23
Galatians, he ends his exposition of this verse by pointing out that when he is
speaking of justification, he sets aside all works and this theme characterizes his
exegesis of the whole epistle.
57
The emerging tendency of evangelicals to unify faith and obedience in such a
way as to identify them, to speak of being justified by faith working through love, to
erase the distinction between law and grace, and to define faith partly in terms of
faithfulness (faithful obedience to God's commands) in relation to justification is
troubling. But not only so, it is profoundly contrary to the classic view of sola fide
enunciated by Luther and Calvin. Such phraseology as sola fide, if it is to be defined
meaningfully and fairly, must be defined in terms of its classic, historical articulation by
Luther and Calvin. The question is certainly raised whether modern evangelicals who
speak in these ways may fairly say that they believe in sola fide.
It may be that Calvin's definition of faith, relating of faith and repentance, and
contrast between law and gospel are in need of some criticism and revision. I myself
would be inclined at some points to think so. Evangelicals should be aware, however,
that if they revise
Calvin's theology at these points extensively and basically, they may forfeit their right to
historical accuracy and honesty when they say that they believe in justification by faith
alone.
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57
Reid, "Justification by Faith according to John Calvin," 300.