“...For the ways of the Lord are right and the righteous shall walk in them, but transgressors will stumble in them. (Hosea 13:9)
The bible is so clear in its statement of there being a right way and a wrong way for mankind to be accepted and right before God. Many ignore this and to their peril, forge ahead in life ignoring the simplicity of this fundamental ultimatum. The age - old question of “how can a man be right before God” (Job 25:4) is answered with clarity by God in the Holy Scriptures.
Many religious people choose to ignore God’s way to be right or to be declared righteous by Him. The believe that it is their faith that saves them, or that their faith places them in a good position before God.
In other words, many believe, to have faith, or to believe in some kind of spirituality is what holds them in good stead. This view that ‘all roads lead to the same mountain top’ is rampant in our modern age. They believe, whatever faith you hold, this becomes your Saviour. Be it faith in Mohamed, Buddha, millions of Hindu gods, or even faith in yourself. A faith in ‘whatever’ is all you need. This is a common religious philosophy.
But, not according to Scripture. The Lord said, “I am the way, and the truth and the life and no person comes to the Father but by Me.” (Jn 14:6).
In other words, this is the right and only way. Our faith must be in the right and only person so that we can be declared righteous and receive the salvation of God.
Being right with God - or being declared righteous by God, does not depend on one’s faith, as our faith can be completely misguided. Our faith must reside in the right person. A sinner is justified through faith in Jesus Christ, not on account of faith.
John Bunyon, the puritan of old once wrote: Indeed this is one of the greatest mysteries in the world – namely, that a righteousness that resides with a Person in heaven should justify me, a sinner on earth. [grace quotes]