Faith Promise

It was not through the law that the promise 

was made to Abraham and his descendants 

that he would inherit the world, 

but through the righteousness that comes from faith.

(Romans 4:13)

God is the one who gives life and calls into being what does not exist. His promise was not through the law, but through the righteousness that comes from faith. It depends on faith so that it may be a gift and may be guaranteed to all. It is not only for those who adhere to the law but also to those who follow the faith. Despite all odds, let us believe in the hope that what the Lord had promised will surely be fulfilled.

God, the giver of life, the caller of the unseen,

His promises not of law, but of faith evergreen.

Righteousness through faith, a gift so grand,

Guaranteed to all, across every land.

Not just for those who the law's path tread,

But also for those by faith's hand led.

Despite the odds, in hope we're instilled,

Believing in the Lord, His promises fulfilled.

So let us stand firm, let our faith not be swayed,

For in God's promises, our hope is laid.

Through faith, not law, His love unfurled,

A gift to us, a promise to the world.

Dear Heavenly Father,

We acknowledge You as the giver of life and the One who calls into being what does not exist. We recognize that Your promise was not through the law, but through the righteousness that comes from faith.

We understand that Your promise depends on faith so that it may be a gift and may be guaranteed to all. We know that it is not only for those who adhere to the law but also to those who follow the faith.

Despite all odds, we believe in the hope that what You, Lord, have promised will surely be fulfilled. We trust in Your word and Your faithfulness.

In Jesus' name, we pray, Amen.

Faith has Saved You

 “Have sight; 

your faith has saved you.” 

LUKE 18:42

This powerful statement is attributed to Jesus Christ in the New Testament of the Bible. It reflects the idea that faith can lead to healing and salvation. The context of this quote is from a story where Jesus restores sight to a blind man, emphasizing the importance of belief and trust.

As Jesus approached Jericho a blind man was sitting by the roadside begging, and hearing a crowd going by, he inquired what was happening. They told him, “Jesus of Nazareth is passing by.” He shouted, “Jesus, Son of David, have pity on me!” The people walking in front rebuked him, telling him to be silent, but he kept calling out all the more, “Son of David, have pity on me!” Then Jesus stopped and ordered that he be brought to him; and when he came near, Jesus asked him, “What do you want me to do for you?” He replied, “Lord, please let me see.” Jesus told him, “Have sight; your faith has saved you.” He immediately received his sight and followed him, giving glory to God. When they saw this, all the people gave praise to God. (Luke 18:35-43)

Faith, in various forms, plays a significant role in many religious and spiritual traditions. It represents a deep conviction, trust, and hope in something beyond the visible and tangible. Whether interpreted literally or metaphorically, the message remains one of hope, compassion, and transformation. May we all find moments of clarity and salvation through our faith, whatever form it takes. 

Throughout history, literature, and religious texts, we encounter stories of characters who grapple with decisions to sell themselves to wrongdoing. Whether it’s Faust selling his soul to the devil, or a person compromising their integrity for personal gain, the theme resonates universally. This evokes a sense of moral struggle and choices made. It speaks of individuals who have willingly embraced actions or behaviors that are considered morally or ethically wrong. The concept of selling oneself implies a transaction, a deliberate exchange of values or principles.

[From the descendants of Alexander’s officers] there sprang from these a sinful offshoot, Antiochus Epiphanes, son of King Antiochus, once a hostage at Rome. He became king in the year one hundred and thirty seven of the kingdom of the Greeks. In those days there appeared in Israel men who were breakers of the law, and they seduced many people, saying: “Let us go and make an alliance with the Gentiles all around us; since we separated from them, many evils have come upon us.” The proposal was agreeable; some from among the people promptly went to the king, and he authorized them to introduce the way of living of the Gentiles. Thereupon they built a gymnasium in Jerusalem according to the Gentile custom. They covered over the mark of their circumcision and abandoned the holy covenant; they allied themselves with the Gentiles and sold themselves to wrongdoing. Then the king wrote to his whole kingdom that all should be one people, each abandoning his particular customs. All the Gentiles conformed to the command of the king, and many children of Israel were in favor of his religion; they sacrificed to idols and profaned the sabbath. On the fifteenth day of the month Chislev, in the year one hundred and forty-five, the king erected the horrible abomination upon the altar of burnt offerings, and in the surrounding cities of Judah they built pagan altars. They also burned incense at the doors of houses and in the streets. Any scrolls of the law which they found they tore up and burnt. Whoever was found with a scroll of the covenant, and whoever observed the law, was condemned to death by royal decree. But many in Israel were determined and resolved in their hearts not to eat anything unclean;  they preferred to die rather than to be defiled with unclean food or to profane the holy covenant; and they did die. Terrible affliction was upon Israel. (1 Maccabees 1:10-15, 41-43, 54-57, 62-63)

