On the Journey

If the Reformation doctrine of justification by "faith alone" was, as Protestant scholar Alistair McGrath describes it, a "theological novum," then what did Christians believe about salvation and justification prior to Martin Luther's revolution of 1517? Matt Swaim and Ken Hensley continue their discussion of what led them to see that sola fide was an inadequate and incomplete description of how God saves His people, and share what picture began to form for them as they began to dive into the Old and New Testaments with a fresh set of eyes. For more episodes, visit chnetwork.org/onthejourney

The hosts dive deep into the doctrine of justification by faith alone, revealing its complexities. Ken shares his transformation from a Baptist pastor to embracing a more nuanced understanding of salvation. They explore the biblical relationship between faith, works, and grace, illustrating this with stories from figures like Abraham. The discussion challenges traditional views on obedience, emphasizing it as a response to grace. Additionally, they address the dynamics of grace in spiritual growth and compare Catholic and Reformed perspectives on justification.

Matt Swaim and Ken Hensley continue to look at evidence for justification being by the legal imputation of Christ's righteousness in the Bible, this time diving into the New Testament. The theology of the Reformation, crafted and put forth by leaders like Martin Luther and John Calvin, argues that when God saves someone, He credits His righteousness to their account. Catholics, Orthodox, Wesleyans and a number of other groups of Christians believe that when God saves someone, He actually forgives them and empowers them by grace to truly *become* righteous. So what does the New Testament teach about how God saves someone? Matt and Ken explore the evidence in the latest episode of On the Journey...

Matt Swaim and Ken Hensley continue to discuss the Reformation pillar of sola fide, or justification by "faith alone," by focusing specifically on the idea of the doctrine of imputation. As a Baptist pastor, Ken held to the Reformed belief that righteousness was "imputed," meaning that God credits His own righteousness to our account, and the Christian then wears that righteousness like a cloak. However, throughout the Old and New Testaments, God is shown to deal with his people in terms of actual forgiveness, actual regeneration, and actual transformation. Matt and Ken look at how Scripture shows that God's plan for his people is not to merely credit righteousness to their account, but to transform their hearts and bestow upon them the grace to follow His commandments and live in true relationship with Him.

The conversation delves into the complexities of justification, contrasting Protestant and Catholic perspectives through Abraham's faith. The speakers analyze the legal implications of Christ's righteousness and the potential pitfalls of misinterpreting these doctrines. Personal growth is linked to genuine intentions and actions, with agriculture metaphors tying into spiritual commitments. The discussion highlights the need to revisit historical teachings on faith and righteousness, urging a deeper understanding of living faith as an active pursuit rather than a mere belief.

The guests share their captivating journeys from Protestantism to Catholicism, diving deep into the complexities of justification and the intricate dance between faith and works. They tackle the theological implications of New Testament scriptures, particularly from the book of James. A humorous exploration of forgiveness reveals cultural stories, while historical insights trace the evolution of justification from early church figures to the Reformation. Listeners are encouraged to reassess their interpretative frameworks, sparking community reflection on profound biblical truths.

Join a lighthearted discussion that humorously adapts a biblical story into a film scenario. Delve into the significance of Sola Fide and the relationship between faith, obedience, and grace in salvation. Discover the perils of relying on empty rituals over genuine faith. Explore the historical context of justification and its importance in the Reformation. The episode critiques traditional interpretations of faith versus ritual, emphasizing that true belief is rooted in love and inner transformation.

Dive into the lively debate on justification by faith versus works, as Matt Swaim and Ken Hensley unpack St. Paul's teachings. Discover how faith and obedience harmonize in the believer's journey, with the role of church attendance and spiritual growth highlighted. They shed light on authentic faith through the example of Abraham and discuss early Christian controversies around works righteousness. With insights into the transformative power of knowing Christ, this dialogue challenges legalistic interpretations and emphasizes genuine belief manifesting in love and obedience.

Dive into the compelling world of faith and obedience as two hosts unpack the Reformation doctrine of 'sola fide'. Explore how faith transforms the understanding of grace, shifting the focus from legalistic compliance to genuine relationship with God. Discover the vital role of discipleship and the need for perseverance in the face of challenges. Examine biblical teachings that contrast true obedience with 'dead works', emphasizing a heart-centered faith that truly responds to divine grace.

Two hosts delve into the complex relationship between faith and good works in the context of salvation. They share personal journeys from various Christian denominations to Catholicism, grappling with the doctrines of sola fide and sola scriptura. The discussion challenges traditional views on justification and highlights the importance of obedience as well. They also explore the tension between eternal security and the possibility of salvation loss, emphasizing that faith is a continual journey filled with divine cooperation and reflection.