Faith alone is the key

Romans 3:21-31
 
Thus far in his letter to the church in Rome, Paul has been absorbed in examining the subject of sin. He concludes that it is universal, powerful, and destructive. In today’s passage we are given the important insight that “a person is justified by faith apart from the works of the law” (v. 28). Earlier in the chapter Paul wrote that
         “No one is righteous” (v. 10),
         “No one understands” (v. 11), and
         “No one seeks God” (v. 11)
Sin has overpowered man in his natural state. As summarized in the three statements above: There is not even a single person who has lived a life so upright that heaven’s doors will opened for them. There is not even one person wise enough to discover how works could get them into heaven. And no one seeks God passionately enough to gain an audience with God. No matter how strenuously body, mind, and heart attempt to gain a right standing with God they fail. And that is because a person is justified by faith apart from the works of the law” (v. 28).
         So, faith is the key – and the only key – that opens heaven for the lost sinner. It is by accepting the fact that faith alone provides access to the kingdom of God, that salvation takes place. And why is that so difficult to accept? Why is it so natural for us to do something to earn our spot above? The answer is simple – it is pride. The old hymn says, “Jesus paid it all, all to him I owe; sin has left a crimson stain, He washed it white as snow.” Since Jesus “paid it all” there is nothing we can do and that means nothing to be proud of in our self.
         On what might be called the bright side of faith we realize that faith alone exalts God as savior. Although the believer is a member of the family of God, the distance between the one who exercising faith and the One who providing the salvation is absolutely measureless. He is God and we are his creation. As creator he formed us, as sage there is nothing he does not understand, as ultimate love he desires that we seek him. How incredible that this most holy, omniscient and omnipresent Creator should want us to seek him! The courtyards of heaven will be forever filled with sinners transformed by grace worshipping God and singing his praise. If never ending worship sounds just a bit tedious, that may because you have never taken time to think about it and prepare for it. Praise God from whom all blessings flow!