The Bible often speaks about faith, and two verses—Romans 1:17 and Galatians 2:16—highlight what is called “the faith of Christ.” But what does this mean for us today? Let’s break it down in everyday language.
What Is Faith?
Faith simply means trust. It’s like sitting in a chair—you trust it will hold you up without worrying about it breaking. In the same way, having faith in God is trusting Him completely, even when you don’t understand everything.
“The Just Shall Live by Faith” (Romans 1:17)
This verse tells us that people who are right with God, or “just,” live by faith. It means we don’t earn God’s love or approval through effort or good deeds. Instead, we trust in Him and His goodness to guide and save us. Faith is like the foundation of a house—it’s what everything else is built on.
“Justified by the Faith of Christ” (Galatians 2:16)
Here’s where it gets even more beautiful. Galatians 2:16 says no one is made right with God by following rules or laws, no matter how hard they try. Instead, we are justified (made right with God) by the faith of Jesus Christ.
Think of it this way: Jesus lived a perfect life, full of trust and obedience to God. His faithfulness is like a gift He offers to us. When we believe in Him, it’s as if His perfect faith covers us, like a cozy blanket. We’re not made right because of what we do, but because of what Jesus has already done.
Why Does This Matter?
Sometimes, we think we need to be “good enough” to please God—like attending church, helping others, or avoiding bad habits. While these things are good, they don’t earn us a place with God. The Bible teaches that our relationship with God is a gift we receive by faith, not something we earn.
Jesus’s faithfulness shows us how much He loves us. Instead of worrying about being perfect, we can rest in His love and trust that He has already taken care of everything.
What Should We Do?
Living by faith means letting go of the pressure to “earn” God’s approval. It’s about believing that Jesus’s faith is enough for us. When we trust Him, our lives begin to change naturally—not because we’re forced to, but because we want to.
Faith in Jesus brings freedom, peace, and joy. It’s like being invited to a feast where everything has already been prepared—you just have to show up and enjoy it.
In Summary
– Faith is trusting God like you trust a reliable chair to hold you up.
– Romans 1:17 reminds us that a right relationship with God is based on faith, not effort.
– Galatians 2:16 explains that Jesus’s own perfect faithfulness makes us right with God, not our good deeds.
So, instead of trying to be “good enough” for God, let’s put our trust in Jesus and live with the confidence that His love and faithfulness are all we need.
Minister A Francine Green, April 2026
afrancinegreen.com 