SANCTIFIED BY FAITH

" . . . among them which are sanctified by faith that is in Me." (Acts 26:18)

THOSE WHO WALK BY FAITH differ radically from the rest of the world. The reason for this difference, however, is not merely a peculiar life style. It is true that some who are professing allegiance to Christ are unique only because of their habits of life – generally what they do NOT do. With those in Christ, however, faith is the distinguishing factor.

FAITH LINKS US WITH the "world to come," and, by that very fact, disconnects us from this world. We are "in the world, but not of the world," and that makes us different (John 15:19!

A BRIEF OVERVIEW of some of the accomplishments of faith is appropriate. Those who "walk by faith" enjoy these benefits in abundance.

JUSTIFIED BY FAITH. The basis for our complete acquittal from sin and reception of the righteousness of God, is our faith in Christ. The achievements required for our acceptance belong to Christ. Faith effectively obtains what God provides. God is thoroughly satisfied with Christ's vicarious sacrifice. Our unreserved acceptance of that atonement removes our sin from us as far as the East is from the West. "Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law" (Romans 3:28). "Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ" (Romans 5:1). "Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith"(Galatians 3:24). "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 2:16).

PROPITIATION THROUGH FAITH. Christ's blood – or the forfeiture of His life – becomes the covering for our sin. If we are identified with His death, God cannot see our sin – it is covered by the blood. It is glorious to contemplate that we have been "baptized into His death" (Rom. 6:3-5) – the death that caused Jesus to be our Propitiation. "Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God" (Romans 3:25).

HEARTS PURIFIED BY FAITH. A pure heart is requisite to the indwelling of the Spirit, as well as every acceptable expression. Faith cleanses the heart by lifting it from the realm of the curse into the bosom of the Father. "And put no difference between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith" (Acts 15:9).

CHILDREN OF GOD BY FAITH. Do not hesitate to receive the Word of the Lord on this matter. We are God's children by means of our faith. That is the basis of our relationship to Him, and the cause behind all of our appointed responses to the Gospel. "For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus" (Galatians 3:26).

RIGHTEOUSNESS BY FAITH. Even though our righteousness is imputed, it is nevertheless very real. In Christ, we are effectively separated from sin in the eyes of God – and His view is the true view. Those to whom righteousness has been "imputed" are, in fact, "doeth righteousness" (1 John 3:7). Once this is perceived, sin loses its power. "Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference" (Romans 3:22). "And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith" (Philippians 3:9).

ACCESS TO GOD BY FAITH. What does it take to gain access to the living God? You certainly cannot DO enough to merit a welcome from the Lord. However, your faith brings you into His Presence. Your persuasion of the truth of the Gospel gains you an audience with God Himself. "By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God" (Romans 5:2).

KEPT BY THE POWER OF GOD THROUGH FAITH. Every believer is concerned about persevering to the end. After all, the crown of life will be given only to those that "overcome" (Rev. 2:10). How is this achieved? Faith brings God into the scenario! You are, in fact, kept by God's power, and that power is activated, so to speak – or focused upon you – by your faith! "Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time" (I Peter 1:5).

WAITING FOR THE HOPE OF RIGHTEOUSNESS. Those in Christ acknowledge that in this world they are not what they ought to be. However, they live in expectation of the day when they will obtain the full measure of righteousness they desire. Their faith enables them to wait confidently for that time. "For we through the Spirit wait for the hope of righteousness by faith"(Galatians 5:5).

CHRIST DWELLS IN OUR HEARTS THROUGH FAITH. You have as much of Christ as you have of faith! He takes residence in your heart, working through you, to the degree that you are convinced of His Person and accomplishments. "That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love" (Ephesians 3:17).

THE NATURE OF OUR RESPONSE to all of this is quite clear. At the end of our life, we are to be known as those who "kept the faith."

– Given O. Blakely