Faith

Nothing Else But Christ Alone

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Martin Luther discusses what makes faith sure and steadfast in his Commentary on Galatians:

Faith, if it is to be sure and steadfast, must lay hold upon nothing else but Christ alone, and in the conflict and terrors of conscience it has nothing else to lean on but this precious pearl Christ Jesus. So, he who apprehends Christ by faith, although he be terrified with the law and oppressed with the weight of his sins, yet he may be bold to glory that he is righteous. How? Even by that precious jewel Christ Jesus, whom he possesses by faith.

People talk often about their faith, but in our society it seems like people place “faith in faith.” Which is misplaced faith. Our faith is only effective as the object it is placed on. Only faith whose object is Jesus Christ can we have certainly in its effectiveness for salvation. For it is by grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone can we have hope of heaven.

HT: Ray Ortlund

8 comments

Coleen Sharp says:
August 30, 2009 at 10:36 AM
I was thinking recently about this very thing. I fact I realized in a discussion with an Arminian how arrogant it is to think that we have so much power.
1. Shane Vander Hart says:
  August 31, 2009 at 9:42 PM
  @Coleen Sharp, Very true, I wish Arminians would step back and consider that.
Kansas Bob says:
August 30, 2009 at 3:02 PM
Great quote Shane! I might add that possibly faith in the bible, doctrine or theology is also a misplaced faith.
1. Shane Vander Hart says:
  August 31, 2009 at 9:53 PM
  @Kansas Bob, I get what you are saying, but also remember that scripture informs our faith, as it should our doctrine as well.
  All scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work, (1 Timothy 3:16-17, ESV)
  Also exhortation to Timothy, a pastor, which I think could and should be applied to pastors today:
  If you put these things before the brothers, you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus, being trained in the words of the faith and of the good doctrine that you have followed. Have nothing to do with irreverent, silly myths. Rather train yourself for godliness, (1 Timothy 4:5-7, ESV)
  And his instruction for elders/overseers/pastors:
  For an overseer, as God’s steward, must be above reproach. He must not be arrogant or quick-tempered or a drunkard or violent or greedy for gain, but hospitable, a lover of good, self-controlled, upright, holy, and disciplined. He must hold firm to the trustworthy word as taught, so that he may be able to give instruction in sound doctrine and also to rebuke those who contradict it.(Titus 1:7-9, ESV, emphasis mine)
  1. Kansas Bob says:
    September 1, 2009 at 7:26 AM
    I was thinking more about bibliolatry here.. some forget that the purpose in reading and studying the bible is not to know the bible but to know God.
  2. Shane Vander Hart says:
    September 1, 2009 at 3:50 PM
    @Kansas Bob, Very true, good point.
M. Hovda says:
August 30, 2009 at 7:17 PM
Thanks for the Martin Luther quote!!
I say the following as a Theatre person and someone who enjoys the arts. The film “Luther” was a pretty good film. Especially the court scenes where Luther is told to recant. But I will NEVER, EVER forget the ABYSMAL new age style “Conversion” scene. Why wasn’t the scene in the cloister “The Just Shall Live By Faith” ever thought of?
1. Shane Vander Hart says:
  August 31, 2009 at 9:55 PM
  @M. Hovda, I guess I don’t really remember all that much about the movie. Glad you liked the quote.