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"Therefore it is also contained in the Scripture, 'Behold, I lay in Zion a chief cornerstone, elect, precious, and he who believes on Him will by no means be put to shame.' Therefore, to you who believe, He is precious; but to those who are disobedient, 'The stone which the builders rejected Has become the chief cornerstone,' and 'A stone of stumbling And a rock of offense.' They stumble, being disobedient to the word, to which they also were appointed." (1 Peter 2.6-8).

Peter quotes three Old Testament passages in the text just noted (Isaiah 28.16; Psalm 118.22, and Isaiah 8.14). These verses are recited as Peter defines what distinguishes believers from unbelievers. Note that there are only two classes of people under consideration; this is in keeping with Jesus' own teaching on similar themes. In the Sermon on the Mount there was the broad way and the narrow way along with the wise man and the foolish man. In another passage depicting the judgment, Jesus talked about the right hand and the left hand where the sheep and the goats would be placed (Matthew 25.31-46). In reality then, one's standing with God is not a grey zone but either/or, wise or foolish, sheep or goat!

But notice the distinguishing factor in these two classes. It has nothing to do with age, gender, nationality, race, genealogy, IQ, economic status, or political persuasion. However, there are absolute distinctions that Peter specifies. Pay attention to the fact that those who believe will "by no means be put to shame," while on the other hand, those who are disobedient will be put to shame! These are the two classes and their two destinies. Consider carefully the fact that the believers are placed in contrast to those who are disobedient. Implied in this text is the biblical definition of saving faith; clearly the faith that saves is the faith that obeys, and conversely, a faith that disobeys is not a faith that saves. This understanding of biblical faith is crucial to understanding the gospel plan of salvation. Faith only (i.e. faith apart from obedience) cannot save since it is dead (see James 2.20; 2.24). Rather, faith that obeys is the type of faith that saves. The devils have faith, but not saving faith; some of the Sanhedrin had faith, but not saving faith. Demas had faith, but not saving faith. This list could go on and on but these illustrations serve to make the point.

However, someone objects that man is not saved by works. And that statement is absolutely true… if one means works apart from faith. Works without faith cannot save any more than faith without works can save. God's plan is simple! Paul stated it this way to the Galatians: "For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision avails anything, but faith working through love." (Galatians 5.6). Faith + works + love = salvation! That is God's way stated by Paul to the Galatians and it is God's way stated by Peter to his readers. There is neither contradiction nor variance in these messages; there is one way and only one way. It is not faith alone and it is not works alone; either of those two doctrines are extremes. Rather, God's way of salvation couples these two items together and when they are motivated by love, salvation results.

We choose our relationship with God by what we believe and what we do. Choose obedient faith and choose never to be put to shame!

Question:

1. Why does God demand obedience?

2. What "kind" of faith saves? What "kind" of faith do devils have?

3. Does the Bible say that man is saved by faith alone? If yes, where?

4. How does God honor obedient faith? How does God discredit disobedient faith?

"Word from Scotland" from Sandy Shaw

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