Man's Real Problem Part 4: How We May Become Partakers of the Solution

This is part four in a four part series called Man's Real Problem. Part one concluded that Man's Real problem is sin. Part two declare the Solution to be the promise given to Abraham which in a condensed version is the blessing of Justification by Faith. Part Three concluded the means of the solution is the Cross of Christ.

The original Scripture below has all the four Parts of the series in one verse. They are 1) mankind's real problem, 2) the solution, 3) the means of the solution, and 4) how we may become partakers of the solution.

Galatians 3:22 But 1) the scripture hath concluded all under sin, that 2) the promise 3) by faith of Jesus Christ might be 4) given to them that believe.

The means by which the promise is made available to all is through Christ perfect Sacrifice at the Cross. The Promise is to Abraham and his Seed, singular not plural (Gal. 3:16), which is Christ. Thus if the Promise of the blessing of Justification by Faith is given to Abraham and Christ then how do we become partakers of the Covenant and receive the Promise which is the Solution to man's real problem, sin?

Once again, one could almost suffice it to leave it al the text without explanation i.e. "given to them that believe." However, many, or I believe I could say without fear of presumption, most do not really understand the word "believe."

What does it mean? Is it simply intellectual ascent to the facts of Jesus' life? Is it believing that He lived, died, and performed miracles as we believe that George Washington lived, died, and crossed the Delaware? It has to be more than that. We believe many things that are true but they are not able to make a real difference in our life much less our eternity. It means much more than head knowledge.

James 2:19 says, "Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble." It must be more. Mark 1:34 says, "And he healed many that were sick of divers diseases, and cast out many devils; and suffered not the devils to speak, because they knew him." Demons were the first to recognize and acknowledge Jesus as the Son of God. They "knew him" and believed He was who He said He was. They were not, are not, nor can they be saved so it has to be more.

Louw and Nida Greek Lexicon defines the Greek root word "pisteuo" with several uses. One of those, "trust," (31.85), is "to believe to the extent of complete trust and reliance." (1998) Another,"entrust" (35.50), is "to entrust something to the care of someone" (ibid.). These two definitions say it about as accurately as words can express it.

It is much more than intellectual ascent. It is much more than simply "believing someone lived and did certain things." It is much more than "knowing." It is "complete trust and reliance" upon the finished Work of Christ on the Cross. It is "entrust [ing]" our spirit, soul, and body to the care of Jesus Christ. Thus giving the Holy Spirit the ability to work. He baptizes us into Christ and thus we are regenerated, or born again. The spiritual part of us that is dead because of Adam's sin is reborn and we become children of God. Christ exchanges His righteousness for our law breaking (sinfulness). Thus we become partakers of the solution.

When Christ died on the Cross, it was a legal transaction that fully paid the sin debt that man owed, both by our nature and our actions. The hatred and hostility between God and man has been removed. However man must receive this free gift before it will do him any good.

This is the conclusion of this four-part series, Man's Real Problem.

Grace and Peace,

Pastor Randy