Archive article 25

What do the Reformation words: “By faith alone” really mean?

Probably there are few other words as distinctive to the faith of the believer as these!

Even today, when someone says they have faith, they are made fun of. They are called “wierdos” or some other objectionable word! But if you really think about it, who actually does live without a faith? In one way or another, we all believe “something”.  And when you prod about in the world of literature it’s not at all hard to fine testimonies to the absolute frustration (not to use the word ‘desperation’!)  of people who’ve attempted to live without a faith. No, the real issue is not as whether or not faith exists, but about the object of your faith: “In just what do you really believe?”

The autonomous person puts faith in himself. He’s capable, competent and doesn’t need the justification of Christ. And although all around us today there’s an aura of spirituality, when it comes to the biblical truth and the Gospel there’s a deep resentment – almost as if it is below men’s dignity. The cross of Jesus somehow seems to be offensive to human capability, something left over from antiquity which is not needed today – something of a religious past which was an accessory from which modern man has at last become free. The Christian faith is seen as a legal code of ethics which was imposed on mankind in managerial way so that the behaviour of men and women can be controlled and guided for the ends the church has decided as being best for them.  

On the other hand, it’s also thought that Christianity is in itself quite incomprehensible. It’s a system of belief which is itself set against reason. Faith is normally thought of as something quite personal, linked to everyone’s subjective experience and as such can’t be compared, shared or even explained. It really is a “leap into the dark” – to use the  imagery and phraseology of Soren Kierkegaard.

In reality true faith is nothing like this! It’s a gift of God which gives us knowledge of ‘how’ and ‘for-whom’ to live. The combined effect of the Holy Spirit and our Bibles produces not only a conviction of sin, but also a knowledge of justice and judgment. The goal is to bring us to understand how Christ is the perfect substitute for every sinner. And this knowledge transforms our minds and gives us an entirely new way of thinking about God, ourselves and our world.

It’s so necessary for us to see how the justification for the sinner is by “faith alone” and not by our own abilities. This is the true Gospel. There is no other. Jesus alone took our place, the innocent dying for our sin, so that when we put our faith in Him, we are born again, and His justice is imputed to us (instead of the punishment!)

In it’s simplicity this is exactly what the Bible text states in the New Testament:

“It’s by grace alone that you are saved, through faith – and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God, not by works, so that no one can boast. . .”

What a privilege to become adopted into God’s family and called His sons!

                                                                                  Pastor Paul Finch