Tag: Faith

Bible Studies

An Act of God

Loring Schultz

“And behold, there arose a great storm on the sea……Then he rose and rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was a great calm.” Matthew 8:24a, 26b ESV

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An act of God as defined today is an uncontrollable event such as an earthquake, tornado, hurricane and other related storms. Insurance companies rely on information regarding these disasters in settling payments to cover damages as a result of an occurrence in which the policy holder had no control over. When we think of natural disasters, we cannot help but see the great power and strength that are accompanied with them. The inability and helplessness we feel is real as there is not a thing we can do to deter them. It is truly out of our hands. The media in reporting these disasters and the insurance companies in dealing with them are theologically correct when they call it an act of God. It is truly an act of God.

Jesus’s disciples experienced an act of God in a fierce storm that came upon them as they attempted to cross the Sea of Galilee. Storms were common in the region and often came about without any warning especially on the water. Most of Jesus’s disciples would have been familiar with the storms known to affect the region. A number of them were experienced fishermen who spent long hours on the sea as their livelihood. Yet, scripture records the terror the disciples felt as a result of the storm. Their experience and knowledge were no match for the magnitude of the storm. They felt helpless and were indeed helpless. They cried out to Jesus, “Save us, Lord; we are perishing.” (Mt. 8:25b esv) Whether they knew that Jesus could truly save them in that hour the Bible doesn’t tell us, but the only hope these men had been in the one who they had seen perform miracles as they followed Him. So, they called on Him to save them.

While it may be safe to say the disciples had a good idea that Jesus could help in their dire need, they certainly were not prepared for end results. Jesus arose after being rattled out of a sound sleep by His panicking followers, He called them out for their lack of faith, and then rebuked both the winds and sea. A great storm on the sea was rebuked and a great calm came over the sea that not even a ripple was upon it.

The Bible says, “And the men marveled, saying, “What sort of man is this, that even winds and sea obey him?” (Mt. 8:27) The disciples were in the presence of God the Son. Those of us who know the Lord Jesus as their Savior have the spirit of Christ within us, the Holy Spirit. The storms in our lives may seem too much to bear at times, but we have the assurance of God with us, Immanuel, who can rebuke the storms and bring calm into our lives, truly an Act of God!

Read: Matthew 8:23-27 ESV – Jesus Calms a Storm – And when he got – Bible Gateway

Devotionals

Self-Reliance Won’t Work

Loring Schultz

“Why couldn’t we cast out that demon?” Matthew 17:19b NLT

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The Lord has gifted each of us with individual skills to use for His service. For most of us these skills are devoted to the workplace where we are to serve Him. Others use their God-given skills within the family, homeschooling, caring for children and the elderly. Still others are uniquely gifted in various forms of arts and entertainment along with those of athletic skills to use as a platform in sharing Jesus. We all have one thing in common, whatever abilities we possess enabling us to perform the work we are doing has been given by God our creator.

Jesus’s disciples had no more than the skills of fisherman but were empowered by Him to carry out the ministry of teaching, healing the sick, and casting out demons. The disciples were successful in that work going out in pairs of two with the abilities Jesus gave them. (Mk.6:12) But sometime later after they had returned and Jesus was not with them, a man approached them asking for his son to be delivered from a demon, and they could not do it. When they had pressed Jesus for an answer, He said to them, “You don’t have enough faith, I tell you the truth, if you had faith even as small as a mustard seed, you could say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it would move. Nothing would be impossible.” (Mt.19:20 nlt) Their failure was due to self-reliance. They forgot the ability to cast out demons came from God the Son, it wasn’t a skill they developed by working hard for it. Jesus said if they had faith (in Him) as small as a mustard seed nothing would be impossible. 

Often, we become complacent and maybe too comfortable in our ability to do our jobs needing no outside help. We become self-reliant on the abilities God has given us as if they are there due to our knowledge or gained experience alone. It is true, we can and should continue to learn, grow, and develop our skills to the optimum level possible. But there are times in our lives where all the training, studying, and experiences are not enough to solve the problem at hand. We need the Lord to intervene by asking Him in faith to help us move that mountain and not depend on self-reliance. It won’t work.

