obedience of faith

Romans 16:25-26 Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began, 26 But now is made manifest, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith:

...made known to all nations for the obedience of faith

Paul, the apostle to the Gentiles, starts off in his Romans’ introduction referencing God’s Son Jesus Christ our Lord (promised afore by his prophets in the holy scriptures), made of the seed of David according to the flesh and then fast forwards to His resurrection from the dead. Paul then closes this book with exhortation to be stablished according to his gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began, but now being made manifest by the scriptures of the prophets.

Paul ends his introduction with exhortation for obedience to 'the faith’ among all nations, for his name. Paul ends Romans slightly different with exhortation to all nations for the obedience ‘of faith’. This chapter is dedicated to defining ‘of faith’, that in essence makes up ‘the faith’.

Obedience to the Faith

Romans 1:1-5 Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God, 2 (Which he had promised afore by his prophets in the holy scriptures,) 3 Concerning his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, which was made of the seed of David according to the flesh; 4 And declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead: 5 By whom we have received grace and apostleship, for obedience to 'the faith' among all nations, for his name:

separated unto the gospel of God
Which he had promised afore by his prophets in the holy scriptures
Concerning his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, which was made of the seed of David according to the flesh
And declared to be the Son of God with power… by the resurrection from the dead
By whom we have received grace and apostleship
for obedience to 'the faith' among all nations

Obedience of Faith

Romans 16:25-27 Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began, 26 But now is made manifest, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience 'of faith': 27 To God only wise, be glory through Jesus Christ for ever. Amen.

Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel
and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery
which was kept secret since the world began
But now is made manifest, and by the scriptures of the prophets
according to the commandment of the everlasting God
made known to all nations for the obedience 'of faith'

In the chapter titled "Obedience to the Faith", it is pointed out that Jesus Christ is the foundation of the 'faith' seen throughout the gospels and book of Acts. It is also pointed out that Timothy was sent to Corinth to remind them of Paul’s ways which be in Christ, as he taught everywhere in every church.

1 Corinthians 3:9-11 For we are labourers together with God: ye are God's husbandry, ye are God's building. 10 According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon. 11 For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.

For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ

1 Corinthians 4:16-17 Wherefore I beseech you, be ye followers of me. 17 For this cause have I sent unto you Timotheus, who is my beloved son, and faithful in the Lord, who shall bring you into remembrance of my ways which be in Christ, as I teach every where in every church.

who shall bring you into remembrance of my ways which be in Christ
as I teach every where in every church

One must discern, in rightly dividing the word of truth (2Tim 2:15), when considering the ministries of John the Baptist, the 12 Apostles and Paul, the apostle to the Gentiles.

God’s Purpose for Paul

Paul’s conversion is recorded in Acts 9, with purpose stated for God’s selection of Paul.

Acts 9:15 But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel:

to bear my name before the Gentiles
and kings
and the children of Israel

Interesting, is the sequence listed in which to those to whom he would bear his name, as they appear backwards. However, the probable intent is that Paul’s main mission, was to be the Gentile, as he refers to himself as being the apostle of the Gentiles.

Romans 11:13 For I speak to you Gentiles, inasmuch as I am the apostle of the Gentiles, I magnify mine office:

Peter's Kingdom Gate's Keys

Kingdom Gates Opened to Gentiles Living ‘by faith’ Acts 10

After Paul’s conversion in Acts 9, we find in Acts 10, God having Peter open the kingdom gates to Cornelius’ household, a Gentile who was living ‘by faith’.

Acts 10:1-4 There was a certain man in Caesarea called Cornelius, a centurion of the band called the Italian band, 2 A devout man, and one that feared God with all his house, which gave much alms to the people, and prayed to God alway. 3 He saw in a vision evidently about the ninth hour of the day an angel of God coming in to him, and saying unto him, Cornelius. 4 And when he looked on him, he was afraid, and said, What is it, Lord? And he said unto him, Thy prayers and thine alms are come up for a memorial before God.

