ROMANS 1:17 FOUR "FORS" continued The righteousness of God could have a frightening impact if in His own righteousness, He had struck down every unrighteous one in the human race. He could have justly brought judgment down and doomed us all and it would have been an act of divine holiness. Instead He has chosen to act in righteousness. His holy claims against us have been righteously satisfied when those claims were laid on the Sinless Substitute, His own Son.
God's righteousness on the principle of faith placed in Christ alone has been openly revealed to mankind through the Gospel. The third of the "fors" is that we don't have to be ashamed of the Gospel because God has provided a legal, just way to accept us and not compromise His own righteousness. Apart from any human effort or merit, the atoning work of Christ has satisfied God on account of our sins. Now the act of faith in Christ has been made plain to us through God's Word and we reply upon Christ alone based upon faith in His Word alone, which we know without question to be true. Our faith is not an unfounded faith.
The Good News is that God has acted on our behalf when Christ died for our sins, when He was buried, when He was raised again the third day according to the scriptures, and when He was seen by many. The result is plain and obvious to all, "The just shall live by faith." We rest in Christ alone and His accomplished work of salvation for us personally. The Gospel has brought the principle of living by faith that was prophesied, to light by the living believers in the Lord Jesus Christ. "For the righteousness of God is revealed" - through those who live by faith.
There are doubtless things that my faith can't show - And the full extent of faith's power I may never know - But for this one day may my light so shine - That others may come to know the blessings in my faith I find.
I know my "Redeemer liveth" and now is at God's right hand. I know He is with me even when called to make a stand Against sin and for God, no matter what others do - And will give me the power to Him to be true.
I know that He said He will supply all my need. I know when I pray, to those petitions He gives heed. When there is a real need, from His great supply, He provides just what I need, in faith I on Him rely.
I know He has promised to add blessing to His Word Whether in private or when by others heard. I know sometimes it is sown as seed in a field. I know at the harvest it will give forth its yield.
I know God will not leave me nor will He forsake Me when the temptations and trials of life inroads seek to make On my life of faith that I might in some way fail the Lord I know He can strengthen by bringing to remembrance His Word.
I know when through the valley of the shadow of death I go - He will be with me whether that journey be fast or slow. I know He is able to provide for me the needed grace. I know right to the end of life He will help me to live by faith.
"Father, may each activity of this day I am involved in, there may be some way bear the imprint of faith upon it to bring praise and honor to Thee. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, Amen."