Romans 1:16-17 (NKJV)
For I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek.
For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, “The just shall live by faith.”

We recently celebrated the Protestant Reformation with a focus on Martin Luther. Luther struggled, trying to find peace with God. All his good works and spiritual exercises were unsuccessful. He felt condemned by God. As he continued to read the Scriptures, he found salvation in the above words from the Apostle Paul.  He discovered the Gospel. Those who hear the story of Jesus and believe it are forgiven of their sins and welcomed into the Kingdom of God. All of this happens by faith alone. As we live by faith, our lives increasingly and transformed by the power of the Gospel. 

Faith leads us to include Bible study and prayer in our routine. Faith leads us to a regular celebration of the Lord’s Supper. Faith leads us to forgive others, even as God has forgiven us. Faith leads us to do good works. Faith leads us to a life of honesty and integrity. Faith leads us to a life where the love of God is evident in our daily living. The more we live by faith, the more we will see of God’s blessings. And when we die, Jesus will welcome us into heaven by faith. Faith is a glorious thing. As we embrace Jesus by faith, we receive untold blessings in this life and unspeakable blessings in the life to come.

Gracious Father, how can I ever thank you for the gift of Jesus? As I trust in Him and live by faith, I receive Your presence and Your power. Like Luther, I realize that all my efforts to win Your favor fall so far short. By faith in Your Son, I enter into Your favor. Please keep me in true faith unto everlasting life. In the name of Jesus, my Savior, I pray. Amen.