Tuesday, December 7, 2021

Allegiance over Fear

Since the COVID-19 pandemic struck in early 2020, we've seen all sorts of reactions on social media, on the news, and in out communities. When churches and other public gatherings were forced to suspend meeting for a period of time, one slogan that was bandied about a lot was "Faith Over Fear." 

The Greek word used in the New Testament that is most commonly translated into English as "faith" is the word pistis. As Matthew Bates has ably pointed out in his books Salvation by Allegiance Alone and Gospel Allegiance, pistis can often better be translated as "allegiance."

So I want to retool the slogan "Faith Over Fear" and think about "Allegiance Over Fear."

Allegiance to Christ and His kingdom, without fearing whatever opposition or persecution may come my way.

Allegiance to the way of the cross -- dying to self and allowing my life to be conformed to the ways of my Savior -- without fearing what worldly comforts I will have to give up.

Allegiance to God's people -- the Church -- without fearing the demands it may place on my time, talent, and treasure. 

In God I trust and am not afraid. What can man do to me? (Psalm 56:11)

You will be hated by everyone because of me, but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved. (Matthew 10:22) 

Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him. (James 1:12)
Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer. I tell you, the devil will put some of you in prison to test you, and you will suffer persecution for ten days. Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you life as your victor's crown. (Revelation 2:10) 

They triumphed over him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony; they did not love their lives so much as to shrink from death. (Revelation 12:11)

Let us stand firm in allegiance to King Jesus, no matter what tests, trials, or temptations may come our way, and stand against the fear of the enemy of our souls.



No comments:

Post a Comment