A devout man, and one that feared God with all his house, which gave much alms to the people, and prayed to God always
Thy prayers and thine alms are come up for a memorial before God

Acts 10:21-22 Then Peter went down to the men which were sent unto him from Cornelius; and said, Behold, I am he whom ye seek: what is the cause wherefore ye are come? 22 And they said, Cornelius the centurion, a just man, and one that feareth God, and of good report among all the nation of the Jews, was warned from God by an holy angel to send for thee into his house, and to hear words of thee.

And they said, Cornelius the centurion, a just man, and one that feareth God, and of good report among all the nation of the Jews

Astonishment was the reaction from those of the circumcision, that accompanied Peter, as they witnessed this household experiencing the gift of the Holy Ghost, evidenced by speaking in tongues. Though being out of the listed sequence in Acts 2:38, where baptism with water preceded the gift of the Holy Ghost, Peter reasoned that… "can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we?" Peter then proceeded to baptize these Gentiles in the ‘name of the Lord’.

Acts 10:44-48 While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word. 45 And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost. 46 For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter, 47 Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we? 48 And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord…

they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost
Then answered Peter… Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we?
he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord

The Door of Faith Opened to the Gentiles

Very significant to this topic at hand, is that the ‘door of faith’ was opened up to the Gentiles between Acts 13 & 14.

Acts 13:1-2 Now there were in the church that was at Antioch certain prophets and teachers; as Barnabas, and Simeon that was called Niger, and Lucius of Cyrene, and Manaen, which had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. 2 As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them.

As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said
Separate me Barnabas and Saul
for the work whereunto I have called them

Acts 14:26-28 And thence sailed to Antioch, from whence they had been recommended to the grace of God for the work which they fulfilled. 27 And when they were come, and had gathered the church together, they rehearsed all that God had done with them, and how he had opened the door of faith unto the Gentiles. 28 And there they abode long time with the disciples.

And thence sailed to Antioch, from whence they had been recommended to the grace of God
for the work which they fulfilled
how he had opened the door of faith unto the Gentiles

Another note of significance is how that in Acts 13, where we first find Saul being identified as Paul, is record of how a certain sorcerer, a false prophet, a Jew named Bar-jesus, sought to turn a Gentile from hearing the word of God. Paul’s response clearly signifies a turning point in Israel's history, as rejection by the Jew turns God to demonstrating His grace and mercy towards the Gentile.

Acts 13:6-12 And when they had gone through the isle unto Paphos, they found a certain sorcerer, a false prophet, a Jew, whose name was Bar-jesus: 7 Which was with the deputy of the country, Sergius Paulus, a prudent man; who called for Barnabas and Saul, and desired to hear the word of God. 8 But Elymas the sorcerer (for so is his name by interpretation) withstood them, seeking to turn away the deputy from the faith. 9 Then Saul, (who also is called Paul,) filled with the Holy Ghost, set his eyes on him, 10 And said, O full of all subtilty and all mischief, thou child of the devil, thou enemy of all righteousness, wilt thou not cease to pervert the right ways of the Lord? 11 And now, behold, the hand of the Lord is upon thee, and thou shalt be blind, not seeing the sun for a season. And immediately there fell on him a mist and a darkness; and he went about seeking some to lead him by the hand. 12 Then the deputy, when he saw what was done, believed, being astonished at the doctrine of the Lord.

they found a certain sorcerer, a false prophet, a Jew, whose name was Bar-jesus: Which was with the deputy of the country…
Sergius Paulus, a prudent man; who called for Barnabas and Saul, and desired to hear the word of God
But Elymas the sorcerer (for so is his name by interpretation) withstood them, seeking to turn away the deputy from the faith
Then Saul, (who also is called Paul,) filled with the Holy Ghost, set his eyes on him
And said, O full of all subtilty and all mischief, thou child of the devil, thou enemy of all righteousness, wilt thou not cease to pervert the right ways of the Lord?
And now, behold, the hand of the Lord is upon thee, and thou shalt be blind, not seeing the sun for a season
And immediately there fell on him a mist and a darkness; and he went about seeking some to lead him by the hand
Then the deputy, when he saw what was done, believed, being astonished at the doctrine of the Lord

