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| It is easy to mistake the mere shadow for the solid Substance! |
By the Faith of Christ, or our faith in Christ?
by Tony Warren
The most common distortion in the Church today of 'the doctrine of Grace' is in Christians attempting to make faith an action on our part, rather than humbly accepting that the faith we have is by the sovereign action of God. No one has faith of their own free will, faith comes by the divine will of God, through the gracious work of Christ. Yet in many circles we are continually told that the scriptures should read our 'faith in Christ,' rather than the 'faith of Christ.'
This in itself is curious because all Christian Theologians readily admit that faith is 'necessary' for Salvation, and yet many of them will just as readily (and illogically) conclude that this 'requirement' is not a work, nor any effort on their part. But how something can be required (meaning it's necessary to be done), and yet somehow not be an action required (work), bridges on the nonsensical. How can we possibly harmonize the conclusion that the faith to believe is 'our' faith (not the faith of Christ), and yet still profess that it is not an effort on our part? If it's our faith, then it's our effort. To say anything less makes the gospel both disjointed and contradictory. Moreover, we are commanded of God to have faith. And so how then is it not a work, when we are told that it is something which must be done?
Matthew 23:23
"Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone."
How were these old testament people commanded by the law to have faith, and it not be a 'work' of the law? Again, it makes no sense. For by their own law we see that in order for them to have faith, they had to participate in the act of doing it. Christ said to them, 'these things ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone.' He is telling them that faith is a work they should have done, but didn't do. If faith is not by this work of men, then it is by the work of Christ, a gift of God.
1st Timothy 6:12
"Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses."
How are we to fight the good fight of faith and it not be an effort or a work? Is not fighting a work? These ideas of faith not being a work are foreign to the Bible, for faith is the result of work, and thus 'requires' work. Just as movement requires energy. So to say faith requires no work, is like saying a car requires no engine. What's more, God has never been ambiguous about it. It is by the will of man that there are these distortions of His teachings.
1st Thessalonians 1:3
"Remembering without ceasing your Work of faith, and labour of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, in the sight of God and our Father;"
Here God has spoken it very plainly, and in concise language which is 'consistent' with the whole of scripture, and illustrates this very same principle. Remembering without ceasing our work of faith. Faith takes an effort or some power or energy to accomplish. So then, the only question is, is it our power or is it the power of God? In 2nd Thessalonians chapter one we have a very similar statement which also addresses this point.
2nd Thessalonians 1:11
"Wherefore also we pray always for you, that our God would count you worthy of this calling, and fulfil all the good pleasure of his goodness, and the Work of faith with Power:"
How can a work of faith be with power, and it not be a work? Frankly, to argue against this is ridiculous. This power [dunamis] illustrates some energy or effort, and particularly Godly power or miraculous power. True faith is in having this power to believe in God, not merely intellectually, but by the Holy Spirit. A Spirit by which we are 'persuaded' that His Word is both true, and the bread by which man lives. It is by this power that the faithfulness of Christ works in us to believe and to do what is expected. Our faith, if not inherent, must of necessity be the work of the Holy Spirit. And if it was our own faith, inherent, then everyone would have it. But the pertinent Biblical information shows just the opposite. It shows that without the Spirit of God, we have no faith and are desperately wicked just like everyone else. The people who philosophize about their own faith in Christ, while at the same time rejecting it as a work, are a walking a contradictory line, ignoring the very fact that Jesus Himself called the faith to believe a work.
John 6:28-29
"Then said they unto him, What shall we do, that we might work the works of God?
Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on Him whom he hath sent."
These type passages immediately reveal to us just how God works in us that we believe. The only way we could be justified by faith is if faith was indeed a work, and if it was not our own work. Consider wisely and without prejudice:
Galatians 2:16
"Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified."
A man is not justified by his own faith or his own work (in keeping the law), but by the 'faith of Christ.' Being justified by our own faith would be Biblically heretical. The Holy canon is clear, accurate, and unambiguous in it's declarations that we are justified by the faith of Christ. Just as clear is that it is not by 'our faith in Christ,' which would mean we are justified by our own action of believing. This would be an impossibility. We are justified by His work, not our own. If there was the slightest chance that it was by our faith in Christ that we were justified, that would be a merit system for man. This is not something through which true grace could work. In fact, it would be anti-christ, and anti-grace (Romans 11:6). For if at all by our works, it cannot be by grace.
