EP059: Interview w/Dr. Matthew Bates on "Beyond the Salvation Wars"

May 18, 2025

In this discussion, Dr. Matthew Bates, a New Testament scholar and author of 'Beyond the Salvation Wars,' delves into the complexities of faith among various Christian denominations. He explores the Greek term 'pistis' and its implications for understanding loyalty to Christ, while addressing misconceptions about grace between Protestants and Catholics. Bates emphasizes the need for church unity and the importance of allegiance to the Gospel, proposing a fresh perspective on kingship in faith that could bridge the divides within Christianity.

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INSIGHT

Pistis Means Loyalty and Faith

The Greek word pistis carries a broad semantic range including faith, fidelity, and loyalty.
Responding to Jesus as King involves a qualitative loyalty, not just intellectual assent.

INSIGHT

Faith Opposed To Pagan Loyalties

Early Jewish believers viewed faithfulness to Jesus as allegiance within their existing monotheistic context.
As the gospel expanded into Greco-Roman contexts, faith in Jesus contrasted with loyalties to pagan deities.

INSIGHT

Complexity of Grace Between Traditions

Protestants often misunderstand Catholics as denying grace, but Catholics understand grace differently.
Grace involves varied dimensions like abundance and deservingness, making it more complex than simple free gift.

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Roman Faith and Christian Faith

Teresa Morgan

Saved by Allegiance alone

None

Matthew Bates

This book challenges traditional understandings of salvation by emphasizing the importance of allegiance to Jesus as king. It argues that faith is not merely intellectual assent but also active loyalty and obedience. Bates explores the royal nature of the gospel and its implications for how Christians should live. The book critiques common interpretations of faith, works, and grace, offering a fresh perspective on these essential theological concepts. It encourages a more holistic understanding of salvation, integrating belief and practice in a way that honors the kingship of Christ.

Why the Gospel?

Scot McKnight

Matthew Bates

The Lamb of the Free

Andrew Rolera

The unseen realm

Recovering the Supernatural Worldview of the Bible

Michael S. Heiser

In 'The Unseen Realm,' Michael Heiser presents a detailed analysis of the supernatural world as described in the Bible. He argues that modern theological systems often ignore or explain away difficult passages related to the supernatural, and he seeks to restore the original ancient readers' and writers' understanding of these texts. The book covers various themes, including the divine council, the 'sons of God,' the fall of mankind, and the ongoing cosmic conflict between God and hostile spiritual rulers. Heiser's work aims to help readers view the biblical text unfiltered by tradition or theological presuppositions, providing a clear and accessible biblical theology that embraces the unseen realm[2][3][5].

Beyond the Salvation Wars

Why Both Protestants and Catholics Must Reimagine How We Are Saved

Matthew Bates

Paul and the Gift

John Barclay

In this book, John Barclay presents a groundbreaking analysis of grace in Paul's theology, contextualizing it within ancient concepts of gift-giving. He explores how Paul's understanding of divine gift-giving, particularly the gift of Christ, differs from modern Western notions of 'gift'. The book delves into the sociological and theological dimensions of Paul's letters, especially in Galatians and Romans, and discusses the history of reception of Paul's theology. Barclay's work challenges traditional debates and offers a nuanced, historically sensitive, and theologically rich understanding of Paul's theology of grace[2][3][4].

Gospel Allegiance

Matthew Bates