In Romans 11, Paul goes into great detail concerning an election of Israel, being saved by grace, while the rest were blinded, as Paul’s message of grace moved towards the Gentile. This topic is covered in the chapters titled, "the fall of Israel" and "blindness in part to Israel".

Romans 11:7 What then? Israel hath not obtained that which he seeketh for; but the election hath obtained it, and the rest were blinded

Romans 11:25 For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in.

Peter's kingdom gates keys C

door of faith to Gentiles A

'By Faith', ‘Through Faith’, ‘The Faith’, and ‘Of Faith’

‘By Faith’, 'through faith", ‘the faith’ and ‘of faith’, are all parts of same theme in the book of Romans, as Paul discerns between God justifying the circumcision ‘by faith’ and the uncircumcision ‘through faith’. The Theme Study covers all four terminologies, from many different aspects, in various chapters. Focus here, in this chapter, is going to be on Romans 10, regarding imputed righteousness which is ‘of faith’, followed by description of the walk that is ‘of faith’.

'Of Faith'

The Righteousness which is ‘of faith’

Romans 10:1-13 Brethren, my heart's desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they might be saved. 2 For I bear them record that they have a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge. 3 For they being ignorant of God's righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God. 4 For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth. 5 For Moses describeth the righteousness which is of the law, That the man which doeth those things shall live by them. 6 But the righteousness which is of faith speaketh on this wise, Say not in thine heart, Who shall ascend into heaven? (that is, to bring Christ down from above:) 7 Or, Who shall descend into the deep? (that is, to bring up Christ again from the dead.) 8 But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach; 9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. 10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. 11 For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. 12 For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him. 13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.

But the righteousness which is of faith speaketh on this wise...
that is, the word of faith, which we preach

Comparing Apples to Oranges?

Romans 10, is one of the most commonly used passages when witnessing someone to Christ. The Old Testament parallel passage, that Paul is referencing, is found in Deuteronomy 30. Before discerning the difference between justification ‘by faith’ and ‘through faith’, it confused me as to why Paul seemed to be comparing apples to oranges? Though Paul is most definitely talking about salvation in Romans 10, he avoids using the words just, justify or justification and the context in Deuteronomy 30:11-16, certainly isn’t justification or salvation?

righteousness of faith A

The Word is Very Nigh Unto Thee

Deuteronomy 30:11-16 For this commandment which I command thee this day, it is not hidden from thee, neither is it far off. 12 It is not in heaven, that thou shouldest say, Who shall go up for us to heaven, and bring it unto us, that we may hear it, and do it? 13 Neither is it beyond the sea, that thou shouldest say, Who shall go over the sea for us, and bring it unto us, that we may hear it, and do it? 14 But the word is very nigh unto thee, in thy mouth, and in thy heart, that thou mayest do it. 15 See, I have set before thee this day life and good, and death and evil; 16 In that I command thee this day to love the LORD thy God, to walk in his ways, and to keep his commandments and his statutes and his judgments, that thou mayest live and multiply: and the LORD thy God shall bless thee in the land whither thou goest to possess it.

