Especially whenever a group is in the majority and they enjoy the feeling of security which comes from being a part of large numbers, the temptation can exist to interpret the evidence in such a way that it fits the ideas and theories which are already assumed to be true. Whether this might happen in the realm of science or theology, it is dangerous circular reasoning.
What would happen if a theological community assumed that its doctrine was right and then read the Bible through the framework of what it already assumed to be true? Would this be any different from a scientist interpreting evidence within a framework of what he already assumed to be true? Should not the correct procedure in both situations be to allow the evidence to suggest the conclusion?
I challenge those who consider themselves to be biblically literate to consider the following scenario. Since the Greek word pistis means faith/ trust, what if its meaning in the New Testament was simply affirming the idea of trusting or relying upon? What would the New Testament then be teaching through the language of salvation comes by faith?
A biblical study on faith could become very enlightening - even paradigm shifting. In those biblical contexts where a promise was offered without any requirements of action, only belief was required in order for a person to have faith, (e.g. Abraham believing in God's promise). But we would also discover that in those contexts where commands or conditional promises were given, faith required obedience to the message (e.g. Hebrews 11, etc.)
If this is true (and it appears to be so), then what does faith in Jesus require of us? Faith in Jesus would require trusting in Jesus in conformity to whatever the Gospel message requires of us. Theoretically at least, such a faith in Christ might merely require belief in a promise or it might require obedience to a command or a conditional promise. Consider then that if the gospel message calls people to trust in Jesus by being baptized, then faith in Jesus would necessitate obeying the gospel through being baptized - resulting in a person being saved by faith, not by the self-reliance of works.
Here is my point in this article. If all of the preceding is true, then to use verses about justification by faith in order to prove that obedience to the gospel is not necessary for salvation would be to infuse into the text one's own assumptions thus obliterating the voice of the original message! Circular reasoning! Would it be easy to perceive this self-deception? No. Unfortunately, when somebody would read scripture in light of the definitions he already assumed to be true (i.e. faith = just accepting Jesus into your heart without any necessity of obedience) would he not falsely conclude that scripture supports his doctrine? Well, it would appear to would it not?
With these insights on faith a whole host of scriptures suddenly become very interesting indeed. If you are able, read them in the Greek. Romans 1:5; 16:25-26; 2 Thessalonians 1:8; Hebrews 5:9; 1 Peter 1:22; Galatians 3:26-27; Romans 6:17-18 being in the context of Romans 6:3-4, etc.
Another question. In Romans 4, is Paul's purpose to define what it means to have faith in Jesus or is he validifying the principle of justification by faith?
If he is doing the latter, then Paul would not be required to use an example of a faith response paralleling the exact response required by the gospel message (i.e. the obedience of faith). He would merely need to show that justification comes by the principle faith. Hence, even the example of Abraham only believing would suffice to establish this argument that the principle of justification by faith is valid. Having established this principle, he can then argue that faith in Christ (however that reliance is to be expressed ... and I am suggesting that scripture teaches it requires baptism) similarly leads to our justification.
Think about this. How will you determine the answer? Based on what you already believe to be true (circular reasoning) or by trying to be objective in allowing the whole body of evidence to suggest the conclusion?
A number of articles which deal with the subjects of faith, works, grace, baptism, the thief on the cross, etc. are available on this web site. A good place to begin this study is with the article "Children of God by Faith."
Barry Newton, Copyright © 2000