From the last section of Thomas Oden's book The Justification Reader.
Faith is the firm conviction of the grace of God. Such faith is accompanied inwardly by the Spirit's assurance, and outwardly by works of love in relation to the neighbor. It is a firm "confidence (fiducia) of the heart, by which we securely acquiesce in the mercy of God promised to us through the gospel"(Calvin). Faith elicits a sense of trusting respose in God who enables this conviction.
Faith is the primary condition set forth in scripture for receiving justification.
In other words, faith is like buying it "hook, line, & sinker." We hear of the gracious reign of God and we hear God's invitation to come and live within this gracious domain...and we trust that what we hear from our God is something we can trust - completely. In the above quote it says that "faith is the primary condition set forth in scripture for receiving justification." This does not make God's justification a conditional matter. Before faith can even come into being within our lives, God has already acted for us...even to the point of creating the faith that enables us to trust what God has said and done. If someone serves you a meal and places it in front of you, it does you no good if you don't trust the cook and dig in. The only "condition" on being fed and nourished is whether or not you take fork and knife in hand and begin the feast.
Connection: Be confident that our God makes things new and is always the merciful Lord of all even if it doesn't appear to be the case within our day. From that point we begin to face all that comes our way.
Merciful God it is your will that we would come and stand within your Reign and begin to live as though your love for us can create new life and bring us peace. Let the Spirit of Life pull us into the Good News we hear in Christ, Jesus, that we may have rest and peace and be ones who courageously face this day. Amen.
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