For this commandment which I command thee this day, it is not hidden from thee, neither is it far off
It is not in heaven, that thou shouldest say, Who shall go up for us to heaven, and bring it unto us, that we may hear it, and do it?
Neither is it beyond the sea, that thou shouldest say, Who shall go over the sea for us, and bring it unto us, that we may hear it, and do it?
See, I have set before thee this day life and good, and death and evil
I command thee this day to love the LORD thy God, to walk in his ways, and to keep his commandments and his statutes and his judgments, that thou mayest live and multiply

The Word is Nigh Thee

Romans 10:4-13 For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth. 5 For Moses describeth the righteousness which is of the law, That the man which doeth those things shall live by them. 6 But the righteousness which is of faith speaketh on this wise, Say not in thine heart, Who shall ascend into heaven? (that is, to bring Christ down from above:) 7 Or, Who shall descend into the deep? (that is, to bring up Christ again from the dead.) 8 But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach; 9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. 10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. 11 For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. 12 For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him. 13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.

For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth
But the righteousness which is 'of faith' speaketh on this wise, Say not in thine heart, Who shall ascend into heaven? (that is, to bring Christ down from above:)
Or, Who shall descend into the deep? (that is, to bring up Christ again from the dead.)
But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach;
That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved

Not until the following four doctrinal facts are realized, these two passages, that Paul lays side by side, will not and cannot make bible-sense!

There’s a difference between justification ‘by faith’ and ‘through faith’.
The righteousness of God under the law was the law.
Under the Old Testament, a just man was one who was righteous before the LORD. Imputed righteousness was based on faithful obedience.
It’s not till the Paul's ministry and gospel that imputed righteousness wasn’t based on faithful obedience.

The Righteousness of God Before Christ

The Law

A Doctrinal Fact Denied More Often Than Not

Paul, in stating that Jesus Christ being the end of the law for righteousness, cannot be any clearer in saying, at same time, that the righteousness of God under the law was the law! This is both clearly supported by and undeniable in the scripture!

Deuteronomy 6:24-25 And the LORD commanded us to do all these statutes, to fear the LORD our God, for our good always, that he might preserve us alive, as it is at this day. 25 And it shall be our righteousness, if we observe to do all these commandments before the LORD our God, as he hath commanded us.

And the LORD commanded us to do all these statutes
And it shall be our righteousness
if we observe to do all these commandments before the LORD our God, as he hath commanded us

As the focus is on national blessings in the land, what is omitted in passages such as Deuteronomy 6 & 10, are the consequences on individuals who breaks certain commandments with result of being excommunicated from Israel. Here is but one example, of many that could be given, which are found elsewhere in the Theme Study.

righteousness under law A

The Water of Separation

Numbers 19:9 And a man that is clean shall gather up the ashes of the heifer, and lay them up without the camp in a clean place, and it shall be kept for the congregation of the children of Israel for a water of separation: it is a purification for sin. Numbers 19:13 Whosoever toucheth the dead body of any man that is dead, and purifieth not himself, defileth the tabernacle of the LORD; and that soul shall be cut off from Israel: because the water of separation was not sprinkled upon him, he shall be unclean; his uncleanness is yet upon him. Numbers 19:20 But the man that shall be unclean, and shall not purify himself, that soul shall be cut off from among the congregation, because he hath defiled the sanctuary of the LORD: the water of separation hath not been sprinkled upon him; he is unclean.

it shall be kept for the congregation of the children of Israel for a water of separation
Whosoever toucheth the dead body of any man that is dead, and purifieth not himself, defileth the tabernacle of the LORD; and that soul shall be cut off from Israel: because the water of separation was not sprinkled upon him, he shall be unclean; his uncleanness is yet upon him
But the man that shall be unclean, and shall not purify himself, that soul shall be cut off from among the congregation, because he hath defiled the sanctuary of the LORD: the water of separation hath not been sprinkled upon him; he is unclean

The example given here, of failure in observing one of the diver’s washings under the Mosaic Covenant, not only well illustrates this principal, but also lays groundwork for understanding John the Baptist’s baptism with water. John's baptism was also a water of separation... "And all the people that heard him, and the publicans, justified God, being baptized with the baptism of John. 30 But the Pharisees and lawyers rejected the counsel of God against themselves, being not baptized of him." Luke 7:29-30

What is important to understand about this separation from the nation, is that on the Day of Atonement, when the priest would offer sacrifice for the sins of the people, those no longer within the congregation are no longer covered!

