Why Do We Need Faith to Enter the Kingdom of God?
The Bible teaches that we need faith, not works, to enter the kingdom of God. This concept is crucial for understanding the pathway to salvation and one's standing before God. Let's explore the Biblical passages that emphasize the necessity of faith in the context of faith and works.
Passages from Romans and Their Implications
Romans 9:30-32
According to Romans 9:30-32, the scripture states:
“What shall we say then? That Gentiles, who did not pursue righteousness, have attained it—that righteousness which is by faith. But Israel, pursuing a law of righteousness, did not succeed in reaching that law. Why not? Because they sought it not by faith, but as if it were by works. They stumbled because of the stumbling stone.”
The context here is clear: pursuing a law of righteousness through one's own efforts leads to stumble at the "stumbling stone," which is Jesus Christ. We are told that only faith brings us through grace the righteousness needed to enter the kingdom of God. This is in stark contrast to the pursuit of moral works.
The Law vs. Faith
Galatians 3:10, 10-11
Galatians 3:10-11 further highlights the divide between the law and faith:
“For as many as are of the works of the law are under a curse; for it is written, ‘Cursed is everyone who does not abide by all things written in the book of the law, to perform them.’ But that no one is justified by the law before God is evident, for ‘The righteous shall live by faith.’”
This passage declares that those who rely on the works of the law are under a curse because the law demands perfection. It asserts that no one can be justified by the law, and the only way to have righteousness before God is through faith in Jesus Christ.
The Will of the Father and the Role of Faith
John 6:40
John 6:40 provides further guidance:
“For the one who beholds the Son and believes in Him will have eternal life, and I Myself will raise him up on the last day.”
Here, Jesus emphasizes the necessity of faith in His Son, stating that believing in Him and beholding Him is the way to eternal life. This clearly points to the role of faith as the divine will for salvation.
Galatians 3:21-22 and the Fulfillment of the Law
Galatians 3:21-22
Galatians 3:21-22 also underscores the contradiction between law and faith:
“Is the law then contrary to the promises of God? May it never be! For if a law had been given which was able to impart life, then righteousness would indeed have been based on law. But the Scripture has shut up everyone under sin, that the promise by faith in Jesus Christ might be given to those who believe.”
This passage explains that since the law cannot impart life, it cannot be the source of righteousness. The law instead serves to demonstrate sin and point us to the need for a savior. It is through faith in Christ that the promise of eternal life is given.
The Message of the Gospel of Grace
Ephesians 2:8-9
Ephesians 2:8-9 reinforces the importance of faith:
“For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.”
In this passage, we see that salvation is by grace through faith, not as the result of our own works. This ensures that no one can boast or take credit for their salvation, emphasizing the role of God's grace.
The Role of Paul and His Teachings
Paul's teachings are pivotal in understanding the importance of faith. He writes in Galatians 1:8-9:
“But even if we, or an angel from heaven, should preach to you a gospel different from the one we preached to you, let him be accursed. As we have said before, so now I say again: If anyone is preaching to you a gospel different from the one you received, let him be accursed.”
Paul's message is unequivocal: any addition to the gospel of grace is to be rejected, as it would undermine the free gift of salvation through faith. The teachings of faith and grace are central to Christianity, and any inclusion of works would distort this message.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the necessity of faith for entering the kingdom of God is a critical aspect of Christian theology. It is essential to understand that salvation is not a result of our own works, but a gift of grace through faith in Jesus Christ. Pursuing righteousness through the law is a stumbling block, as it cannot bring us to God. Instead, the path to salvation lies in believing in Jesus and His sacrifice on the cross.