In these scripture passages, there lies a profound reflection on human nature, temptation, and the consequences of our choices. It serves as a reminder to examine our own paths and consider the price we pay for our actions. May we all strive for virtue, compassion, and the courage to resist wrongdoing. 

We find a universal longing: to break free from the chains of oppression, to reclaim our inherent dignity, and to live in alignment with divine guidance. The path to redemption lies in fidelity to higher truths, even amidst adversity.

Indignation seizes me because of the wicked who forsake your law. Though the snares of the wicked are twined about me your law I have not forgotten. Redeem me from the oppression of men, that I may keep your precepts. I am attacked by malicious persecutors who are far from your law. Far from sinners is salvation, because they seek not your statutes. I beheld the apostates with loathing, because they kept not to your promise. (Psalm 119:53, 61, 134, 150, 155, 158)

This heartfelt plea echoes through the ages—a cry for liberation from the weight of human injustice. It speaks of yearning for deliverance, not merely for personal relief, but to uphold sacred principles. May compassion and justice prevail, and may we all find strength to keep the precepts that lead us toward light.

Pericope:

V: The Journey to Jerusalem: Luke's Travel Narrative

THE HEALING OF THE BLIND BEGGAR

Luke 18:35-43

II: The Maccabean Revolt

PACT BETWEEN JEWS AND GENTILES / PROHIBITIONS AGAINST RELIGION

1 Maccabees 1:10-15 / 41-63

Fifth Book of Psalms 107-150

A PRAYER TO GOD, THE LAWGIVER

Psalm 119:1-176

Reflection Source:

Microsoft Bing

Stand Up and G0

"Has none but this foreigner returned to give thanks to God?” 

Then He said to him, “Stand up and go; your faith has saved you.”

LUKE 17:18-19

This quote shows the power of faith and gratitude in the healing process. Jesus did not heal the leper because he was a Samaritan, but because he had faith in him. The leper also recognized the source of his healing and gave glory to God, unlike the other nine who did not return. Jesus affirmed that his faith had not only healed his body, but also his soul. He was saved from his sin and alienation from God. (Microsoft Bing)

As Jesus continued His journey to Jerusalem He traveled through Samaria and Galilee. As He was entering a village, ten lepers met Him. They stood at a distance from Him and raised their voice, saying, “Jesus, Master! Have pity on us!” And when He saw them, He said, “Go show yourselves to the priests.” As they were going they were cleansed. And one of them, realizing He had been healed, returned, glorifying God in a loud voice; and he fell at the feet of Jesus and thanked Him. He was a Samaritan. Jesus said in reply, “Ten were cleansed, were they not? Where are the other nine? Has none but this foreigner returned to give thanks to God?” Then He said to him, “Stand up and go; your faith has saved you.” (Luke 17:11-19)

This quote has been used by various Christian leaders and writers to inspire people to trust in God’s mercy and to express their thankfulness for His blessings. For example, Pope Benedict XVI used this quote in his message for the 20th World Day of the Sick in 2012, to highlight the importance of the sacraments of healing, such as Penance and Reconciliation, Anointing of the Sick, and Eucharistic Communion. He said that these sacraments express and actuate the closeness of God, who helps us to bear our sufferings and wishes to heal us in the depths of our hearts. (Microsoft Bing)