The following chapters cover this subject in more detail: "Righteousness of God with the Law"; "Righteousness which is of the Law"; "Circumcision Justified by Faith".

Under the OT, the ‘by faith’ principal, for justification, was based on faithful obedience before, during and after the Mosaic Covenant. This work element of faithful obedience, in time to come, was to be eliminated under the ministry of Paul.

Text Taken Out of Context

Fewer texts are taken out of context more than Galatians 2:16, regarding Paul’s comment… ‘for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified’. Most commentaries, preachers and teachers turn this into universal truth covering Genesis through Revelation and nothing can be further from the truth! Putting this verse into proper context clearly demonstrates that Paul is conveying present truth and not prior truth!

Galatians 2:16 Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.

Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law
but by the faith of Jesus Christ
even we have believed in Jesus Christ
that we might be justified by the faith of Christ
and not by the works of the law
for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified

Galatians 3:22-25 But the scripture hath concluded all under sin, that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe. 23 But before faith came, we were kept under the law, shut up unto the faith which should afterwards be revealed. 24 Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith. 25 But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster.

the scripture hath concluded all under sin
that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe
But before faith came
shut up unto the faith which should afterwards be revealed
to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith
But after that faith is come

The following points are made that clearly show that there was a 'faith' to come that didn’t exist before! Obviously, there was a system of faith, (Rom 3:3; Heb 11:6) in place, prior to the ‘faith' to come and several simple bible-sense deductions can be made:

The faith to come concerns ‘believing’ in the ‘by faith of Jesus Christ’.
Nobody, but nobody could believe in the ‘faith to come’ until it came!
Works of the law was ‘part’ of the justification process under the Mosaic Covenant.

Romans 3:3 For what if some did not believe? shall their unbelief make the faith of God without effect?

Hebrews 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.

Bible contradicton? B

'...if we observe...'

Deuteronomy 6:25 And it shall be our righteousness, if we observe to do all these commandments before the LORD our God, as he hath commanded us.

And it shall be our righteousness
if we observe to do all these commandments before the LORD our God, as he hath commanded us

The Righteousness Which is of the Law

Habakkuk 2:4 Behold, his soul which is lifted up is not upright in him: but the just shall live by his faith.

but the just shall live by his faith

Romans 9:31-32 But Israel, which followed after the law of righteousness, hath not attained to the law of righteousness. 32 Wherefore? Because they sought it not by faith, but as it were by the works of the law. For they stumbled at that stumblingstone;

But Israel… hath not attained to the law of righteousness
Because they sought it not by faith

Romans 10:5 For Moses describeth the righteousness which is of the law, That the man which doeth those things shall live by them.

For Moses describeth the righteousness which is of the law
That the man which doeth those things shall live by them

Romans 3:3 For what if some did not believe? shall their unbelief make the faith of God without effect?

For what if some did not believe?
shall their unbelief make the faith of God without effect?

'...the man which doeth...'

Romans 10:5 For Moses describeth the righteousness which is of the law, That the man which doeth those things shall live by them.

Moses describeth the righteousness which is of the law
That the man which doeth those things shall live by them

The Righteousness Which is of Faith

Romans 9:30 What shall we say then? That the Gentiles, which followed not after righteousness, have attained to righteousness, even the righteousness which is of faith.

That the Gentiles, which followed not after righteousness, have attained to righteousness
even the righteousness which is of faith

Romans 10:6 But the righteousness which is of faith speaketh on this wise, Say not in thine heart, Who shall ascend into heaven? (that is, to bring Christ down from above:)

But the righteousness which is of faith speaketh on this wise

Romans 10:8 But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach;

that is, the word of faith, which we preach

The Blessing of Abraham on Gentiles Through Jesus Christ

Abraham was a bona-fide faithful and righteous OT saint living ‘by faith’ (Gen 12:1-4; Heb 11:8-10). The day came when imputed righteousness was given to Abraham over something he believed, other than faithful obedience.

