Theological Journal – November 23 FAITH IN CHRIST VS. FAITH(FULNESS) OF CHRIST – David Fitch

When I first became aware of the difference between “faith in Christ” (objective genitive) and “faith(fulness) of Christ” subjective genitive, and that the “righteous shall live by/in the faithfulness of Christ,”(Gal 3:11ff; Rom 3:22ff) (as expounded by Richard Hayes ‘The Faith of Jesus Christ’ dissertation) many years ago, it really illumined the depths of the role of faith in the Christian life. Not only a faith that believes in Jesus’ person and work (Rom 10:9) but a living into/being infused with a knowing presence/empowerment that is received via participating in Christ. Out of this faithfulness, the fullness of living in His presence, comes assurance over death, and a steady strength and obedience amidst the challenges of modern insecure life, and a victory over sinful forces. This kind of fullness of faith, or faithfulness, is rarely explored and invited into in churches today? Instead a bland Protestantism often transactionalizes faith and the life we receive in Christ is often how he can now make our life better. Or how we should go work and make other people’s lives better. How does your church explore these dimensions of faith? How do you teach disciples about this faithfulness? Your kids?