There are people within Reformed thought who are very concerned that a growing number of Reformed theologians and pastors are preaching justification by faithfulness, not justification by faith.
A reader pointed me to an interesting article (originally a blog) entitled Sola Fide or Sola Fidelity? (See here.) It is by Wes White, a Reformed Pastor.
(Another article, this one, entitled “When You’re Strange,” by Sean Garrity is helpful too.)
Federal Vision (FV) theology has gained a lot of traction in Reformed circles. White sees FV theology as a denial of sola fide:
The Federal Visionists want to replace the great sola fide (faith alone) of the Reformation with a doctrine of sola fidelity (justification by faithfulness alone).
What’s wrong with a doctrine of sola fidelity? The answer is simple. If we adopt or allow the Federal Visionist sola of sola fidelity, then our justification becomes primarily about what we bring to God and not what we receive from Christ. This eviscerates our doctrine of justification.
That is well said.
White shows how FV proponents get from justification by faith alone to justification by faithfulness alone.
While White seems to hold to the traditional Reformed understanding of the perseverance of the saints (citing the WCF), he nonetheless suggests that justification is by faith alone, apart from faithfulness.
Toward the end of his article, White writes, “There is a big difference between saying to such a person, ‘Simply trust in Jesus,’ and ‘Be loyal to Jesus.’” I agree, though I would put the word believe (or, have faith), not trust, in the first statement. There is a big difference between saying to a person, “Simply believe (have faith) in Jesus,” and “Be loyal to Jesus.”
More and more people are arguing for justification by faithfulness alone. Last year I did a radio debate with Dr. Matthew Bates, author of Salvation by Allegiance Alone. Sadly, his view is gaining followers even in Reformed circles.
I find it odd to hear an essentially Roman Catholic understanding of justification coming from people who claim to be Reformed. The Reformation was a break from justification by faithfulness. It is sad that there is a major movement in Reformed thought which teaches straight up justification by faithfulness.
Alvin
Amen Bob~!
This is why it’s so important to understand that God has given our faith righteousness Romans 4:3. Our faith was given righteousness BEFORE we were DELIEVERED, when we were UNGODLY as Romans 4:5 and John 8:31-32 show.
So, works or Law neither one can ELEVATE our righteousness. No kind of synergism: the interaction of two or more substances, or other agents to produce a combined effect GREATER than the sum of their separate effects……synonyms: working together-joint action.
That’s why in Romans walking by faith, or the word “faith” is not present in the Christian life section Romans 5:3-8:39. And that is why it’s true that the one who is justified by faith can live. Other words they already have the means, they don’t need to elevate their FAITH or RIGHTEOUSNESS by adding works of any kind, OR EVEN WALKING BY FAITH, nothing can elevate it.
Zane’s Romans Commentary 1:16-17 page 35-38 righteousness attained prior to deliverance on the sole bases of faith…..3:24 page 98-99 God’s righteousness therefore that comes through faith in Jesus Christ does not involve any form of synergism with the works of the law as though these could be elevated by the exercise of faith. On the contrary, God’s righteousness comes FREELY and it comes only BY HIS GRACE.
Carl Johnson
I was talking to a person about faith alone. He raised the question, “Which is easier living by the law or living by faith?” I thought that was an interesting question and may explain why people either side with justification by faith or justification by faithfulness.
We are programmed to be performance-driven. In school we study hard in order to get a good grade. At work we labor hard to get a pay check and/or a pay raise. So, the question my friend asked is not only which is easier but also what are we more accustomed to and familiar with.
Timothy J Amoroso
This seems to be a modern day illustrations of the struggle we can potentially face as believers in eternal security and the once saved always saved doctrine. Quitting and giving up to avoid modern day difficulties seems easier now for us, who believed in Jesus. But, as Sir Wilkin stated, Obeying God is the best way to live. I agree 100%. God bless.
Timothy Grady
In the end , Wes White has to admit that FV and the WCF wash out to the same fruit inspection fixation.
Logically it is undeniable.
I find this selective inability to see the most obvious as rampant in (otherwise) highly intelligent Reformed circles.
Yesterday I watched Dr. Michael Youssef present a monergystic ‘God does it all … and gives you the faith’ soteriology .
Then , he caps it off with a repent/sorry for sin invitation .
No wonder grace is so misunderstood.