Christ's Faith

This study offers a theological rationale for an exegetical possibility and enriches a dogmatic account of the humanity of the Christ. "The Christ's Faith" coheres with orthodox Christology and Reformation soteriology, and needs to be affirmed to properly confirm the true humanity of the incarnate Son. Without addressing the interpretation of the Pauline phrase pistis christou, this study offers a theological rationale for an exegetical possibility and enriches a dogmatic account of the humanity of the Christ.The coherence of the Christ's faith is shown in two ways. First, the objection of Thomas Aquinas is refuted by demonstrating that faith is fitting for the incarnate Son. Second, a theological ontology is offered which affirms divine perfection and transcendence in qualitative fashion, undergirding a Chalcedonian and Reformed Christology. Thus, the humanity of the Christ may be construed as a fallen human nature assumed by the person of the Word and sanctified by the Holy Spirit.The dogmatic location of "The Christ's Faith" is sketched by suggesting its (potential) function within three influential theological systems: Thomas Aquinas, federal theology, and Karl Barth.Furthermore, the soteriological role of the doctrine is demonstrated by showing the theological necessity of faith for valid obedience before God."T&T Clark Studies in Systematic Theology" is a series of monographs in the field of Christian doctrine, with a particular focus on constructive engagement with major topics through historical analysis or contemporary restatement.

'Allen's work is thorough, confident and compelling. His treatment of the theological necessity of the faith of Christ gives a helpful place from which to approach the exegetical debates surrounding the interpretation of pistus Christou. Further, this work is a model of the generative discourse that can, and should, occur between biblical scholars and systematic theologians.' - Aaron Tuecker, Trinity Christian College, Palos Heights, IL, USA--Sanford Lakoff "Theological Book Review ", 'At a time when the quest for the historical Jesus dominates the headlines, Allen's dogmatic account of Christ's own faith is a particularly welcome contribution. This is a gripping piece of theological detective work that begins at the scene of the crime - Thomas Aquinas's denial that the incarnate Jesus could have faith in God - in order to establish the theological innocence (and indeed soteriological necessity) of the notion that the man Jesus believed in and trusted God the Father. Allen has produced a first-rate work that integrates exegesis, theology, ontology, and ethics in order better to understand the logic of the gospel story and the role Christ's faith plays within its covenantal plot.' Kevin J. Vanhoozer, Research Professor of Systematic Theology, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, USA --Sanford Lakoff, 'If dogmatic theology serves as a barometer of the Church's health, Michael Allen's study is a most promising sign indeed. Integrating contemporary biblical research with the insights of Karl Barth and the Reformed confessional tradition, in dialogue with Thomas Aquinas and others, Allen argues for a "covenantal anthropology" guided by Christ's faith. Biblical scholars and theologians on all sides of the debate will find here dogmatic theology at its biblical, ecclesial, and ecumenical best.' Matthew Levering, Associate Professor of Theology, Ave Maria University, Florida, USA --Sanford Lakoff, 'In this book Michael Allen interacts both constructively and critically with biblical theology, key streams of the Christian tradition, and the best of contemporary scholarship. The result is a winsome depiction of the fullness of Christ's humanity that does not weaken a truly incarnational Christology but instead evokes fresh wonder at the Word becoming flesh.' Daniel J. Treier, Associate Prof. of Theology, Wheaton College, Illinois, USA--Sanford Lakoff, 'There is some real meaty theological work being done here.' Theology Forum Online, March 2010

R. Michael Allen is adjunct Professor of Theology at Wheaton College, Illinois, USA.