Those Important Little Words

I always like teaching prepositions. I sometimes use a desk and have a student be in the desk, on the desk, over the desk, by the desk, with the desk, etc. Those little prepositions or connecting words make so much difference. Example: You are not in the desk when you are by the desk. Sometimes these parts of speech in the English language are words that explain position or location.

I do not know any of the biblical languages, but I know how painstakingly they were translated, and I have studied many versions of the Bible. I am inclined to believe that Oswald Chambers' favored translation of Galatians 2:20 is the accurate one. He uses the phrase of Christ, instead of in Christ when he is describing the faith we have received and by which we are able to live the Christian life.

Here is the verse: "I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me."

Look at those little italicized words! Note our positions - We are crucified with Christ. Christ lives in me. I live by faith - that is, His faith. He actually gives us faith which becomes our means to trust in Him and be saved. As it says in Ephesians 2:8, "By grace are you saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God, not of works lest anyone should boast" It is not some faith I generated because of some experience I had. Oh no! This faith is a gift of God so nobody can brag about their great faith acquired by diligent study or spiritual experiences. This faith is His and He has blessed us with it. He authored it and He finishes its work in us.

I get upset when someone implies a person whose prayer was not answered or who was not healed just "didn't have enough faith". The truth is it's Christ's faith, totally adequate, wonderfully effective and paid for by His blood. This is the faith given to the believer.

Yes, people like me don't avail themselves of the full benefit of this wonderful God-given faith. In fact, I know some people who equate faith with their denomination. There is no way you can get that interpretation from these verses. The scripture says what it says, in my view, and I am so glad He has gifted us with faith. How about you? Thank Him today! Doma