Theology is built from exegesis. Exegesis demands an accurate understanding of biblical words. Oftentimes, theology changes due to a confusion of theological words. I can think of no more important word for us to understand and not misunderstand than the word FAITH. Many reformed theologians have made faith into obedience and total commitment.
Recently, Dr. Mathew Bates in his recent two books has attempted to make faith mean “complete allegiance to the cosmic king Jesus.” Anything less is sub-christian. He even takes to task theologians such as John MacArthur and many others, claiming that they have not gone far enough in the understanding of the obedience and commitment that is to be the meaning of faith.
In one of the doctoral courses I had, one of my students presented an evaluation of the findings of Dr. Bates. I offer the introduction to you and hope you will read the two books evaluated since they have the ability to destroy the doctrine of assurance.
1 Matthew W. Bates, Salvation by Allegiance Alone: Rethinking Faith, Works, and the Gospel of Jesus the King (Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, 2017), 3, 9. Kindle edition.
2 Bates, Salvation by Allegiance Alone, 5, 78.
3 Bates, 9.
4 Matthew W. Bates, Gospel Allegiance: What Faith in Jesus Misses for Salvation in Christ (Grand Rapids: Brazos Press, 2019), 18, 26.
5 Bates, Gospel Allegiance, 59.
6 An analysis of Bates‘ framework of Jesus‘ enthronement as the central locus of the gospel is beyond the purpose of this paper. For a critical evaluation, see Will N. Timmins, “A Faith Unlike Abraham‘s: Matthew Bates On Salvation By Allegiance Alone,” Journal of the Evangelical Theological Society 61, no. 3 (2018): 597-600.
Serving Him with you until He comes for us,
Fred Chay, PhD
Managing Editor, Grace Theology Press