Knowing these things, we understand why it must be the faith 'of' Jesus Christ, because this is the work that was necessary in order that we might become Saved. Faith of Christ comes to us through revelation from God (Matthew 16:17), and that means that there is no such aberration as faith 'apart' from the action of the Spirit's persuasion.
Let's look at this word faith. It is the Greek word [pistis], meaning the act of being persuaded. It is derived from the root prime verb [peitho] meaning to convince or 'bring to belief.' Therefore it is intimately connected and identified with work. It is not something which is outside of work, but something which energy (work) brings about. In other words, we are persuaded or have faith because of the substantive 'working' of Christ in us. We would never have it by our own efforts, despite what men say. That is why we read in Hebrews:
Hebrews 11:1-3
"Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
For by it the elders obtained a good report.
Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear."
Faith is a substance [hupostasis] or undergirding of what we hope for, because it is a work. It is by God's persuasion in us of the truth of things which we cannot physically see, that we have hope. It is by this persuasion (work) in substantive faith, that we believe (have unseen evidence) that the worlds were framed by the Word of God, and were not made as it might appear. This persuasion of faith in us is 'obviously' a working of God (1st Corinthians 2:10), and not something of ourselves.
Indeed how could we have assurance (this same word [pistis] translated faith), if it was not the working of Christ in us, persuading us of that hope? Can we have true assurance or faith 'apart' from the work of Christ? No, it is the Spirit which assures us and convinces us in that which we call faith.
Romans 8:16
"The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:"
It becomes evident that it is because of Christ's Spirit within us, that we have assurance (same word, translated faith) that we are indeed true children of God. To say anything less is to dabble in Biblical absurdity. Thus we understand that our faith is a gift of God.
Acts 17:31
"Because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained; whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead."
This word assurance is the exact same Greek word faith or [pistis]. Here again see very clearly that God gave all of us (His chosen) this faith or gift to believe that Christ has been resurrected from the dead. It's not faith we conjured up of ourselves, it is the faith of Christ in us. It is an act of convincing us we have Salvation. This act of assurance or faith is of Christ, not our faith in Christ.
Romans 12:3
"For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith."
Ephesians 2:8
"For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:"
Grace is in God giving us faith to believe when we were yet dead in trespass and sin and couldn't have faith anymore than the next sinner. Faith is the substance of things unseen, therefore we should understand that when something is substantive, it has undergirding, and requires energy or 'work' to bring it about. For faith to be the substance of things hoped for, means some work brought it about. The power of convincing or persuasion has substance, and what underlies this faith is work.
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| It is not difficult to mistake the shadow for the real thing! |
Galatians 5:22
"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,"
These are the fruits or 'works' of the Spirit. They are the results of God working in us, and among them is listed faith. Faith is the fruit that will show up in our lives because of the Spirit. Just as we read before (Galatians 2:16) of our justification by faith, here also God reveals from a different perspective, that 'His' work results in faith.
Natural man doesn't like the truth, but before we were drawn of God, we were by nature spiritually dead. We were as dead as Lazarus was, where we were unable to have faith, lift ourselves up, or seek God. But when we come to understand true Grace, it is then that we discern that every aspect of our calling, drawing, and Salvation, has to be by what God has done. Man hates giving up his pride (often euphemistically called, self respect) because he wants some kind of control, or desires in himself some credit for his doing (when those other sinners didn't). Man often doesn't recognize the real motivations for many of his beliefs. We don't want to 'surrender' our will to God's will, and bow to His sovereignty. But we have to be at the point where we totally trust on Him, rather than in Him, 'plus' ourselves (what we do). Autonomous man has the idea that he is the one who can have his own faith. That kind of faith to believe is the faith of false religions where men have faith that they are going to a happy afterlife by worshipping a cow or an idol, but that is not Saving faith or faith to believe. That is the faith without works which God says is dead (James 2:18-26). In true Christianity, the only work which produces Saving faith is the work of Christ. It is not our works, lest we could boast, but is the faith 'with works' in the living efficacious 'faith of Christ.'
