the promise might be sure to all the seed, not only to those who are of the law, but also to those who are of the faith of Abraham, who is the father of us all…”

Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of Your Son. Jesus, thank You for taking my sin and dying in my place to defeat the power of sin and death. Holy Spirit, thank You for empowering the Word of God and giving me the gift of saving faith. Now, give me the grace to proclaim Your gift to all who will hear!

In Jesus’ Name!