“So then, those who are of faith are blessed along with Abraham, the man of faith.” (Gal. 3:9)

What a man Abraham was. Outstanding in his day and an example for generations yet unborn. He was called a friend of God, (2 Chron. 20:7 and James 2:23).  Paul adds that he is the “man of faith.” Both of these honors are a result of Abraham’s belief in God which led him to obedience. This was certainly the Hebrews’ writer’s point and it is also James point in the second chapter of his book. When he says that faith without works is dead he is not speaking of works to obtain righteousness but rather the works brought about by faith. Faith, true Abrahamic faith demanded that Abraham act, that he obey God. Those actions are what James is referring to. That’s why he mentions the demons trembling. The demons know who Jesus is but their faith does not produce action and thus their faith is a dead faith.

To be a person of faith then means more than just saying “I believe in Jesus.” Saying that, and meaning that is very important. One must believe in God and His Son in order to be pleasing to God. The problem comes when people teach that to say and believe is all that is required. Paul has pointed out over and over that this is not the case. James also says this is not the case. When one confesses Jesus as Lord that faith must provoke action that responds to faith. Here is what Peter said, “Repent and be baptized.” Here is what Jesus said, “He that believes and is baptized shall be saved.”  The Hebrews writer says, show hospitality, remember the prisoners, do God’s will. The New Testament has hundreds of examples showing that saving faith implies obedience to that will.

It’s a happy note that those who are of faith are blessed. Blessed with the presence of God in the form of the Holy Spirit. Blessed with all spiritual blessings in Christ Jesus. Blessed with spiritual gifts and abilities to do the works of God. Blessed with the constant care and protection of God in their daily lives. Blessed knowing that Jesus will never leave them or forsake them regardless of what happens. Blessed are the pure in heart for they shall see God.

Task for Today: Make a decision to be a person of faith. Reorder your life so that you can put your faith into action. Take a good look at some of the things faith is calling on you to do and do them. Be able to say, ‘by faith I changed my life’, and ‘by faith, I confessed Jesus as Lord’, and ‘by faith I was baptized’ and ‘by faith, I fed the hungry, clothed the naked, etc.’