Faith of Jesus Christ

The book of Romans is an epistle addressed to the believers of today who live in the time after the earthly presence of Jesus Christ. We can become familiar with the life of Jesus Christ through the gospels, but it is the church epistles (Romans - Thessalonians) that informs us as to what his life means to us.

We can believe in Christ, and acknowledge that he lived, and did great things. It is quite another thing to understand how the 'faith of Jesus Christ' affects us.

16 Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified. Galatians 2:16 (Romans 3:22)

The Judean belief system at the time of Christ had a strong emphasis on the law in worshipping God. It was a culture that had gone above and beyond in establishing rules for living a godly life. The emphasis for salvation had been put on the 'works of the law' for salvation. It was all wrapped up in performance and external worship.

As Jesus Christ lived among them and taught, a new era was ushered in. His life, death, resurrection, and ascension ultimately brought in the 'faith of Jesus Christ' (a genitive construction which can be re-stated as 'Jesus Christ's faith').  It is his faith that justifies us today, not our works.

19 For I through the law am dead to the law, that I might live unto God. 20 I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.
21 I do not frustrate (set aside, nullify) the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain. Galatians 2:19-21

This understood is our access to God.  It is our righteousness (rightness) to God's heart. Our responsibility is not only to believe in  Jesus Christ but to believe we have access to the faith of Jesus Christ internally and rest in that knowledge. This may seem arrogant to some, but actually it is true confidence in God's provision on which we can have genuine trust.

Our outward works flow from this trust, not the other way around. We sometime feel so happy when we perceive we have done something good but that feeling comes and goes. The 'faith of Jesus Christ' living in our hearts continues to enrich us as we nourish it and continue to grow in the truth of God's word.