What Appears When We Believe




Romans 9:30~33 What then shall we say? That the Gentiles, who did not pursue righteousness, have obtained it, a righteousness that is by faith. (30)




Hymn for Scheduled Worship: Korean/English Hymnal #182 ‘Joy Flowing Like a River’ (#169 in previous version)





 Apostle Paul asked, “Why did the Jewish people who claimed to live a good Christian walk lose hold of salvation, leaving salvation instead for the Gentiles?” He goes on to say that Jewish people emphasized behavior and action through the Law while the Gentiles possessed true faith. It says that righteousness will appear when we believe, but what exactly did they believe in?






1. God promised to give us unconditional grace
 Because man ate of the fruit of the Knowledge of Good and Evil which was expressly forbidden by God, he faced judgment. However, God gave to mankind the grace of salvation to avoid eternal destruction. He said that the offspring of the woman would crush the serpent’s head. Additionally, when they were captives, God gave to the Israelites the blessing of Immanuel and sent Christ while they were under colonization. This is God’s unconditional grace toward us.






2. The righteous shall live by faith alone
 While it may seem that the wicked are prospering, it is transient; and while it may seem that the righteous are suffering, it too is temporary. God tells us that the righteous shall live by faith alone. The righteous live solely by the faith in Christ, who overcomes all things. Paul emerged victorious with this faith. 1,500 years later, Martin Luther held onto this Word and led the Gospel movement during his age. A mystery so remarkable that it is incomprehensible with the intellect of man is encompassed within this Word. This is a blessing that is incomprehensible by the average person, given solely to the children of God.






3. Righteousness appears by faith
 Faith is composed of the faith in receiving salvation, the faith in the Word of God, and the faith in the truth of the spiritual realm. Original sin refers to mankind having been deceived by Satan and leaving God. Original sin causes terrible disasters to befall the individual and the age. However, this original sin can neither be solved by science nor strength nor even religion. That is why God promised to solve all problems within Jesus Christ. When we believe in this truth, righteousness will appear and we will receive salvation. We must enjoy the blessing of faith.






● Forum Topic - The children of God have already received the blessing of the spiritual realm to save the entire world. This blessing will manifest when we believe. How much do I believe and truly enjoy this blessing?





Immanuel Seoul Church 2nd Pulpit Message / 2009.8.30