“The Faith” and “Of Faith” in Romans

“The Faith” and “Of Faith” in Romans

The book of Romans lays the foundation of truth for us as Christians to be established on. It is the basis on which we build upon in our knowledge and in deeds. It is interesting to note how the book refers to two types of “faith”, one found in the opening verses of the first chapter, and the other found in the closing verses of the final chapter. Let me elaborate on the significance and meaning of this.

The Faith

Rom.1:5 By whom we have received grace and apostleship, for obedience to the faith among all nations, for his name:

The phrase, “for obedience to the faith among all nations”, refers to, “the faith”. The word “the” informs us that this is a unique and distinct body of doctrine. This doctrine called, “the faith”, is the definition and sum content of what we need to know and apply, so that we live by the will and purpose of God in this day and age. In essence, it is the ‘modus operandi’ of our Christianity, the pattern, or template, of our faith.

In the above verse, Paul is referring to the complete doctrine of instruction that we are to learn and apply in our lives. It is reference to his 13-epistles, Romans to Philemon. These letters of Paul stand alone in contrast to the rest of scripture which is applicable to Israel under law and prophecy. (Note: we study and learn all of the Bible, but Paul’s 13-epistles is the body of instruction addressed to us, which instructs us how we are to live and serve in this dispensation of grace.) This is what is referred to as, “the faith”, in which we (all nations) are to observe in obedience.

Of Faith

Rom.16:25 Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began, 26 But now is made manifest, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith:

The phrase, “of faith” in this passage above is a reference to our personal faith. We are to exercise faith in obedience to the body of doctrine referred to as “the faith”. Our faith starts by being stablished upon the gospel that Paul proclaimed, the gospel of Christ and His cross. This gospel is revealed as a mystery since it was not revealed by the prophets in the scriptures. Paul was proclaiming a secret body of doctrine that was revealed to him by the risen and glorified Christ. This is why Paul says, “my gospel”, since only he was proclaiming it, being different in content to the gospel of the Kingdom, proclaimed by the 12-apostles. The phrase, “But now”, confirms that this was new revelation revealed at the time that Paul was preaching this.

Conclusion of "The Faith" and "Of Faith"

The book of Romans is our foundation. It is written to establish one in the faith, by the gospel. Once established through salvation, and in the knowledge of Gods righteousness (Rom.1-3), Paul stablishes us by instructing us in our individual expression of faith towards God. In (Rom.4-8), Paul teaches us of the foundational truth of God’s grace, how that it justifies us, by His grace, which is His work, and not by works that we do. Having laid this foundation to ground us in our salvation, Paul leads us into recognizing dispensational wisdom (Rom.9-11) when he instructs us to recognize how that our salvation comes by Israel’s fall, instead of by the rise of Israel, as declared in the scriptures of the prophets. This knowledge of rightly dividing Israel’s scripture from ours (Paul’s epistles) is the basis of our doctrine, and is critical in our understanding of our grace dispensation, and God’s plan and purpose for the Body of Christ, distinct and unique from Israel’s purpose. Finally, Paul writes instructions in the latter part of Romans (Rom.12-16) that provide us instruction on how to live our lives within the boundaries of “the faith”. Once we grow up in the knowledge of Romans can we start to partake of the ‘meat’ of the Word, Paul’s instructions in his prison epistles, Ephesians to Philemon.

Friends, we are to study to show ourselves approved unto God. We are to fill ourselves with the knowledge of His Word, so that we can apply God’s will and judgements in our lives, to His glory and purpose. The more we have God’s Word fill us, the more Christ is formed within us, and the more we walk by the Spirit, displaying Christ to this world and participating in the reconciliation of others to God through our obedience. Let me encourage you to study Romans, and let its treasures of wisdom and advice renew your mind and propel you into maturity in Christ.