Thread: Justified by the faith of Jesus Christ.

I've noticed there seems to be some confusion about whether we're justified before God by our faith or the faith of Christ. The translators of many Bibles took the liberty of changing the words "faith of Jesus Christ" to "faith in Jesus Christ" sometime in the early 19th Century. Even though the Greek confirms this, as I will show later, and was used correctly in other instances, such as the "hand of God" and the "faith of Abraham", the references to the faith of Christ was changed in many translations to faith in Christ. Tyndales, the Great Bible, Young's, and the KJV, all kept it in it's correct form, but most of the new translations adopted this practice of changing the "of" to "in". I submit it greatly affects the truth of what the Word says about how we're justified. I'll post on the Greek translations in a bit, but I'd be interested in hearing your views on this very important point of doctrine.

So, let's look first at some verses that aren't affected by a difference in translations.

We see that Jesus is the author and finisher (or perfecter) of our faith.

Originally Posted by 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.

Some may wonder why Jesus needs faith to begin with, or if He even has faith of His own, since being justified by the faith of Christ would require that He did.

We see that without faith, it is impossible to please God.

Originally Posted by Hebrews 11:6

But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.

The Father was "well pleased" by the Son.

Originally Posted by Matthew 3:17

And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.

The just shall live by faith...and notice, the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith.
What does that mean, exactly? From what faith? From whose faith? Keep this in mind because it's critical to how the righteousness of God is revealed. If the righteousness of God is not "revealed" to us, how can we have faith in God?

Originally Posted by Romans 1:17

For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.

Jesus is called the Just One.

Originally Posted by Acts 22:14

And he said, The God of our fathers hath chosen thee, that thou shouldest know his will, and see that Just One, and shouldest hear the voice of his mouth.

God justifies by faith...would that be the faith of the Son or our faith?

Originally Posted by Romans 3:30

Seeing it is one God, which shall justify the circumcision by faith, and uncircumcision through faith.

Think about this one...I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me. Christ lives in us, do we live by His faith, or the faith we have in Him? Here are the two translations side by side and you decide. If we no longer live to ourselves, but Christ lives in us, how do we live by our faith.

Originally Posted by 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.

Originally Posted by Galatians 2:20 (NIV)

I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.

In each of these passages, the faith of man (those who "believe") is seen working with the faith of Jesus Christ. They are not used as parallel phrases but as cooperating concepts. Either Paul is being incredibly redundant, in the NIV, or he was making a distinction between our faith and the faith of Christ.

Man is justified by the faith of Jesus...even when we believe...that we might be justified by the faith of Christ.

Originally Posted by 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.

Man is justified by faith in Christ...so we have put our faith in Christ...that we may be justified by our faith in Christ.

Originally Posted by Galatians 2:16 (NIV)

know that a man is not justified by observing the law, but by faith in Jesus Christ. So we, too, have put our faith in Christ Jesus that we may be justified by faith in Christ and not by observing the law, because by observing the law no one will be justified.

The righteousness of God comes by the "faith of Christ."

Originally Posted by 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:

Or...the righteousness of God comes by our "faith in Christ."

Originally Posted by Romans 3:22 (NIV)

This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference,

Does it matter whether it's Christ faith or our faith? I believe it does...especially when someone doubts their salvation because they don't think they have enough faith. We know God gives all men a measure of faith. Is that "measure" enough to justify us before God? Does that make it a merit system of salvation?

If our faith is lacking, does that mean we aren't justified?

Originally Posted by Mark 9:24

And straightway the father of the child cried out, and said with tears, Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief.

It's the "work of God" that we believe on Jesus. If it's His work, then how does our faith in Him justify us?

Originally Posted by 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.

Not having our own righteousness, but that which is through the faith of Christ or our faith in Christ. So not only justification, but righteousness comes by either Christ's faith or our faith in Christ. Is our faith enough to gain us justification and righteousness?

Originally Posted by 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:

Originally Posted by glorydaz

The just shall live by faith...and notice, the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith.
What does that mean, exactly?

First, I agree that there is a big translation issue here. More specifically, the Greek phrase "love of God" (for example) is actually ambiguous as to how it should be translated. It could be translated so as to denote our love of God, or it could be translated to denote God's love for us.