Bible Studies

“For Such a Time as This” God’s Providential Hand: The book of Esther

Loring Schultz

“If you keep quiet at a time like this, deliverance and relief for the Jews will arise from some other place, but you and your relatives will die. Who knows if perhaps you were made queen for just such a time as this?” Esther 4:14 NLT

Photo by Andre Hunter on Unsplash

            Chapter 4 of the book of Esther opens with the disastrous news of the scheduled destruction of the Jews reaching every province in the kingdom. “And as news of the king’s decree reached all the provinces, there was great mourning among the Jews. They fasted, wept, and wailed, and many people lay in burlap and ashes.” (Es.4:3 nlt) In the city of Susa in front of the king’s gate was Mordecai with his clothes torn and covered with sackcloth and ashes, the sign of mourning. The news of the king’s decree was unconscionable and caused great sorrow to every Jew in the Persian Empire, but especially for Mordecai. He realized it was his resistance to Haman that such a genocidal edit was given against all the Jews.

Innocent people are often considered guilty by association in our world today. To satisfy a self-perceived wrongdoing an entire class of people are found guilty. Mordecai clearly did nothing wrong, but Haman’s hatred for his actions were inferred through the entire Jewish race. Modern-day Christians are subject to mass hatred for their standing on Biblical principles. One or two individuals are referenced in committing perceived hate speech, intolerance, or proselytizing in the public square and Christianity is now subject to scrutiny by the authorities. This should not deter any Christian of speaking the truth in love.

            Members of the royal court, the Queen’s maids and the eunuchs took notice of Mordecai, also a royal official, with his clothes torn and in mourning. After hearing of Mordecai’s appearance Esther sent out a change of clothes for him. She desperately wanted to know what had happened but couldn’t meet him inside the king’s gate the way he was dressed. To impress upon Esther how serious of a problem he had, he refused the clothing. Esther then sent out Hathach, one of the king’s eunuchs who attended to her to speak to Mordecai. “Mordecai told him the whole story, including the exact amount of money Haman had promised to pay into the royal treasury for the destruction of the Jews.” (Es.4:7 nlt) Mordecai gave Hathach a copy of the decree which he was able to obtain being a royal official, asking him to give it to Esther and for her to go to the king and beg his favor concerning the death sentence on the Jews.

            Esther may have been queen and her husband the king, but she was put in a tough spot. It was a matter of life or death for Esther at this point. No one was allowed to make an uninvited visit to the king by entering the inner courtyard unless they were called by the king. It meant instant death unless the king raised his golden scepter. It was a matter of security as unannounced visits were viewed as possible assassination attempts on the king. Esther revealed she hadn’t been summoned to the king for thirty days and may certainly cause suspicion if she entered the court.

            It’s hard for us to imagine a governing system as in those days. Yes, we also provide protection for our leaders, but to consider one’s wife as a possible threat would seem a little over the top. But maybe not so much in the days in which we live. Governments around the world are becoming more corrupt and the lack of trust within and outside the government is increasing year after year. Satan is actively busy making his moves as his time is starting to run out.

            When Mordecai receives Esther’s answer, he is quick to spell out the truth. “Don’t think for a moment that because you’re in the palace you will escape when all other Jews are killed.” (Es.4:13 nlt) Mordecai tells her if she remains silent and doesn’t do anything that God will still save His people but by other means. But perhaps this was the very reason why she became queen. Mordecai had faith God would not abandon His people and would indeed rescue them. He persuaded Esther by explaining she may die either way, by the king’s body guards or as part of Haman’s extermination plot.

