Reference Text: Romans 4:16-22

There is no epistle in which we find more about “the grace of God” than that great and wonderful epistle of Paul to the Ephesians! It is one of his prison epistles and, interestingly enough, he was actually and literally in jail (“an ambassador in bonds”) for telling a secret, the secret of “the mystery” (Eph. 6:19-20). Paul endured a great deal of opposition and suffering in making this secret known. That’s rather unusual, isn’t it?

Many Christians spend great deal of time and effort trying to determine God’s will for them in a particular situation, often requiring a decision for what they face. They wait for instruction from the Lord as to what they should do in the matter at hand. They live as though it were still “time past” when men of God did not have the abiding indwelling “Spirit of life in Christ Jesus.” So they seek to live by outer guidance and confirmation of God’s will, but that is not God’s way in this age since the cross – since He lives IN US.

A Roman Catholic friend once told me that he believed God gave us “points” when we tried to do our best. We may not be perfect, but he reasoned we can certainly “try” to be like Jesus and God will give us “points” for effort. Like in high school or college, if we answer a question wrongly, but at least attempt to answer it, the teacher or professor will give us a few points.

“To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery (Gk. musterion, secret) among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory:” (Colossians 1:27)

“Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me” (John 14:6 KJV).

The third verse of Jack P. Scholfield’s classic 1911 hymn, “Saved, Saved, Saved,” the truth of our Salvation.

“When poor and needy and all alone,
In love He said to me,
‘Come unto Me and I’ll lead you home,
To live with Me eternally.’”

Faith is one of the most precious treasures a man can possibly possess. It is a pity that so few understand what the Bible teaches about it.

Faith is often confused with presumption, optimism, determination, superstition and imagination. Actually it is simply believing. This is why we read in Rom. 4:5:

“But to him that worketh not, but believeth on Him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.”

On what basis does the Christian life operate successfully? The typical church leader or pastor today would reply; “Of course, it’s by you keeping the Ten Commandments – then God will bless you.”

“But when they (the disciples) saw him (Jesus) walking upon the sea, (but) they supposed it had been a spirit (ghost), and cried out: ⁵⁰ For they all saw him, and were troubled. And immediately he talked with them, and saith unto them, Be of good cheer: it is I; be not afraid. (Mark 6:49-50 (KJV)

They thought they had seen a ghost!