“Obedience of Faith” (12/7)

Thought from today’s Bible reading from Acts 20:1-3; Romans 1-3.

The epistle of Romans is widely regarded as Paul’s explanation of how we are justified by faith. This is certainly discussed in this letter (Romans 5:1), but many misapply these teachings because they begin with a flawed definition of faith.

Generally, those among Protestant churches define faith in such a way that it is completely separate from works. They believe that salvation could only come by one of two ways: by faith or by works. Therefore, they believe that since salvation is by faith (Romans 5:1), then there are no works (obedience) required on our part to be saved. The problem with this is that it is not taught in the New Testament.

Notice what Paul had to say about faith in the beginning of this letter:

Through whom we have received grace and apostleship to bring about the obedience of faith among all the Gentiles for His name’s sake…” (Romans 1:5).


Though many believe faith and works are mutually exclusive, Paul described them as being intrinsically linked to one another. There is no “salvation by faith” or “salvation by works.” Instead, there is “the obedience of faith.” Paul’s words to the Romans are in harmony with what James wrote:

Even so faith, if it has no works, is dead, being by itself” (James 2:17).

You believe that God is one. You do well; the demons also believe, and shudder. But are you willing to recognize, you foolish fellow, that faith without works is useless?” (James 2:19-20).

You see that a man is justified by works and not by faith alone” (James 2:24).

For just as the body without the spirit is dead, so also faith without works is dead” (James 2:26).

Biblical faith is an obedient faith. A disobedient faith is a dead faith. This is why Paul was sent “to bring about the obedience of faith among all the Gentiles.” Faith alone would not save them, nor will it save us today. If we wish to be saved, we must have an obedient faith.

Tomorrow’s reading: Romans 4-7

[I’m using the Chronological reading plan on the Bible Gateway website if you’d like to follow along, too.]


Daily Notes & Observations contains all 365 articles from this series and is available in paperback from Gospel Armory.


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