Consider Romans 1:17:

For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, "(AI)BUT THE RIGHTEOUS man SHALL LIVE BY FAITH."

I suggest that the "righteousness of God" here denotes God's own righteousness, not a righteousness that is imputed to man. And more specifically, I suggest that it denotes God's fidelity to the Abrahamic covenant. I think the "faith to faith" denotes how God's faithfulness to his covenant is met with man's response of grateful faith - hence the phrase "from faith to faith".

Originally Posted by Drew

Originally Posted by glorydaz

The just shall live by faith...and notice, the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith.
What does that mean, exactly?

First, I agree that there is a big translation issue here. More specifically, the Greek phrase "love of God" (for example) is actually ambiguous as to how it should be translated. It could be translated so as to denote our love of God, or it could be translated to denote God's love for us.

Consider Romans 1:17:

For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, "(AI)BUT THE RIGHTEOUS man SHALL LIVE BY FAITH."

I suggest that the "righteousness of God" here denotes God's own righteousness, not a righteousness that is imputed to man. And more specifically, I suggest that it denotes God's fidelity to the Abrahamic covenant. I think the "faith to faith" denotes how God's faithfulness to his covenant is met with man's response of grateful faith - hence the phrase "from faith to faith".

I agree some verses speak to the idea of faithfulness to the Covenant, but I don't think this is one of them, although it could be speaking of that, as well, in some way I'm not seeing at the moment. This seems to be speaking especially to the issue of God's righteousness being revealed to us by the Gospel of Christ.

Originally Posted by Romans 1:16-18

For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith. For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness;

The "righteousness of God" here is most certainly speaking of God's own righteousness, but it's "revealed" through the faith of the Just One, Jesus Christ. It then flows from the faith of Christ to our faith in Christ. That's the faith to faith being spoken of in this verse. Jesus reveals the righteousness of God to us.

Which is the same here...The righteousness of God flows through Jesus unto and upon all who believe.

Originally Posted by 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:

Jesus endured the cross ... obedient to His mission of redemption. We place our faith in Jesus who lived by faith and gave Himself for us. Our faith actually starts there...that's when He initiates faith in us, and we believe.

Originally Posted by 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.

As we're "found in Him", we have that righteousness through the faith of Christ.

Originally Posted by 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:

Originally Posted by francisdesales

Originally Posted by glorydaz

I've noticed there seems to be some confusion about whether we're justified before God by our faith or the faith of Christ.

Was Abraham justified by the faith of Jesus Christ or by Abraham's faith in God? How about all of the righteous people of the Old Testament? How about the pagans mentioned in Romans 2, men considered just enough to be considered spiritual Jews and had gained eternal life?

I'll have to take your points on one at a time, Joe.
I'm a simple person, and you never fail to overwhelm me.

Yes, Abraham was justified by the faith of Jesus Christ.

Originally Posted by Galatians 3:8

And the scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the heathen through faith, preached before the gospel unto Abraham, saying, In thee shall all nations be blessed.

Originally Posted by John 8:56

Your father Abraham rejoiced to see my day: and he saw it, and was glad.

Salvation has always been by grace through faith...for all the OT saints. Of course pagans and people who only "considered" themselves spiritual aren't justified, because God is more than able to see into a person's heart. He'll say, "I never knew you." Name it and claim it has never worked and it never will.

.
Glorydaz

I saw two commentaries on Galatians, one by Thomas Aquinas and one by William of St.Thierry, a friend of Bernard of Clairvaux. Both were writers who lived in the twelfth century. Both agreed with the “faith of Christ” translation. But by the sixteenth century, both Martin Luther and John Calvin wrote commentaries on Galatians, and they both agreed with the “faith in Christ” translation. And they no doubt learned that way of translation of the Genitive phrase from the Western Church from which they came. Contemporary Christianity, including the Eastern Orthodox, agrees that it should be “faith in Christ”.

And I noticed that in all the places that I was reading in the Bible, the grammar for the Genitive phrase was clear. If a person is involved, it means possession. This is pretty much a rule that is only broken if the word “faith” is involved. When the rule is broken, the Genitive phrase turns into a mimic of a Dative phrase. The Greek word that means “in” can only be used in a Dative phrase.