When we think of what was required to bring us to Saving faith, we should understand that this meant that Christ had to pay for every one of our sins by enduring God's wrath on our behalf. What contribution did we make to this work that produced faith? Christ not only had to apply His Holy word to our hearts, and give us a new resurrected soul, He had to give us something others don't have, which is the Saving faith by which we are moved or 'drawn' to Christ to receive eternal life. What contribution did we make to that? It is foolish of us to think that we of ourselves could have faith in Christ.
Professing Christians can believe whatever they want, including that their efforts or faith have something to do with their Salvation. But in truth, these ideas are the same as those who believe that because they chose to believe when other sinners didn't, God reciprocated by making them righteous. That just shows they haven't the slightest idea of the 'true' nature of Salvation, the definition of Grace, or whose work of faith was required in order to make us righteous.
Romans 3:22
"Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference:"
Can we gain the righteousness of Christ by our own faith in him? The answer of course is no. There are two kinds of faith and two kinds of righteousness. That which comes from men which justifies no one, and that which is 'of' Christ, and justifies all His people. The natural man is entirely incapable of faith unto good works. For it is not in man, but God who supplies what is needed in our lives that we do His will.
Philippians 2:13
"For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure."
What part of this sounds like Christians having their own faith in Christ that they will work? And this Greek word translated do, is the exact same word translated work. Our work of faith is by God working in us. Likewise, there is no effort on our part which will make our works righteous. The effort is on Christ's part. When we understand the pure nature of Salvation, then when we read phrases like, 'the work of faith,' or 'by the faith of Christ' (Christ's faith), and it all begins to fit and harmonize beautifully. It is all of God, that to Him alone be the Glory.
Nevertheless, there are those who think these expressions robs them of some meritorious accounting or credit. For faith is something they think of with respect to their own ability and action. They believe that they 'put' their faith in Christ. And because of this flawed thinking, many professing Christians (for their own self-serving purposes) treat these sundry phrases 'as if' they were misstatements. Indeed many modern theologians and translations now insist that these particular texts should be rendered 'Faith in Christ' rather than 'faith of Christ.' However, [pivsti cristou] [pisti cristou] and similar phrases (Romans 3:22, Romans 3:26, Galatians 2:16, Galatians 2:20, Galatians 3:22) involves a subjective genitive and means 'Christ’s faith' or 'The Faithfulness of Christ.'
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| Distinguish the solid that casts the shadow from the shadow! |
If there is one thing I do not do, it is to play 'Greek ping pong,' where the real object of the experts is bat the ball back and forth, breaking the Greek down into such ambiguity that they can pretty much confuse anyone, with claims it can be understood either way (neglecting of course that the Bible is divinely inspired and can interpret itself by comparison with itself). Abandoning the sound system that context often determines translation, and giving no thought to the hermeneutic that scripture interprets itself, they attempt to define translations on a strictly secular and intellectual basis, rather than on an evidential contextual basis. And using this method the question of 'in' or 'of' can never be definitively answered to anyone's satisfaction. Because you can have ten Greek experts presenting evidence that it should be rendered 'in,' and ten others declaring that it should be 'of.'
As for myself, I prefer not to play the genitive noun game, but to find the interpretations from within the Bible. However, in this case I believe (if we're honest with ourselves) both in the Greek, and from the Biblical context, we can see that it absolutely should be translated 'of' Christ. It's the only rendering which is in agreement with the whole Bible.
From the Greek perspective, in an objective genitive, the thing which is genitive is the object. In a subjective genitive, the thing which is genitive is the subject. Without getting too complicated, there really is no way to know whether a genitive is objective or subjective without considering it's meaning in the context which it is written. Thus we get right back to comparing scripture with scripture, in context. Actually, there really seems to be no controversy on translating this of unless the name in question happens to be Christ. The fact is, 'faith of Christ' is the typical way to translate a genitive construction. Curiously (or not curiously depending upon our knowledge of the way modern translators think), 'faith in Christ' is the way that most modern translators choose to translate this today. Obviously it is more of a commentary on their part than a translation, for there is similarly structured genitive construction is other passages, and these same 'translators' (again curiously) revert to the usual way of translating it using the word 'of.' For example:
Romans 4:16
"Therefore it is of faith, that it might be by grace; to the end the promise might be sure to all the seed; not to that only which is of the law, but to that also which is of the faith of Abraham; who is the father of us all,"
This is the exact same construction as the passages translated 'faith of Christ [pistis christos], yet everyone without exception translates this faith of Abraham [pistis abraam], not faith in Abraham. Which is just another proof that it is only the word Christ which causes these translators consternation. They all have no problem with the wording the faith 'of' Abraham. In fact, it would not Biblically make sense to say the 'faith in Abraham,' just as it doesn't Biblically make sense to say we are justified by our 'faith in Christ.' Justification cannot come by our faith.