            Esther reveals her true spirit, courage, and faith in God. She tells Mordecai to gather all the Jews in Susa and fast for three days, and she would do the same with her maids. Normal fasting was one day, but Esther asked for three due to the gravity of the situation. Scripture doesn’t mention prayer with this fast, but they always go together. No doubt they will also be praying to the Lord God for Esther’s uninvited approach to the king. Esther goes into action with conviction, courage, and faith in God. She submitted herself to God’s will whatever the outcome.

            Esther provides a lesson for Christians today not be silent in the injustices of our brothers and sisters in Christ when we are able to do something. Speaking out against the wrongs and taking Esther-like action submitting ourselves to God may get us into trouble, but if we don’t respond, God will call someone else to do the work. It might as well be us. We are here ‘for such a time as this.’

Photo by Wonderlane on Unsplash

Read: Esther 4 NLT – Mordecai Requests Esther’s Help – Bible Gateway

Bible Studies

I AM THE RESURRECTION AND THE LIFE: Jesus’ seven “I AM” statements – 5

Loring Schultz

“Jesus told her, ‘I am the resurrection and the life. Anyone who believes in me will live, even after dying.’” John 11:25 NLT

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The story is told of another miracle perform by Jesus in the eleventh chapter of the gospel of John. It is also the basis for His fifth “I AM.” This particular one is perhaps the greatest of them all. Jesus raised a person from the dead, one who had been dead four days. The person was Lazarus, a very close and personal friend of Jesus along with Lazarus’s sisters Mary and Martha. When Jesus heard that his friend Lazarus was sick, He stayed two more days in the place where He was before he left in response to the news. (Jn.11:6) The question immediately comes to mind, why? Why did he wait two days?

Some have suggested that Jesus knew that Lazarus was already dead when the messenger’s arrived to tell Him that His friend was sick. Perhaps so, but there seems to be a deeper explanation. For those present at Lazarus’s resurrection and for those of us in our day, it is a matter of trust (or faith) in Jesus Christ. Do we believe He is in control of every portion of our lives, that He is never late, and that He loves us knowing what is best for us? Do we believe He is God the Son, and have faith that nothing is impossible for Him to do?

Raising Lazarus from the dead was not impossible for Jesus to do, He is the resurrection and the life. Jesus also said, “Anyone who believes in me will live, even after dying.” (Jn.11:26 nlt) We are assured of a place in heaven and eternal life if we put our trust and faith in Jesus Christ, God the Son.

Jesus is speaking to you and me when He says, “I am the resurrection and the life. Anyone who believes in me will live, even after dying. Everyone who lives in me and believes in me will never ever die. Do you believe this, (insert your name)?” (Jn.11:25-26 nlt)

Read: John 11:1-44 NLT – The Raising of Lazarus – A man named – Bible Gateway

Devotionals

The One-percenters

Loring Schultz

“The LORD said to Gideon, ‘You have too many warriors with you. If I let all of you fight the Midianites, the Israelites will boast to me that they saved themselves by their own strength.’” Judges 7:2 NLT

Photo by David McBee on Pexels.com

The expression ‘One-percenters’ in our current day refers to the influential and affluent members of our society. It is estimated that 1% of the people living in the United States control about one-third of the nation’s wealth. The knock on the wealthy is that they are oblivious to the other 99% in the country. That may well be true, but there are many who contribute greatly to the welfare of society through job creation and donations. The one-percenters attribute much to the strength of the economy. This small number of wealthy people accomplish much.

Gideon had the opportunity to be part of a one-percenter group for the Lord in his day. Economically, Gideon was one of the 99%. Israel was under control of the Midianites for their rebellion against God. They ravaged their crops and stole all their sheep, goats, cattle, and donkeys. “So Israel was reduced to starvation by the Midianites. Then the Israelites cried out to the LORD for help.” (Jdg.6:6 nlt) The Lord recruited Gideon to lead an army against the Midianites to free them from their oppression.