I don’t blame the modern English translators for translating the Genitive phrase as “faith in” rather than “faith of”. They not only have at least four hundred years of history and Tradition to back them up, but they also have the KJV to back them up. Young’s literal translation consistently translates the Genitive phrase as “faith of”. But there is one other such source of consistency that is surprising. That is the Douay Version used by the Catholics until modern times. For the Protestants, it was the KJV that was the influential Bible until modern times.

To me this is significant because most modern Bible translators are Protestant. But what is even more significant is that the KJV did NOT translate the Genitive consistently. In Mark 11:22, the Genitive phrase should be “faith of God”. The KJV translates that as “faith in God”. Apparently, the translators did not believe that God could have faith, let alone a perfect faith that believes perfectly because he is God. In Romans 3:26, the Genitive phrase should be “out of the faith of Jesus”. The KJV translates that very non-literally as “of him which believeth in Jesus”. The influential KJV Bible gives the modern Protestant translators the ground to translate the Genitive phrase objectively or “faith in”. In the Douay Version, both of these places are translated as “faith of”. Yet today, the Catholics have an English translation (the New American Bible) that conforms with the modern Protestant translations against their own previous better judgment. The NAB translates the Genitive phrases that include faith as “faith in”. Of course, in defense of the Catholics, they do tend to be a very progressive lot in spite of a heavy reliance on Tradition, so that their change is not so surprising.

Contemporary grammarians say the Genitive phrase can be translated subjectively (of) or objectively (in). When I originally posted my thread on this matter, I suspected that probably both are true. It is commonly believed that we believe in Christ and that our faith is a faith given to us by God. But the more I thought about this, the less sense it made. It would either mean that we don’t have any free will other than perhaps initially turning to the Lord, or it would mean that our faith is not so much in Jesus Christ the person, but rather more in what he did, his propitiation and redemption. Jesus did say that if we couldn’t believe in who he is in any other way, then believe the works. But it was always obvious that he preferred that we believe in the person who is the source of the works more because the works merely express the person who does the works. Without the faith of the person, no works would be done.

As I continued to also meditate upon my own personal sinful nature, and how it seems to erupt to the surface at every opportunity, I began to see that our own human faith that is so often influenced by our own sinful nature could not be sufficient to make us righteous, even with the grace of God or even if it is, in what ever degree, in the person of Christ or his redemptive blood. I look back at the apostles who couldn’t hardly have faith for a minute without sliding into no or little faith. And I look back especially at Paul, the one who wrote about being made righteous in relation to Christ, and note how he didn’t trust himself or his faith to help him. Rather, he relied on the person of Christ to live in him (Galatians 2:20, Philippians 3:1-15).

Most Christians believe that they need something that is more than themselves in order to be saved or Justified. I have come to believe that if anyone is to be saved or Justified, it has to be by a faith that is more than our own. It has to be by the faith of Christ.

JamesG

Originally Posted by JamesG

As I continued to also meditate upon my own personal sinful nature, and how it seems to erupt to the surface at every opportunity, I began to see that our own human faith that is so often influenced by our own sinful nature could not be sufficient to make us righteous, even with the grace of God or even if it is, in what ever degree, in the person of Christ or his redemptive blood. I look back at the apostles who couldn’t hardly have faith for a minute without sliding into no or little faith. And I look back especially at Paul, the one who wrote about being made righteous in relation to Christ, and note how he didn’t trust himself or his faith to help him. Rather, he relied on the person of Christ to live in him (Galatians 2:20, Philippians 3:1-15).

Most Christians believe that they need something that is more than themselves in order to be saved or Justified. I have come to believe that if anyone is to be saved or Justified, it has to be by a faith that is more than our own. It has to be by the faith of Christ.

