Righteous Faith

Some posters have objected to the concept that "saving faith" is our faith which has been credited or reckoned by God as righteousness.

The concept is from Romans 4. First we see in Romans 4:3 that Abraham's faith was credited as righteousness.

Then in Romans 4:5 we see the concept expanded such that the "one" that believes on Him who justifies the ungodly, his (or her) faith is credited as righteousness. Once a person's faith (and not the person) has been credited as righteousness, that faith can be said to be "righteous faith." Note the person did not create or come up with or have righteous faith, as every deed of the lost is as filthy rags to God. Our worthless faith is declared righteousness by God, turning the filthy rag into righteous faith.

Then in Romans 4:19-21 we see that Abraham's faith in God's promise was unwavering, being fully assured that what God had promised, He (God) was also able to perform.

Then Romans 4:22 we see that "it" (Abraham's unwavering faith in God's promise) was credited to Abraham as righteousness. Again, this did not make Abraham righteous, but his faith was credited as righteousness to him, thus we can say God credited Abraham as having righteous faith.

And this consideration that Abraham had righteous faith was not just for Abraham, but also for our sake (those that trust fully in God and Christ) for we who believe in Him that raised Jesus, our worthless faith will also be credited as righteousness. (Romans 4:24)

 

When a person's unwavering faith is credited as righteousness, and then they are transferred spiritually into Christ, their credited faith is made stable and steadfast by the power of God's protection. 1 Peter 1:3-5.

Colossians 2:5 (NET)
For though I am absent from you in body, I am present with you in spirit, rejoicing to see your morale and the firmness of your faith in [into] Christ.​