Feeling confident of his mission Gideon set out with his army of 32,000. But the Lord wanted to trim down the marching force lest they take pride in themselves. The Lord first told Gideon to release those who were too timid or afraid to go into battle and 22,000 left. The army was reduced to 30% but the Lord wanted to do more trimming. Then came the big test. God told Gideon to lead his men down to the water and observe how they took a drink and 29% of the army were sent home. Gideon had 300 soldiers left, the one-percenters. “The LORD told Gideon, ‘With these 300 men I will rescue you and give you victory over the Midianites.’” (Jdg.7:7a nlt)

It is unimaginable to think that an army being reduced from 32,000 down to 300 could achieve victory. We would not be wrong in thinking that for in our own strength it is impossible, but it is the Lord God who fights our battles. So, whatever your predicament might be today, you may a one-percenter, but the Lord provides the other 99% as we put our trust in Him.

Read: Judges 7 NLT – Gideon Defeats the Midianites – So – Bible Gateway

Bible Studies

“Legitimate Disobedience” LIVING IN BABYLON: The Book of Daniel

Loring Schultz

“But when Daniel learned that the law had been signed, he went home and knelt down as usual in his upstairs room, with its windows open toward Jerusalem. He prayed three times a day, just as he had always done, giving thanks to his God.” Daniel 6:10 NLT

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            The United States has had its share of civil disobedience since its independence. Defined by Merrian-Webster as “refusal to obey governmental demands or commands especially as a nonviolent and usually collective means of forcing concessions from the government” has been used by people over the years for a vast range of issues. Some examples of civil disobedience in the United States include, Susan B. Anthony arrested for illegally voting in the 1872, Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat to a white man on an Alabama bus in 1955, the Vietnam war period had many protests resulting in civil disobedience, and the pro-life movement has been actively involved in similar demonstrations having led to civil disobedience. Is all civil disobedience legitimate disobedience? Being obedient to holy God, the ultimate ruler and authority, in standing up for the truth spelled out in His word is what is expected from every Christian.

            Our study in the book of Daniel presented us with an example of ‘legitimate disobedience’ in chapter 3. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego refused to bow down and worship the golden stature King Nebuchadnezzar set up. These three were notable officials in the king’s court and yet took the stand of refusing to worship anything or anyone other than the true God. Legitimate disobedience to those in authority has its consequences as Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego found out. The Lord God delivered them from harm in the fiery furnace, however they did not know that would in fact be the case. They still took a righteous stand for God.

            As we approach chapter 6, we have another encounter of ‘legitimate disobedience.’ Darius the Mede was king who divided his kingdom into 120 provinces with officials over each one and three administrators over all the officials. Daniel was one of the three administrators and soon to be promoted to the top position in the empire due to expertise and work ethic. His two colleagues and some of the officials resented a Jewish captive holding such a high position and tried to find some dirt on him. “Then the other administrators and high officers began searching for some fault in the way Daniel was handling government affairs, but they couldn’t find anything to criticize or condemn. He was faithful, always responsible, and completely trustworthy.” (Dan. 6:4nlt) When their efforts failed, they devised a plan to get rid of him.

            Daniel’s conspirators came up with a foolproof plan guaranteed to bring him down. They were aware of Daniel’s work ethic and loyalty to Darius the king, but they were also aware of his devotion to the God of heaven he prayed to three times a day as was his practice. The officials brought a proposal to the king in the guise of total agreement of all of them (note Daniel wasn’t there) “……that the king should make a law that will be strictly enforced. Give orders that for the next thirty days any person who prays to anyone, divine or human—except to you, Your Majesty—will be thrown into the den of lions.” (Dan. 6:7nlt) Laws passed in the Medo-Persian empire were unchangeable and could not be reversed even by himself once he signed it, and he signed this one. They had him, or so they thought.

            Living in Babylon today is not much different than Daniel’s day. Our conspirators today use the same tactics to overthrow us and bring us down. Authentic Christianity today lived out is guaranteed to upset those who hold to a secular worldview. Secularists despise those of faith in authority. They will expose a conviction held by Christians in a negative light, even pursing legal action to remove and discredit them. Unfortunately, there are many who cave and compromise.