Philippians 1:27
"Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel;"
Gospel of Christ [euaggelion Christos], and again it is the very same Greek construction. No one argues this should be translated the gospel in Christ, so you see the problem isn't in the text, context, or the nuances of the Greek. The problem is in the minds of modern translators who do not understand the faith of Christ, and allow their prejudices to seep into their work.
Many Theologians do not like this language because it robs them of every semblance that they had anything 'at all' to do with their persuasion or faith to believe in Christ. It gives all the energy to Christ. By rendering this, 'faith in Christ' the magnificent and glorious truth of the absolute predestination and sovereignty of God is all but obliterated.
From the Biblical perspective, I wonder why there is any controversy at all. Because from the Biblical standpoint, it is impossible to be Saved by our own faith.
Hebrews 12:2
"Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God."
If Christ is the author and Finisher of our faith, how is it by our own faith? It makes no sense. And so the translators can vainly argue about tense, and subjective genitive nouns for the next ten years, but by the preponderance of Biblical evidence, it is conclusive. We are Saved by faith of Christ. He is the author and finisher of faith in us. It was by His obedience, it was by His work, and it was by His choosing. Can man's own faith cause belief in Christ? God says there is none that seeks after God, so how can we have faith in Christ that we would be justified? Only by the work of Christ, which is the faith of Christ in us, are we made just.
Romans 3:28
"Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law."
Can man be justified by his own faith? This is Biblically untenable, and yet this is what we would have to conclude if we were to accept the unbiblical teachings that the faith in Christ is our faith. No, it is the faith of Christ, or more concisely put, 'Christ's faith' which justifies us.
Philippians 3:9
"And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith:"
Here is another absolutely clear statement of God's justification by faith. And yet many of these newer, so-called modern translations, pervert the meaning of these passages by translating them 'faith in Christ' rather than 'faith of Christ.' Obviously if the righteousness is of God by faith, it cannot be by 'our' faith in Christ, for no man is justified by His own faith, but by the faith 'of' Christ. Faith was started and finished by God, His gift to man, as can clearly be seen in Galatians:
Galatians 3:22
"But the scripture hath concluded all under sin, that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe."
Was the promise given by our work of faith, or by the faithfulness of Christ (2nd Timothy 1:1)? Was it given by the will of God, or by our own will because we had faith in Him? You see it always gets back to our action, verses the action of God in us. Our own faith verses Christ's faith. And Christ's faith is the only faith of assurance, or faith in which we are secure.
Hebrews 12:2
"Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God."
It is a riddle inside a mystery wrapped in an enigma how God says that Christ is both the author (starter) and finisher of our faith, and yet some theologians continue to insist that we are the ones who have faith in Christ. If you start something, and then you see it through to the end, what part of this faith was by someone else? But again, this is just another example of the obstinate nature of the heart of man, who surmises that He is his own assurance, faith, and persuasion. If man's hope depends upon his own keeping of faith, then he is truly lost.
Philippians 1:6
"Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:"
Ephesians 4:30
"And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption."
1st Peter 1:5
"Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time."
What part of these things is ambiguous? What part has man in starting, possessing, or maintaining his own faith? It is totally the work of Christ in us. And it is only man's pride and vanity which prevents him from receiving this love of truth.
There are others who take a different tact in attempting to get around these truths. Some modern theologians accept that 'work of faith' is the right translation, but then submit that it means the 'results of faith,' as in works produced by faith. For example, in the statement, 'the house of John,' it doesn't mean that John is a house, likewise they surmise that the 'work of faith' doesn't mean faith is a work, but that work is a result of 'our' faith. But even apart from being contrived and convoluted, careful consideration will reveal that this is the same unbiblical concept. What this does is:
#1) Makes our work a result of our faith.
