When someone fixes computers, cars or anything that is a system of several smaller parts, it is useful for that person to know how everything fits together at the very least in a basic sense. Righteousness by faith itself is a system of teachings that when we understand how to categorize and link them together we can move forward with our understanding of them.
One of the first category of this system is understanding why righteousness by faith is important. The angels themselves have no need of it because they are unfallen. What has made this topic important for us is the fact that we are fallen. Our fall has meant that we are unable to do right with our own strength (Jeremiah 13:23) and that we are condemned to die. Here is our great need and without understanding these points there is no reason to see for the righteousness which comes by faith.
The second category of this is God's solution for the problem of man's fall. Here we find the gift of Jesus Christ to take away our sin. Not only is the penalty taken care of, but also the provision to live a new life. Such topics as the nature of Christ, God's love for man, the gifts of God such as repentance, faith, love, free will, etc. These are all part of God's solution to the sin problem.
Our most important question comes up of how does a man receive the help God is offering. This is where our third category comes in. What is the part of man in his salvation? Does man have a part in his salvation? The question of how is where many stumble who have a right understanding of the first and second categories.
As we make our journey through this topic I will be sure to cover areas where there has been confusion. If I fail to cover a topic thoroughly, please send me an email, and I will be sure to revisit it or make an update to that post.
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