            Daniel is an example needed in our world today. He did not cave. His enemies knew he wouldn’t. Their plan was foolproof for they knew of Daniel’s integrity and convictions. “Then the officials went together to Daniel’s house and found him praying and asking for God’s help. So they went straight to the king and reminded him about his law.” (Dan. 6:11-12a nlt) King Darius also knew Daniel would not give in when the officials reported Daniel’s continued prayer habits. “Hearing this, the king was deeply troubled, and he tried to think of a way to save Daniel. He spent the rest of the day looking for a way to get Daniel out of this predicament.” (Dan. 6:14 nlt) Darius realized he was used by those who wanted Daniel dead, the most competent and loyal administrator he had.

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            We know the rest of the story. The king had no choice but to have Daniel thrown into the lion’s den but had hope that Daniel’s God would save him. (Dan. 6:16) We know God did indeed save him by sending an angel to shut the lion’s mouths, but again as with Daniel’s three friends thrown into the fiery furnace, he did not know if God would save him, but knew that He could.  Daniel took a courageous stand of ‘legitimate disobedience’ for he was not about to let any authority prevent him from praying to the Lord God. A foolproof plan today only works against us if we become a Daniel and hold to our convictions, not cave, or compromise trusting God for the outcome in whether He will deliver us. Do we have the courage to do more than civil disobedience, but to stand for God in ‘legitimate disobedience?’

Read: Daniel 6 NLT – Daniel in the Lions’ Den – Darius the – Bible Gateway

Devotionals

Elizabeth Elliot: You are Loved with an everlasting Love

Loring Schultz

“You are loved with an everlasting love, that’s what the Bible says, and underneath are the everlasting arms” Elizabeth Elliot

“The eternal God is thy refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms.” Deuteronomy 33:27a KJV

 Black & white photographs — Cornell Capa © International Center of Photography/Magnum Photos.
 

March is ‘Women’s History Month.” There have been many women in evangelical circles over the years who have done tremendous work for the cause of Christ. A very notable woman in the advancing of the gospel throughout the world is Elizabeth Elliot. Born in Brussels, Belgium in 1926 to missionary parents, she herself became a missionary to the Auca/Waodani tribe in the Amazonian jungle of Ecuador. First with her husband, Jim Elliot, and then as a single mother after her husband’s death.

It was January 8, 1956, when Jim Elliot and four other missionaries were speared to death in an effort to make contact the Auca/Waodani tribe. Two years later, Elizabeth returned with her 3-year-old daughter and Rachel Saint the sister of Nate Saint who was also killed in the attack of the missionaries. They led many to Christ during their stay before returning to the states in 1963. Elizabeth published her 2nd and 3rd books while serving among the Aucas in Ecuador.

Elizabeth Elliot went on to write over 20 books. She was an adjunct professor at Gordon-Conwell Seminary, and hosted a daily radio program, ‘Gateway to Joy,’ for twelve years beginning in 1988. Through all her accomplishments in serving the Lord, it was her time in Ecuador returning to the same people who killed her husband and presenting the gospel of Christ that has sealed her place in history. The Museum of the Bible in Washington, D. C. opened ‘The Elisabeth Elliot Exhibit’ on March 30, 2023.

What would cause someone to return to the very place and to the same people who murdered their husband? In her own words Elizabeth had said, “Faith does not eliminate questions. But faith knows where to take them.” She took her questions to God and He answered them. Having a deep love for Jesus, her savior, she wanted to share that love. Elizabeth wrote, “The deepest things that I have learned in my own life have come from the deepest suffering. And out of the deepest waters and the hottest fires have come the deepest things I know about God.” This she also shared with her readers, radio audience, and those who heard her lectures. You are loved with an everlasting love.

Link: Elisabeth Elliot ‘TRUST & OBEY FOR THERE’S NO OTHER WAY’

Devotionals

You of little faith!