#2) Since God says we are justified by faith, we are self-justified
#3) Without Christ's work, we have no faith in the first place.
Even they would probably agree with this third point, making their whole premise fatally flawed. Logically speaking, if work of faith meant that works were the result of our faith, then that 'inextricably' means that our works are not the result of Christ's work, but of our 'own' faith. Again, an unbiblical and untenable position. On the contrary, our work is the result of Christ in us, not our own faith in Christ.
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| Rightly dividing the Substance from its Shadow is most essential |
Hebrews 13:21
"Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is wellpleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen."
If it is God working in us to make us perfect in every good work, what part are we doing that we can usurp or rob God of some credit for? All power of faith 'in us,' is the power of God.
2nd Corinthians 4:7
"But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us."
Why must man in his carnal thinking believe that he deserves some credit for having 'faith in Christ,' when in truth it was all by the Lord's work? We are drawn to believe by Christ's faithfulness. We live the life of faith only because Christ lives in us. With the faith of Christ in us, we should humbly recognize these truths and 'receive' God's declarations on the matter.
Galatians 2:20
"I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me."
Our work is by His work of faith, and not our own. Clearly we can't and won't live unto God whereby we bring forth faith by our own works, energy or actions. How then can anyone boast that they had faith in Christ of themselves, when we were all spiritually as dead as Lazarus in the tomb? It was only by the will of God that we were moved to new life.
There are others who admit, "yes, all of this is true, but why are we making such a big fuss over this controversy between 'faith in Christ,' and 'faith of Christ,' or between work of faith, and work resulting from faith?" The answer is because it is essential that we understand the most basic truths of God's sovereignty. We are 'not' Saved (in any way) by our own faith in Christ, but by Christ putting faith in us. There is a big difference between our being Saved by our own faith in Christ, and our being Saved by Christ's faith. In other words, the very 'character' of Saving faith is at stake. Christians with the faith of Christ should not fight these truths that it is not our faith in Christ, but faith of Christ. Because these are important issues, revealed by the Spirit. The faith of Christ indicates that Christ Himself is the originator and the 'source' of this faith in us. It illustrates His faithful work in persuading us, because He is the substance or essence of our belief. The term faith in Christ illustrates 'our own' faith in Him. It is no small difference. So when modern man translates this phrase as 'faith in Christ,' it becomes a issue of our being Saved because we did something, rather than by His faith living in us that makes us a new creation.
In closing, we would be remiss if we didn't look at the verse which many proponents of this doctrine often bring up in support of their contention that we have 'faith in Christ.' Christ marveling or admiring the faith of the Gentile soldier, as recorded in the book of Matthew.
Matthew 8:10-11
"When Jesus heard it, he marvelled, and said to them that followed, Verily I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel.
And I say unto you, That many shall come from the east and west, and shall sit down with Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, in the kingdom of heaven."
Why do we read Jesus admires this man's faith? It's a good question, and deserves an answer. First of all we have to start with the most basic and fundamental truth of sound hermeneutics. And that is that we understand that no one scripture stands alone, nor can it nullify all other scriptures. If we approached each verse as if it were an island by itself, we would never understand anything, because everything would appear to be a contradiction. We always consider the 'whole' of scripture, and comparing scripture with itself, it will interpret itself.
Jesus was God, and therefore He knew the end 'from' the beginning. i.e., He knew what was in this man's heart before He talked with him, he was not amazed or shocked into admiration this man had faith. He foreknew the Jews wouldn't have faith and that their house would be left unto them desolate before He ever preached one word to them. He is God! He knew that Judas would betray Him before he ever lifted up his cup. He knew when He went to Jerusalem that the people would kill Him. He saw Nathanael under the fig tree and knew he was a man of no guile before Philip even called him (John 1:47-48). And likewise, Jesus Christ our Lord knew this soldier 'had faith' before He ever talked with him, because He was God. i.e., He was not a man that He should be surprised that this Gentile had more faith than He had seen in Israel. God is immutable or unchanging, and He is omniscient. He is not surprised by events, He does not change his mind (because He never makes an error), He does not have remorse for something which He has done (though reading scripture we may be left with the impression that He does). They are written this way for two reasons. As a stumbling block for the unrighteous (that they may see and not see), and for our consideration. Christ went to this place specifically knowing this would happen, and for this purpose of confirming the faith of the Gentiles. The faith this man possessed Christ put in him in order to 'illustrate' to us that the gospel would now go to the Gentiles. He is signifying certain positional truths to us.
