The term “faith” in our English Bibles could often better be translated as allegiance—or so argues Matthew Bates. The term “allegiance” better captures both the authentic relational import of faith and its relationship to the royal gospel of Jesus, who is Christ the King. Taking seriously both the nature of the Gospel as a proclamation of kingship, and faith as a response of trusting loyalty, is a step toward the Christian unity for which Jesus prays.

Matthew W. Bates (PhD, Notre Dame) is Professor of New Testament at Northern Seminary with expertise on the gospel and salvation.

Matthew Bates’ books on salvation themes:

Salvation by Allegiance Alone (2017)

Gospel Allegiance (2019)

The Gospel Precisely (2021)

Why the Gospel (2023)

Beyond the Salvation Wars (2025)

Also referenced: Caesar and the Sacrament by Alan Streett

This is the 272nd episode of Anabaptist Perspectives, a podcast, blog, and YouTube channel that examines various aspects of conservative Anabaptist life and thought.

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