Loring Schultz

“And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19 RSV

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The author of the book of Hebrews in the New Testament explains “faith” in this way, “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” (Heb. 11:1 RSV) In other words, it is the divine assurance that what is unseen is actual reality rather than what is hoped for. Jesus after lecturing the disciples about money gives them a slight rebuke while encouraging them not to worry about the future in saying, “O men of little faith?” (Mt. 6:30 RSV) Worrying about future needs unnecessarily would have taken away their focus on what is really important, the kingdom of God. Our Lord wanted them to “seek first his kingdom and his righteousness” and be assured that their needs would be met in the process.

Many of us today would fall into the same category of needing a rebuke from our Lord not to worry as He exclaims, “You of little faith!” Perhaps it is our natural tendency to see only what is in front of us and surmising the possibility of an unfavorable future. The Lord will not rebuke us for planning and preparing for the future as He has given us skills and gifted us with the means to provide for ourselves, our families, and for others in need. But what the Lord will indeed rebuke us for is making that our number one priority above everything else, especially the kingdom of God. Lack of faith in God providing for us will lead us into a life of self-sufficiency and the anxiety that goes along with it. Our Lord makes it clear it doesn’t need to be that way.

Jesus emphasizes God’s care for the birds of the air and lilies of field in comparison to His disciples and to us. If God cares enough about His smallest of creatures and feeds them, and cares about the beauty of His creation of the fields that He continuing clothes them with lilies, He will provide for us. O that we will seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and not hear the Lord say to us ‘you of little faith’!

Read the account in scripture: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+6%3A25-34&version=RSV

Bible Studies

“Willing to Die” LIVING IN BABYLON: The Book of Daniel

Loring Schultz

“Then Nebuchadnezzar said, ‘Praise to the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego! He sent his angel to rescue his servants who trusted in him. They defied the king’s command and were willing to die rather than serve or worship any god except their own God.’” Daniel 3:28 NLT

Photo by Ben Burkhardt on Unsplash

            The third chapter of the book of Daniel records the first of two favorite children Sunday School stories found in Daniel. Of course, I’m referring to the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. As the story goes, these three young men, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah (their Hebrew names) refused to bow down and worship the gold statue Nebuchadnezzar had erected. The king demanded worship of the statue at the instant of hearing musical instruments. Any who refused would be thrown into a blazing fiery furnace. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were willing to die than to worship any pagan gods, even a golden statue set up by the king himself.

            I’m sure Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego didn’t anticipate this tragic event happening. They were in obedience to the Lord in participating for the welfare of Babylon, their new home. They were also in Nebuchadnezzar’s service as a few of the most educated and wisest officials in the king’s court. But they were living in a pagan culture with no regard for the God of the Hebrews, the true God, and was governed by a ruler who was as fickle as the weather.

            King Nebuchadnezzar had earlier praised the God of Heaven for revealing his dream to him through Daniel, but he quicky forgot God. He elevated himself by erecting a statue overlaid in gold to represent himself and his kingdom as in his dream, the head of gold in chapter 2. An announcement was made to gather all the officials of Nebuchadnezzar’s empire to pledge their allegiance in the dedication of the golden statue. “Then he sent messages to the high officers, officials, governors, advisers, treasurers, judges, magistrates, and all the provincial officials to come to the dedication of the statue he had set up.” (Dan. 3:2 NLT) The king demanded worship of the golden statue which represented his kingdom, but also possibly the god Nabu meaning ‘Nabu, protect my son!’, or ‘Nabu, protect my boundary!’ The Jewish people were truly living in a pagan culture, and Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego will soon find out how much it would cost them.

