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Apology (Part 4): That Faith in Christ Justifies - Page 3

© John L. Hoh, Jr.

Melanchthon quotes Paul who declares we are saved by grace alone, not of our works, lest anyone can boast. Being justified freely. Melanchthon is challenging Rome by using Scripture. Melanchthon bases this precept on Scripture alone, not on the laws and traditions of men.

Melanchthon also posits some questions: do we need a Mediator if we can work out our own salvation? Together with that is, if we can earn our way to heaven, why did Jesus die on a cross?

Melanchthon also quotes the Scripture that "faith comes by hearing." The implication is that faith comes by hearing the Gospel, not "doing" the Law.

But does being justified freely by grace mean we can do as we please? No! As we receive grace, our lives are changed by grace. Our good works are now fruits of that faith-a faith that seeks to emulate our Savior and do good to our neighbor.

My 19-month-old son is rather interesting. I catch him playing in the pets' water. I then put the water up and wipe up the water on the floor. Matthew sees me wipe up water with a towel and he automatically gets a towel and helps daddy wipe up water. No one told him to do this. But because he loves daddy and wants to be like daddy, he does what daddy does.

Faith also needs an object. What do we have faith in? Some people have faith in mankind-even though certain members of the human race such as Hitler, Stalin, and the September 11 hijackers leave doubts in this faith. Some have faith in nature and the "peace" found in nature. Some have faith in the "almighty Dollar," with the feeling that no problem is too big that money can't be thrown at as a solution.

However, these objects of faith fail in many respects, most notably in death. Fellow humans kill other humans. Nature has a wide variety of furies that can do people in. And money will not buy good health or eternal life. Only Jesus can and does overcome these obstacles. And it is Jesus who can take us from this vale of tears to our eternal home when death calls for us. Jesus must be the object of our faith. Jesus has won for us our grace and favor with our heavenly Father.

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