It's somewhat like the question, 'why did the Lord harden Pharaoh's heart that he wouldn't free the Israelites, when He wanted him to free the Israelites?' At first glance it appears confusing and contradictory, but the 'big picture' brings all these things into perspective. These things were written for the benefit of man, and not for God. When Adam and his wife hid from the Lord God in the Garden of Eden, and God called unto him and said, 'Where art thou,' did this mean that God wasn't aware of where Adam was hiding? Of course not, He is God and is omnipresent and omniscient. He knew perfectly well where Adam was hiding before He asked where art thou? But these things are written for our learning and benefit. It is elucidated from the standpoint of man, that men will understand. Likewise, Christ spoke as a man, because Christ was/is talking to men. Christ told earthly stories with heavenly meanings (parables) because He was talking to men who dwell in earthen vessels. Christ was in admiration of this 'good' being done by this Gentile to illustrate this is what is pleasing to God, and the Gentiles will be included in faith of Christ. By showing admiration for that which is good, and from 'a Gentile,' He is illustrating both what we should strive for, and prophesying that the Gentiles will now have the faith of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, while the Israelites will fall.
This prophecy was before ordained. Every word, every illustration, and every sentence that this Gentile spoke was inspired of God that it would become scripture. Once we understand God's omniscience, and do not treat these truths 'as if' Christ was a mere man who was actually 'surprised' or really caught off guard because this Gentile had faith which Israel didn't, we then come to have wisdom, understanding why Jesus said this. He clearly knew Old Covenant scriptures spoke of faith going to the Gentiles, so why would He be surprised? Indeed by this episode, He is directing them (and us) to the scriptures foretelling that by Israel's fall, and Christ's death, all people would be made free of the law. The faith of Christ goes to the Gentiles that they sit in the Kingdom with the Jews. And note what He says after making the statement about this Soldier's faith.
Matthew 8:11-12
And I say unto you, That many shall come from the east and west, and shall sit down with Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, in the kingdom of heaven.
But the children of the kingdom shall be cast out into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth."
It is a declaration of what has before been prophesied, that Israel in having faith in their own works of keeping the law, would fall. And the the promise to Abraham and His seed would be fulfilled in the 'faith of Christ.' The Gentiles would have this faith, by Israel's fall into unbelief. This is the picture painted here as Christ marvels at his faith.
Galatians 3:13-14
"Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree:
That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith."
Far from being surprised by this Gentile soldier's faith, Christ is directing us to the prophesies that the Gentiles would come into the kingdom of Israel and sit with Abraham as well, and that it is by a faith which national Israel didn't have. Not a faith in Messiah, but by the faith of Messiah. Not by Israel's faith in works, but by the 'faith of Christ' which is not found in works of keeping the law. The faith whereby this soldier who knew (and said) Christ was a man of 'authority' and had only to speak the word, and it would be done. The very same faith of Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob. Faith with power, faith with works, which is faith not dead, but that makes alive because it is by the work of Christ. By this whole event, God is 'signifying' here that Salvation would go to the Gentiles and they would have the faith that national or corporate Israel lacked. The 'faith of Christ.' The Only faith which justifies. That is the faith He is here 'demonstrating' He didn't see in Israel.
The fact is, without justification by the 'faith of Christ,' we inevitably fall into the deception of:
1) A faith which by our own efforts.
2) The denial of the efficacy of Christ's work
3) Not knowing the 'real' assurance of Salvation
4) Denial of God's Word of authoring and finishing faith
5) Usurping power of persuasion from God
These are precepts whereby the Lord's Church stands or falls. Therefore Let us pray that in our consideration of these things, God who is gracious and precious above all will grant wisdom and understanding that we glean from His Holy Word the precious truths of His immutability, divine will, sovereignty, and omniscience. May we be blessed in knowing that it is totally by His 'Grace Alone,' through 'Faith alone,' that we are persuaded Children of God, that no man can boast of his own faith. May God humble our spirit to the important issue of just who's faith it is that moves, supports, and keeps us.
Amen!
Peace,
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Copyright ©2002 Tony Warren
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