Genesis 15:1-6 After these things the word of the LORD came unto Abram in a vision, saying, Fear not, Abram: I am thy shield, and thy exceeding great reward. 2 And Abram said, Lord GOD, what wilt thou give me, seeing I go childless, and the steward of my house is this Eliezer of Damascus? 3 And Abram said, Behold, to me thou hast given no seed: and, lo, one born in my house is mine heir. 4 And, behold, the word of the LORD came unto him, saying, This shall not be thine heir; but he that shall come forth out of thine own bowels shall be thine heir. 5 And he brought him forth abroad, and said, Look now toward heaven, and tell the stars, if thou be able to number them: and he said unto him, So shall thy seed be. 6 And he believed in the LORD; and he counted it to him for righteousness.

This shall not be thine heir; but he that shall come forth out of thine own bowels shall be thine heir
Look now toward heaven, and tell the stars, if thou be able to number them: and he said unto him, So shall thy seed be
And he believed in the LORD; and he counted it to him for righteousness

Galatians 3:6-9 Even as Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness. 7 Know ye therefore that they which are of faith, the same are the children of Abraham. 8 And the scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the heathen through faith, preached before the gospel unto Abraham, saying, In thee shall all nations be blessed. 9 So then they which be of faith are blessed with faithful Abraham.

Even as Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness
Know ye therefore that they which are of faith
the same are the children of Abraham
And the scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the heathen through faith
preached before the gospel unto Abraham, saying, In thee shall all nations be blessed
So then they which be of faith are blessed with faithful Abraham

Galatians 3:14 That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.

That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ
that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith

These passages demonstrate the exact principle of ‘through faith’, which is of a ‘of faith’ salvation today, in which the Gentile inherited from Abraham pointing back to Genesis 15 and not Genesis 12!

Today, imputed righteousness is based on believing ‘unto’ something and not doeth 'unto' something.

Romans 10:8-13 But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach; 9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. 10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. 11 For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. 12 For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him. 13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.

The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is
the word of faith, which we preach
For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness

The Nations' Walk of Faith

Something that deeply upset Paul was that as the Galatians, who started out on the right foot being justified through faith, then were tempted to revert back to a system of works in trying to live out righteousness. There is a temptation, in the life of a believer, in doing something to show forth righteousness, instead of being something as a result of that righteousness.

Matthew 23:3 All therefore whatsoever they bid you observe, that observe and do; but do not ye after their works: for they say, and do not.

Galatians 3:1-3 O foolish Galatians, who hath bewitched you, that ye should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ hath been evidently set forth, crucified among you? 2 This only would I learn of you, Received ye the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith? 3 Are ye so foolish? having begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect by the flesh?

Are ye so foolish? having begun in the Spirit
are ye now made perfect by the flesh?

Paul’s question, as to whether they received the Spirit by the works of the law, points to the case where Israel was always called upon to repent and turn back, to the commandments of God, in order to receive blessings. The Jew was called to repent and be baptized for the remission of sins under the ministry of John the Baptist. However, it wasn’t until the ministry of the Apostles, after the resurrection of Christ, that the promise of the gift of the Holy Ghost would be given and this was solely based on repentance and baptism with water.

Acts 2:36-38 Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ. 37 Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do? 38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.

Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins
and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost

Here we are to be reminded that Cornelius and his household received the gift of the Holy Ghost before being baptized with water and then only in the name of 'the Lord'.

Walk of Faith Summed Up in One Verse

Though more evidence will be given, the walk of faith can be summed up in one verse.

Galatians 2:20 I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.

nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me
the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God
who loved me, and gave himself for me

Under the Mosaic Covenant, Israel was called upon to love the LORD thy God with all their heart, and with all their soul, and with all their might. It’s this exhortation that was to be the bases of motivation for Israel’s righteousness, wherein they eventually miserably failed.

