7.
True believing is not an act of the understanding only, but a work of the whole heart. This showed that a justifying faith cannot be without works of faith, is shown from two examples, Abraham and Rahab of Jericho.
Abraham believed God, and it was reckoned unto him for righteousness. Faith, producing such works, advanced him to peculiar favours. We see then, how that by works a man is justified, not by a bare opinion or profession, or believing without obeying; but by having such faith as produces good works. And to have to deny his own reason, affections, and interests, is an action fit to try a believer.
Observe here, the wonderful power of faith in changing sinners. Rahab’s conduct proved her faith to be living, or having power; it showed that she believed with her heart, when she believed the words of the two spies and not merely by an assent of the understanding.
Let us then take heed, for the best works, without faith, are dead; they want root and principle. By faith any thing we do is really good; as done in obedience to God, and aiming at his acceptance: the root is as though it were dead, when there is no fruit. Faith is the root of salvation , good works are the fruits of salvation; and it is vital that we have both for out salvation.
8.
This is actually the grace of God wherein we stand, and we should stand to it by all means. There is no middle ground. Every believer must either live as God’s friend, or as God’s enemy. But living to God, it is the consequence of faith, that justifies and will save us, We are not to do anything against the Almighty and most powerful God, but all good things for Him till eternity.
I cannot do this until I make all believers in Jesus Christ see the importance of obeying God.
Starting from Adam and our mother Eve who in the garden of Eden disobeyed the commandment of God, the first ever recorded person to sin against God through disobedience, the result brought sin upon the human race; thanks be to Jesus Christ, who shed his precious blood to redeem us.
