The phrase "faith of Christ" has been the subject of much debate among New Testament theologians. The phrase appears in several passages in the New Testament, including Galatians 2:16, Philippians 3:9, and Romans 3:22.
The debate centers around whether the phrase should be translated as "faith in Christ" or "faithfulness of Christ." The Greek phrase "pistis Christou" is ambiguous and can be translated either way.
Those who argue for "faith in Christ" believe that the phrase refers to the believer's faith in Christ, while those who argue for "faithfulness of Christ" believe that it refers to Christ's own faithfulness. The debate transcends denominational categories and theological camps, and there is no clear consensus on the matter. Ultimately, the interpretation of the phrase depends on the context in which it appears and the theological framework of the interpreter.
No problem with the NKJV-
The New King James Version (NKJV) and the King James Version (KJV) are both highly respected translations of the Bible, but they differ in certain aspects. The NKJV was published in 1979 and aims to maintain the literary style of the KJV while improving readability and incorporating newer manuscript discoveries. Some key points regarding the NKJV compared to the KJV include:
Translation philosophy: The NKJV follows a complete equivalence approach, whereas the KJV tends toward a thought-for-think approach
Textual basis: The NKJV includes the Alexandrian manuscripts, while the KJV exclusively relied on the Textus Receptus
Readability: The NKJV is considered easier to read due to its updated vocabulary and phrasing
Accuracy: Both translations strive for accuracy, but the NKJV is sometimes considered more precise in rendering certain Greek words and phrases
Ultimately, the choice between the NKJV and the KJV comes down to individual preference, readership needs, and theological convictions. Neither translation is inherently inferior to the other, although some
individuals may find one more suitable for their purposes than the other.
It is important to note that the reliability of the Bible does not depend on the particular translation chosen. All reputable translations aim to convey the original meaning of the biblical texts as accurately as possible. Therefore, choosing between the NKJV and the KJV should not affect one's understanding of the Christian faith or the authority of the Bible.
J.
I read the NKJV because My dad gave me a NKJV study bible when I was 17, It replaced my KJV that I used as a kid. And because when I read anything else. it appears odd to me.
Again, Whether we translate it the faith of Christ or the faithfulness of Christ. it does not make sense.
Lets look at the passage
21 But now
the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets;
22 Even the
righteousness of God which is by
"faith in Jesus Christ", "faith of Jesus Christ", or "the faithfulness of Christ" for there is no difference:
23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;
24 Being
justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:
25 Whom
God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to
declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God;
26 To declare, I say,
at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus.
1. Notice in vs 26, Him that believe is translated that way in both the KJV and NKJV
2. The subject of the whole passage is the righteousness of Christ
3. Vs 22 says this subject is given through faith to those who believe
4. Vs 24 says we are justified freely through grace
A. we see in Romans 3 and 5. Gal 2 and 3, says we are justified by (through) faith
B. Eph 2 says we are saved by this same grace, again through faith.
5. so when we look at all the evidence. faithfulness of Christ and faith of Christ do not fit. it does not fit the context. nor what is being said. so to attempt to use either of these two possible interpretation would be faulty[/QUOTE]
So do you consider Faith to be a condition to be met by the sinner before they receive grace or salvation ?