DM#1: From faith to faith

Doctrine of the Mysteries #1

From faith to faith

It’s interesting to note that Paul’s letter to the Romans has a similar statement in both the starting and ending. I’ll highlight the statement in both locations,

Rom 1:3-5 Concerning his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, which was made of the seed of David according to the flesh; (4) And declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead: (5) By whom we have received grace and apostleship, for obedience to the faith among all nations, for his name:

Rom 16:25-26 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:

All nations

First, it is clear that Paul’s letter is addressed to all nations. Nobody is left out. His letter, and the doctrine therein, is for everybody, without exception.

For obedience to the faith

In this opening statement, we have reference to “the faith”. The word ‘the’ is an article that is used to specify a particular noun. In the expression “the faith”, ‘the’ is used to refer to a specific faith, which, in this case is that which Paul was going to set forth in his letter to the Romans. The use of ‘the’, in this context, implies that Paul is going to provide us with information and insights concerning a very specific faith. This is not just any faith; neither is it faith or doctrine found in the Old Testament or the four Gospels. This faith concerns God’s Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who has taken up a glorified and powerful position in the heavens, having been begotten of God in power by the resurrection from the dead. This faith is the only faith we should have, a message to unify the Body of Christ, the faith, that will become the definition and foundation of the grace gospel, and the beginning of the doctrine of the mysteries, to which we should study and come to understand in a deep and committed way.

For the obedience of faith

When we get to the end of Romans, Paul has provided us with the solid foundation of “the faith”, 1Cor.3:10-11. Since this form (or structure) of faith has been provided, it is now expected that believers put this faith into practice through obedience. “The faith” has been defined. Now we must place our faith in it and obey it.

In Rom 1:17 Paul mentions, “from faith to faith” as well as, “the just shall live by faith”. Understanding that we have a very specific faith that we need to believe and practice, we find ourselves in a progression of faith that is to increase and abound in us. We need to learn the faith, to grow in understanding of it, and to allow it to renew us, and influence us. Then we need to give ourselves over to obedience to it.

Rom 6:17 But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you.

2Cor 10:5 Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;

The most critical thing that we as believers can do, after we get saved, is to get into the written Word, and, starting with Romans, get this foundation of “the faith” firmly laid within us. As Rom.16:25 says, this is what will ‘stablish’ us, bringing us stability and strength, so that we are not tossed to and fro with every wind of doctrine, by deceit, and the cunning craftiness of men’s imaginations, Eph 4:14.