JamesG

Thanks for that research, and I couldn't agree more. I see that not realizing this can affect one's own faith. They can begin to doubt their own salvation, and attempt to bolster their standing with God by performing works instead of allowing the Holy Spirit to produce His fruit. Most people realize their personal faith is subject to outside influences, and if we're "justified" by our faith, who would be saved? It's more than that, though, as I see it. Our salvation is a work of Christ. It's His work for us that justifies us before God. Our part is quite small, we merely "look upon" the Lord. We "touch the rock" of living water and trust in His work by believing. Did our reaching out or looking justify us...was it our faith? It couldn't be...for our faith is not a perfect faith. So whenever the Word is using faith as pertaining to salvation,justification or sanctification it must be referring to the faith of the Priest who offered up the sacrifice to God. His faith in His own redemptive work. His obedient faith...even unto death is the only propitiation that could be acceptable to the Father. We tap into the source of life that flows freely into us and become partakers of the faith of Christ.

What a fantastic thread!
As you know by now glorydaz, it is obvious by the shear contextual definition of "faith" that it has to be the faith OF Jesus, because "faith" itself is AGREEMENT WITH GOD, as evidenced by abiding by it.
The flesh, or carnal man if you will, is incapable of AGREEING WITH GOD, but Christ IN us will DO nothing but AGREE WITH GOD.
So, by virtual definition, and by the fact that the ability to DIE TO SELF and allow Christ to live through us, (measure of faith) was given by God to every man.
Faith comes (grows) by hearing, and hearing through the Word of God.
So, it is faith that increases IN us, when Christ increases IN us, as the faith (mustard seed) meaning sting or hurt by Greek definition of sinape is activated in our DENYING SELF.
Believe me, man will "feel" when he is denying self, cause it hurts!
Just like fasting or exercise hurts, so does FAITH, as it is NOT OF OURSELVES, BUT THE GIFT OF GOD TO ALL WHO BELIEVE!
Of course, the word believe also deserves defining, as it is NOT an ethereal attribute of faith or grasping for the wind, but by transliteration from Hebrew and Aramaic both, is the equal of TRUST.
Many of us know by now, the word "TRUST" "baktah" or in some cases "katsah" both have basically the same tone. RUN QUICKLY FOR SAFETY.
So, by definition alone, this is an active part of FAITH, and not an ethereal passivity as so many preach today!
In short, it is the Faith of Christ that was IN Abraham, because of the "name change" that came from God. No longer will you be called Abram, and at that point, God put His seed into Abraham (Child of promise) as Abraham and Sari/Sarah were both past the age of having kids!
We see the same thing happen with John the Baptist, while Elizabeth was barren, and that is why his (John's) name was not Zacharias as his father, because the seed again came from God, and is seen in the name (John-YHVH is a gracious giver)
Also, faith without works is dead, just as the body without the Spirit is dead.
That is because the evidence of our faith, is the hope of seeing Jesus face to face in glory, and it is realized through the writings of Peter, that NO ONE WITHOUT A PURE HEART WILL SEE THE LORD.
It is LIVING out the Word of God that purifies our hearts, but NOT us doing, US DYING, Him doing through us.
A pure heart is a humble heart, that understands, God's right 100% (His Word according to John 1) and man is wrong. Those who put their faith (what they agree with) in man, will have their part in the lake of fire that burns forever and ever!

Agape,

paul

Grace + Truth = AGAPE

Originally Posted by paulr1025

In short, it is the Faith of Christ that was IN Abraham, because of the "name change" that came from God. No longer will you be called Abram, and at that point, God put His seed into Abraham (Child of promise) as Abraham and Sari/Sarah were both past the age of having kids!
We see the same thing happen with John the Baptist, while Elizabeth was barren, and that is why his (John's) name was not Zacharias as his father, because the seed again came from God, and is seen in the name (John-YHVH is a gracious giver)

I appreciated your entire post, brother, but I'm especially happy that you reminded me of the change in name. I hadn't thought of it in regards to faith. Saul/Paul is another good example. Thanks for sharing your insight.

I'm afraid, too often, I see man ever seeking for some of the glory for his own salvation, justification and keeping, and it's Christ that deserves all the glory...for it is His work on the cross.

Originally Posted by francisdesales

Originally Posted by glorydaz

I'll have to take your points on one at a time, Joe.
I'm a simple person, and you never fail to overwhelm me.

Yes, Abraham was justified by the faith of Jesus Christ.

"Galatians 3:8"And the scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the heathen through faith, preached before the gospel unto Abraham, saying, In thee shall all nations be blessed.