Hear, O kings, and understand; learn, you magistrates of the earth’s expanse! Hearken, you who are in power over the multitude and lord it over throngs of peoples! Because authority was given you by the Lord and sovereignty by the Most High, who shall probe your works and scrutinize your counsels! Because, though you were ministers of His kingdom, you judged not rightly, and did not keep the law, nor walk according to the will of God, terribly and swiftly shall He come against you, because judgment is stern for the exalted: for the lowly may be pardoned out of mercy but the mighty shall be mightily put to the test. For the Lord of all shows no partiality, nor does He fear greatness, because He himself made the great as well as the small, and He provides for all alike; but for those in power a rigorous scrutiny impends. (Wisdom 6:1-8)

To you therefore O princes are My words addressed that you may learn wisdom and that you may not sin. For those who keep the holy precepts hallowed shall be found holy, and those learned in them will have ready a response. Desire therefore My words; long for them and you shall be instructed. (Wisdom 6:9-11)

Defend the lowly and the fatherless; render justice to the afflicted and the destitute. Rescue the lowly and the poor; from the hand of the wicked deliver them. I said: “You are gods, all of you sons of the Most High; yet like men you shall die, and fall like any prince.” (Psalm 82:3-4, 6-7)

Pericope:

V: The Journey to Jerusalem: Luke's Travel Narrative

THE CLEANSING OF TEN LEPERS

Luke 17:11-19

I: The Reward of Justice

EXHORTATION TO SEEK WISDOM

Wisdom 6:1-11

Third Book of Psalms 73-89

THE DOWNFALL OF UNJUST GODS

Psalm 82:1-8

Empowered by Faith

Abraham did not doubt God’s promise in unbelief; 

rather, he was empowered by faith and gave glory to God. 

ROMANS 4:20

Lord Jesus, you alone can make me righteous. Thank You so much for Your love that have credited me with righteousness before God our Father in whom I give glory all the days of my life. 

In your mighty Name, I humbly ask, pray, and intercede for all of us who are blinded by the truth of your works. Make us all realize that we can not possibly do things on our own. Each moment of our lives, we are fully dependent upon Your grace, love, and mercy. As always, I completely surrender everything to the power of Your mighty hands.

None of my sins can ever take away Your love for me. As you have said, "none will be lost". With complete faith, I hold on to Your word, knowing and believing that only You can make all things possible. 

All glory and honor are Yours now and forever. Amen.

Promise Depends on Faith

When God made a promise to Abraham, since he had no one greater by whom to swear, he swore by himself, saying, "Surely I will bless you and multiply you." And thus Abraham, having patiently endured, obtained the promise. (Hebrews 6:13-15)

The promise to Abraham and his descendants, that they should inherit the world, did not come through the law but through the righteousness of faith (Romans 4:13).

That is why it depends on faith, in order that the promise may rest on grace and be guaranteed to all his descendants -- not only to the adherents of the law but also to those who share the faith of Abraham, for he is the father of us all, as it is written, "I have made you the father of many nations" -- in the presence of the God in whom he believed, who gives life to the dead and calls into existence the things that do not exist (Romans 4:16-17).

Abraham did not doubt God’s promise in unbelief; rather, he was empowered by faith and gave glory to God and was fully convinced that what God had promised he was also able to do. That is why it was credited to him as righteousness. (Romans 4:20-22)

But it was not for him alone that it was written that it was credited to him; it was also for us, to whom it will be credited, who believe in the one who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead, who was handed over for our transgressions and was raised for our justification. (Romans 4:22-25)

Men indeed swear by a greater than themselves, and in all their disputes an oath is final for confirmation. So when God desired to show more convincingly to the heirs of the promise the unchangeable character of his purpose, he interposed with an oath, so that through two unchangeable things, in which it is impossible that God should prove false, we who have fled for refuge might have strong encouragement to seize the hope set before us. (Hebrews 6:16-18)

In hope he believed against hope, that he should become the father of many nations; as he had been told, "So shall your descendants be" (Romans 4:18).

