#88: Q&A - Believing Loyalty, Faith, Old & New Covenants, Determinism & Free Will
Oct 8, 2024
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Tasha Halstead, a passionate guest host, joins Matthew Halsted to dive deep into faith's complexities. They unpack 'believing loyalty' as a profound commitment to Christ, challenging traditional views. The discussion flows to the transformative 'circumcision of the heart' and the Holy Spirit's role across the Testaments. They also tackle free will vs. divine determinism, highlighting the nuances of genuine faith and the importance of autonomy in spiritual relationships. Get ready for an engaging exploration of belief, love, and connection!
Believing loyalty redefines faith as an active commitment to Jesus, highlighting the importance of relational loyalty over mere intellectual acceptance.
The discussion on free will and determinism proposes that human agency coexists with God's sovereignty, allowing for meaningful responses to divine grace.
Deep dives
Understanding Believing Loyalty
The concept of believing loyalty in relation to faith emphasizes that faith encompasses more than just intellectual agreement with facts about Jesus; it also involves a commitment and loyalty to Him. This perspective, highlighted by thinkers such as Mike Heiser and Matthew Bates, positions faith as an active pledge of allegiance rather than a passive acknowledgment. Within the context of Christian culture, while there is growing awareness of this concept, many still cling to a more traditional understanding of faith merely as acceptance of doctrinal truths. The discussion suggests a stronger emphasis on the interpersonal aspect of faith, akin to the loyalty one pledges in marriage.
The Nature of Forgiveness in the New Covenant
Forgiveness of sins is intricately linked to the idea of believing loyalty, as it positions Jesus' faithfulness as foundational to salvation. The notion is that a genuine expression of faith necessitates belief in Jesus' trustworthiness and His prior act of faithfulness. This understanding delineates that our loyalty and response to God stem from recognizing His inherent reliability, rather than being solely transactional. Thus, the relationship between believing loyalty and forgiveness reflects a reciprocal dynamic in which our faithfulness is rooted in Jesus’ demonstrated fidelity.
Circumcision of the Heart and its Significance
The discussion on the circumcision of the heart posits it as a distinctly New Covenant experience, as prophesied in the Old Testament, indicating a radical transformation in how followers of God relate to His laws. The transformation involves God internalizing His commandments within believers, allowing for a spiritual renewal that goes beyond mere external compliance. Despite the question surrounding how faithful Israelites worshipped without this experience, the discussion acknowledges that God's Spirit was still active, empowering individuals in unique ways throughout the Old Testament. The New Testament reveals that true worship requires this internal change that the New Covenant guarantees, establishing a direct relationship with God.
Navigating Free Will and Determinism
The conversation around determinism and free will suggests that a non-deterministic reading of Scripture, particularly in passages like John 6, allows for human agency without negating God's sovereignty. The premise is that though God draws individuals to Him, this does not necessitate a deterministic approach where free will is entirely eliminated. This perspective aligns with arguments highlighting the compatibility of grace and free will, where God’s grace enables a willing heart to respond favorably. By embracing a more nuanced understanding, it recognizes that while human will is limited, it still retains the ability to engage meaningfully with divine invitations, fostering a genuine relationship with God.
Matt takes questions about faith as "believing loyalty" and how that relates to the forgiveness of sins, the Holy Spirit in the Old Testament (as it relates to obedience), and a question about John 6:65 -- can it be interpreted non-deterministically?