Nothing about Abraham justified by the faith OF Jesus. Christ's work ENABLED Abraham's faith to be of justifying value.

Clearly, Paul says that ABRAHAM'S faith justified Abraham.

For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness. Romans 4:3

Even as Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness. Gal 3:6

And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God. James 2:23

Would you like some more? Where does it say that Jesus personal faith justified Abraham? NOTE, it says ABRAHAM believed - and THAT act was considered righteous. Geez, this is quite amazing to me, such a simple thing twisted so badly, all to uphold the sacred cow of sola fide...

Jesus work ALLOWED man to lift up their minds to God - and now, with God's help, we can be just in His eyes. You are again confused with the Protestant mindset that man is and always will be filthy rags...

Originally Posted by glorydaz

Salvation has always been by grace through faith...for all the OT saints. Of course pagans and people who only "considered" themselves spiritual aren't justified, because God is more than able to see into a person's heart. He'll say, "I never knew you." Name it and claim it has never worked and it never will.

salvation has always been by grace through faith. True. I defended you vs Mystery man on that comment. I am not speaking of those who "consider" themselves as righteous but are not via their faith working through love. God is pleased with men seeking Him out in faith. There is no need to pretend that man, even with the Spirit of God, CANNOT seek out God and have faith in Him and love his fellow neighbor. There have always been men like this, as a result of God's Spirit vivifying men - all made possible by Christ's WORK on the cross. At the end of the day, JESUS'S "faith" will not be judged if a man does not attain eternal life. The gift is made available, and those who utilize it will be rewarded with heaven.

Man has faith, I'm not denying that, but it's the faith of Jesus Christ that has flowed into man when he "touches the rock" of salvation. Abraham was justified by the faith of Jesus Christ. He believed and it was accounted to him for righteousness. He simply tapped into the faith of God..the faith of Christ, and that is the faith that justifies us before God. Our thirst doesn't justify us...nor does our hunger, but they do cause us to eat and drink of the bread of life and the water of salvation.

Originally Posted by Nehemiah 9:15

And gavest them bread from heaven for their hunger, and broughtest forth water for them out of the rock for their thirst, and promisedst them that they should go in to possess the land which thou hadst sworn to give them.

Abraham believed God...the gospel had been preached, which is the POWER of salvation. That power of the gospel which is the message of the faith of Christ. The Just One lived by faith and died by faith and rose again by faith. How can you say it wasn't Christ's faith that justifies us before God?

After we are justified by the faith of Christ, we are filled with the Holy Spirit and recieve the fruit...which is FAITH, for one. We grow in faith after we are saved...it isn't our faith that justifies us before God. That initial touch of grace and faith is God's faith in Christ and Christ's faith in His mission of redemption.

Originally Posted by francisdesales

Jesus work ALLOWED man to lift up their minds to God - and now, with God's help, we can be just in His eyes. You are again confused with the Protestant mindset that man is and always will be filthy rags...

God is pleased with men seeking Him out in faith. There is no need to pretend that man, even with the Spirit of God, CANNOT seek out God and have faith in Him and love his fellow neighbor. There have always been men like this, as a result of God's Spirit vivifying men - all made possible by Christ's WORK on the cross. At the end of the day, JESUS'S "faith" will not be judged if a man does not attain eternal life. The gift is made available, and those who utilize it will be rewarded with heaven.

No, it's not with God's help that we can be just in His eyes. It is by Christ living in us that we are counted righteous in God's eyes. God looks at Christ and sees righteousness. We can never become righteous enough for a righteous God. It's only as we deny self and allow Christ to live in us ....through His imputed righteousness we are enabled to enter through the veil and gain access to God. We have His robe of righteousness as our covering. I know how much you hate that, but it's the truth, nonetheless.

You say, "even with the Spirit of God"....it is that very Spirit that produces the fruit in our lives. It's the love of God that is shed abroad in our heart that loves our neighbor...not us, for our love is ever falling short of God's glory. Without the faith of Jesus Christ, man would have nothing to tap into.

And, actually, it is Jesus' faith that gains us eternal life. Those who have been justified by His faith do not come under condemnation. He was obedient unto death, the righteous lamb of God, and we are written in His book of life.