Known for Both

  Paul wrote the Roman Christians and said he was thankful "that your faith is spoken of throughout the whole world" (1: 3). Later he said, "For your obedience is come abroad unto all men..." (16: 19). They were known for their faith and obedience.

  We are not surprised at that because where there is faith as God desires there will be obedience (Matt. 7: 21). In this same epistle twice Paul spoke of the obedience of faith (1: 5; 16: 25). There is no separation of the two. James wrote how we show our faith by our works of obedience (James 2: 14-26).

  It is the foolish babbling of false teachers to contend we are saved by faith alone without obedience. It is equally foolish to think we can do works of merit that will be sufficient to save us. Those who teach truth never suggest either way as God's way.

  Romans 10: 12-17 teaches the necessity of believing and also obeying. Notice, "they have not believed" and "not all obeyed." FAITH and OBEDIENCE. This truth is not complicated. It is just ignored. But it cannot be changed.