“Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.”
James 2:17
I have recently read two great books from the same author (Matthew Bates) entitled, “Salvation by Allegiance Alone”, and “Gospel Allegiance”. Both books are definite recommendations, especially if we find ourselves in an extended lock-down period and looking for some spiritual download. This pandemic post will not be able to do a review of the books, but they are the springboard to some of the thoughts that are running around my brain today.
Bates rightly points out that “faith” is not only (or even simply) the concept of personal belief or even trust, but carries with it the force of loyalty or what we might call, “allegiance”. The ancient Hebrews, as well as the early Church, would have known this instantly by virtue of the cultural application. It has only been in relatively recent years that the word “faith” has pivoted from an enlarged concept of the definition which includes loyalty to a narrowed understanding which revolves exclusively around a moment of personal belief. Perhaps the best illustration are the words that are often used in a wedding ceremony, the last vestige of ancient covenant in our modern world. As the couple holds hands and declare their vows, an often used phrase is offered, “And thereto I pledge you my faith”. The meaning of the phrase has nothing to do with their genuineness of intent, but rather a statement of allegiance. Each person is declaring their loyalty one to the other. This faith has significant expectations and obligations. They are to remain faithful and exclusive to each other. All other relationships are now reprioritized in light of this new marriage covenant. All decisions are filtered through this relationship. Allegiance isn’t theoretical, but it is demonstrable when temptation, crisis, or even pandemic presents itself. So it is with our Christian covenant.
I cannot do his books justice in a few simple sentences, but the premise Bates suggests has rocked my theological world.
Simply put…
To exercise faith includes demonstrating my allegiance.
Perhaps that is what James meant when he writes, “Faith without works is dead”. I have long maintained that James wasn’t linking faith to some form of “works righteousness”. The established doctrine of justification by faith is not in peril here. I do believe, however, that faith is not some nebulous or mystical concept. Faith, in order to be faith, must have a corresponding action that demonstrates its reality at work. This is where the need for obedience comes in, for as James rightly reminds us, “that the devils also believe and tremble” (James 2:19). The distinguishing feature of their belief and ours is obedience and as Bates points out…allegiance.
What does that mean in the 21st century in the midst of a global pestilence?
Let me suggest that this pandemic is not only nothing new, but probably not the last one. No matter what your eschatology may be, I can assure you that America is not immune from future challenges or crises. And the battle lines are not simply drawn between fear, panic and anxiety versus personal belief, mental calm, and inner peace; but rather how shall our allegiances be demonstrated? Faith includes my personal trust that God will meet all my needs, of course, but it also means my loyalty to His Kingdom and His ways will be clearly seen in the midst of the challenge. CORVID-19 is the potential spring practice for the real season to come.
I need to make this super practical so I don’t get stranded in the theoretical “weeds”.
At what point does avoiding my neighbor become an allegiance issue and not simply a health protocol?
Where will the line be with regards to my allegiance when it comes to physically gathering for worship or staring at a screen as a spectator?
My highest concern isn’t about the Constitutionality of the decisions of this day (we will debate that undoubtedly), but rather the Biblical expectations outlining my allegiance and obedience to the reigning King, Jesus.
Maybe no one else wrestles with these thoughts, but I am in internal turmoil wondering at what point I am compromising my ultimate allegiance and loyalty. At what point do I ignore the example of the early Church and their testimony of allegiance in times like these (and other crises) but I get to carve out a more tolerable (and potentially compromised) path.
My apologies…
I know this probably isn’t the encouragement you had hoped to find today…
I told you in episode #1, I was going to unpack my thoughts and you could listen in (actually read in).
I guess I’ve been locked in too long and need some social interaction and more sunshine…
I just want to navigate this time well…
I want my loyalties to be unquestioned…
Because faith isn’t really faith, unless I act in a manner consistent with it…
God give me the courage and strength to do exactly that…
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