That is why his faith was "reckoned to him as righteousness" (Romans 4:22).

Published: 

October 21, 2023, 7:49 AM

May 30, 2023, 6:42 AM

January 22, 2013, 7:26 AM

March 19, 2011, 8:41AM

Justified by Faith

For we consider that a person is justified by faith 

apart from works of the law.

ROMANS 3:28

What occasion is there then for boasting? It is ruled out. On what principle: That of works? No, rather on the principle of faith. For we consider that a person is justified by faith apart from works of the law. (Rom 3:27-28)

Jesus said, "Woe to you, scholars of the law! You have taken away the key of knowledge. You yourselves did not enter and you stopped those trying to enter.” (Lk 11:52)

Now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law, though testified to by the law and the prophets, the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction; all have sinned and are deprived of the glory of God. (Rom 3:21-23)

They are justified freely by His grace through the redemption in Christ Jesus, whom God set forth as an expiation, through faith, by his Blood, to prove his righteousness because of the forgiveness of sins previously committed, through the forbearance of God—to prove His righteousness in the present time, that He might be righteous and justify the one who has faith in Jesus. (Rom 3:24-26)

Does God belong to Jews alone? Does he not belong to Gentiles, too? Yes, also to Gentiles, for God is one and will justify the circumcised on the basis of faith and the uncircumcised through faith. (Rom 3:29-30)

I trust in the Lord; my soul trusts in his word. My soul waits for the Lord more than sentinels wait for the dawn.  (Ps 130:5-6)

Out of the depths I cry to You, O Lord; Lord, hear my voice! Let Your ears be attentive to my voice in supplication. If You, O Lord, mark iniquities, Lord, who can stand? But with You is forgiveness, that You may be revered. (Ps 130:1-4)

Father in heaven, You belong to all through Jesus Christ Your Son, my Lord and Savior. Thank You so much for Your revelation that, " the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law, through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe (Rom 3:21-22). 

I have sinned and is deprived of Your glory O Lord (Rom 3:23). In faith, I continue to lift up to You my entire being knowing and believing that You will never abandon me to the netherworld but instead, in the richness of Your grace, mercy, love, and compassion, I shall receive forgiveness of sins and redemtion in Christ Jesus. All power and dominion has been given to Him and my faith rests at the palm of His hands. 

Truly, there is nothing impossible for the one who has faith in You. With much faith, trust, hope, and love I pray in Jesus Name. Amen.

Faith Promise

Scripture confined all things under the power of sin, 

that through faith in Jesus Christ

the promise might be given to those who believe. 

GALATIANS 3:22

The word of God is living and effective, sharper than any two-edged sword, penetrating even between soul and spirit, joints and marrow, and able to discern reflections and thoughts of the heart. (Heb 4:12)

Jesus entered a village where a woman whose name was Martha welcomed Him. She had a sister named Mary who sat beside the Lord at his feet listening to Him speak. Martha, burdened with much serving, came to Him and said, “Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me by myself to do the serving? Tell her to help me.” (Lk 10:38-40)

Jesus said, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and worried about many things. There is need of only one thing. Mary has chosen the better part and it will not be taken from her.” (Lk 10:38-42) Blessed are those who hear the word of God and observe it.” (Lk 11:28)

Before faith came, we were held in custody under law, confined for the faith that was to be revealed. Consequently, the law was our disciplinarian for Christ, that we might be justified by faith. But now that faith has come, we are no longer under a disciplinarian. For through faith you are all children of God in Christ Jesus. (Gal 3:23-26)

All of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free person, there is not male and female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus. And if you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s descendant, heirs according to the promise. (Gal 3:27-29)

I prayed, and prudence was given me; I pleaded and the spirit of wisdom came to me. Beyond health and comeliness I loved her, and I chose to have her rather than the light, because the splendor of her never yields to sleep. Yet all good things together came to me in her company, and countless riches at her hands. (Wis 7:7,10-11)

Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain wisdom of heart. Fill us at daybreak with Your kindness, that we may shout for joy and gladness all our days. (Ps 90:12,14)