JESUS - is Promise Covenant (2)

MANY concepts are embodied in Jesus - and while we focus on Him as Covenant of Promise, there are other parts in that concept. (Check Colossians 2:17)

One of the neatest and hardest is that phrase I have mentioned "the faith of Christ"

It shows up several times in the NT Scriptures. That should have settled it - but those who translate had the difficulty of using another construction which can sometimes lead us off the track. When we say "faith in Christ" we generally put the focus on OUR faith in believing Him to be Messiah. Certainly not a bad thing - but 16th century construction was not exactly the same focus. When they said "Faith in Christ" - they focused on Christ and what He did for us. We believe in His performance "on our behalf" - so our security is focused on the quality of His performance. (I mentioned the verses before - but a couple of them are: Galatians 2:20; Romans 3:22)

Paul wrote a phrase several times which the KJV translated "the faith of Christ" - and used the Genitive (Possession) to write it. We might say "Christ's faith" to express how we use that today. That is what "Faith in Christ" used to mean. However - one can (if they don't focus on the Genitive/Possessive) use that translation to be the quality of our trust in Jesus, shown by our lifestyle. Then the response is - "Do you really trust Jesus ? If you really do - then you must live THIS way - or I don't think you really trust Him."

There is some truth in the statement - we live on the basis of our faith and a lifestyle will show that. PROBLEM - that isn't salvation - it is lifestyle of maturity. James (using a Hebrew mindset) might well talk about that - but he wouldn't be referring to "Redemption" - but living the "saved life" of "Sanctification". Study the James section about Abraham - it isn't the one Paul refers to as when Abram's "faith was counted to be righteousness." It is MANY years later as God sought to teach him about trust to bring maturity.

The focus on Jesus as promise Covenant is simply that HE came to be our Savior and Deliverer - our Champion. Our hope was in His performance and victory. If we use the example of David vs. Goliath, we see clearly that David's performance is the focus of any victory for Israel. Listen - NO ONE believed David would win - except David and God ! But - when the people saw Goliath FALL, they got involved in the VICTORY. Mankind is much like that always - we don't really trust God to provide; to protect; to pursue us in His love. In fact, we have a hard time with concepts like the seeking shepherd, the celebrating Father as it pictures God. However - it is still FACT. God won the victory in Christ for us. Then, He offers Christ's victory to us freely as a gift of His love which we call grace. That is the point of Romans 3:21ff. "a righteousness apart from law" "to be received by faith"- that is what sharing the "Good News" means.

Jesus won the war we didn't even want to think about fighting. And - if we had thought about fighting - we wouldn't qualify to save anyone - to pay for anyone else's sin. That sacrifice had to be "perfect". HIS faith had to be perfect. And - it was - it focused on God, the Father - continually. Part of our problem is our misunderstanding of "FAITH" as a concept. The original Biblical concept meant trusting God to keep His promise. That faith in Jesus' life is our source of salvation. And - that is what we have faith in . . .His faith and performance. So - we have faith in the faith of Christ.

Conclusion - The "faith of Christ" presents a source of being right with God for all. Fact is - if the focus is us, we have no security, no hope and only fear. If the focus is Him - the victory is won, the destiny is secured and heaven is guaranteed. (I know, we don't like that word - guaranteed - check out Romans 4:16 again . . .what word would you substitute for it ? Maybe we can talk about the concept - next !)