Deuteronomy 6:3-7 Hear therefore, O Israel, and observe to do it; that it may be well with thee, and that ye may increase mightily, as the LORD God of thy fathers hath promised thee, in the land that floweth with milk and honey. 4 Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God is one LORD: 5 And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might. 6 And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: 7 And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up. Deuteronomy 6:24-25 And the LORD commanded us to do all these statutes, to fear the LORD our God, for our good always, that he might preserve us alive, as it is at this day. 25 And it shall be our righteousness, if we observe to do all these commandments before the LORD our God, as he hath commanded us.

thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might
And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart
And it shall be our righteousness, if we observe to do all these commandments before the LORD our God, as he hath commanded us

But Israel, which followed after the law of righteousness, hath not attained to the law of righteousness
Wherefore? Because they sought it not by faith

After the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ, things switched from the ‘faith of God’ (Rom 3:1-3), to the ‘faith of Christ’, with emphasis on His sacrifice and the motivation that serves.

2 Corinthians 5:14-15 For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead: 15 And that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again.

For the love of Christ constraineth us
because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead
that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves
but unto him which died for them, and rose again

Obedience 'of Faith'

Romans 16:26 But now is made manifest, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith:

As the focus was on salvation, attention now turns to what can and should be observed outwardly; doing good from the heart.

Just as the Apostles ministry had a tremendous affect on the early Jewish church, being established in the Apostle’s doctrine (Acts 2:42-47), so Paul’s ministry was all about the Gentile being established in what’s now become, ‘the faith’. A large part of this is simply an outreach to all in the name of Christ.

Galatians 6:10 As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.

As we have therefore opportunity
let us do good unto all men
especially unto them who are of the household of faith

1 Thessalonians 1:3 Remembering without ceasing your work of faith, and labour of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, in the sight of God and our Father;

Remembering without ceasing your work of faith
and labour of love
and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ

2 Thessalonians 1:3 We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is meet, because that your faith groweth exceedingly, and the charity of every one of you all toward each other aboundeth;

because that your faith groweth exceedingly
and the charity of every one of you all toward each other aboundeth

2 Thessalonians 1:11-12 Wherefore also we pray always for you, that our God would count you worthy of this calling, and fulfil all the good pleasure of his goodness, and the work of faith with power: 12 That the name of our Lord Jesus Christ may be glorified in you, and ye in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.

we pray always for you, that our God would count you worthy of this calling
and fulfil all the good pleasure of his goodness, and the work of faith with power
That the name of our Lord Jesus Christ may be glorified in you, and ye in him
according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ

Paul’s instruction to Timothy was to convey to the brethren words of faith, good doctrine and to exercise godliness. To fight the good fight of faith laying hold on eternal life following after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience and meekness.

1 Timothy 4:6-8 If thou put the brethren in remembrance of these things, thou shalt be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine, whereunto thou hast attained. 7 But refuse profane and old wives' fables, and exercise thyself rather unto godliness. 8 For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come.

nourished up in the words of faith
and of good doctrine
exercise thyself rather unto godliness... but godliness is profitable unto all things

1 Timothy 6:11-12 But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness. 12 Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.

follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness
Fight the good fight of faith
lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses

Many of the things that Paul promotes, in his epistles concerning ‘the faith’, parallels foundational truth found in the Old Testament, Mosaic Covenant and in Jesus’ teachings and the Apostle’s doctrine. However, also easily demonstrated is that Paul's ways, which be in Christ, are often distinct from ways of the past!

1 Corinthians 4:17 For this cause have I sent unto you Timotheus, who is my beloved son, and faithful in the Lord, who shall bring you into remembrance of my ways which be in Christ, as I teach every where in every church.

This facet of, obedience 'of faith', is also dealt with, from different angles, in chapters titled "newness of spirit", "law of the Spirit" and "walking after the spirit".

obedience to the faith

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