            Much like in our day with the tolerance, D.E.I., reproductive rights, and hate speech police watching every move of Bible believing Christians, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego had their own thought police keeping tabs on them. Their colleagues in the king’s court blew the whistle on them. Daniel 3:8 &12 says, “But some of the astrologers went to the king and informed on the Jews…. But there are some Jews—Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego—whom you have put in charge of the province of Babylon. They pay no attention to you, Your Majesty. They refuse to serve your gods and do not worship the gold statue you have set up.” (NLT) Naturally these men were jealous and envied the three Hebrew officials who had a higher rank than them. Not only did they have powerful positions, but they did not bow down to the cultural demands of Babylon. Those in authority today are under supreme pressure to compromise to get along with the culture, but it also comes at a high cost, not only affecting themselves but others as well.  

            When brought before the king; Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego had their minds made up. They didn’t need to think or pray about what their answer would be. “(They) replied, ‘O Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you……Your Majesty, that we will never serve your gods or worship the gold statue you have set up.’” (Dan. 3:16, 18b) The king was furious by their outright refusal not to obey an order he had given. Not to be humiliated in front of those who were present he ordered them to be thrown into the blazing furnace. God miraculously saved them sending an angel in the heated furnace. Not a hair on their head was singed, nor the smell of smoke on them. But going in, they did not know if God would indeed save them.

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            We haven’t yet reached that point in our present-day Babylon in the United States, but other believers in other parts of the world have and will continue to do so. Perhaps it’s only a matter of time before we are faced with a Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego experience. But if or when we are, will we be willing to die saying, “that we will never serve your gods or worship the gold statue you have set up.”

Read: Daniel 3 NLT – Nebuchadnezzar’s Gold Statue – King – Bible Gateway

Bible Studies

SOLA FIDE (Faith Alone)

Loring Schultz

“No doctrine is more important to evangelical theology than the doctrine of justification by faith alone—the Reformation principle of sola fide. Martin Luther rightly said that the church stands or falls on this one doctrine.” John MacArthur

 “The doctrine of justification by faith is like Atlas: it bears a world on its shoulders, the entire evangelical knowledge of saving grace.” J. I. Packer

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We have come to the fourth sola of the ‘Five Solas’ of the Reformation period, ‘sola fide’ or (faith alone.) Simply put, it is by faith alone with nothing added, in Christ Jesus alone, that we enter into a saving relationship with Him securing our salvation. The apostle Paul writes, “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God.” (Eph. 2:8 ESV) A part of the gift God gives to us is the gift of faith to believe. We would not believe on our own, nor would we have the faith to do so. God grants it to us. Paul goes on further to say, “not a result of works, so that no one may boast.” (Eph. 2:9 ESV) There is nothing we can do to work our way into heaven. It is all by God’s grace alone to us through faith alone and nothing else.

            It is amazing that God sees us as righteous through His Son as we put our faith in Him. Our righteousness and justification comes only through Jesus Christ and what He accomplished in our place on Calvary’s cross. The Devotional series “Heart of the Reformation” notes, “Faith alone preserves the truth that the Lord is our only Savior. Faith looks outside of ourselves and only to Jesus as the Redeemer.” Again, there is nothing we can do to gain righteousness and be justified before God except through Jesus Christ. We are sinful creatures with a sin nature and find it impossible to keep any of God’s commandments. We could never accumulate enough good deeds to be seen as righteous in God’s eyes and earn our way to heaven. Dr. R. C. Sproul notes, “The question is not whether we are going to be saved through works; the question is whose works. We saved through the works of the one who alone fulfilled the terms of the covenant works.” We are to believe in faith the works of Christ on our behalf, and believe in faith alone!

            In Jesus’s parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector (Lk.18:9-14), Jesus points out to those who thought themselves to be righteous that they were not. The so-called righteous Pharisee in his prayer exalted himself by saying, ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector.’ The tax collector’s prayer was a humbling response, ‘God, be merciful to me, a sinner!’ Jesus explained, ‘I tell you, this man went down to his house justified, rather than the other.’ It couldn’t be clearer, Jesus is stating justification is by faith alone and not by works. “Martin Luther rightly said that the church stands or falls on this one doctrine.”