The GoodFaith blog is my attempt to think through issues of faith, family, books, and culture in a way that stimulates deeper thought, important conversation, and spiritual growth. After a decade of pastoral experience, I returned to school. I did this, in part, to help myself and the church better understand and engage with our culture. What’s in a name? For me, the name of the blog communicates a desire to engage honestly with significant issues. I hope to do so with integrity, or a just regard for the viewpoints of others (those whose ideas I engage with, my readers, and the church). It is my hope that people will join me in thinking deeply about things that matter without ever compromising the good faith.
Good faith is a term used to summarize an organizing principle of contract and commercial law. A duty of good faith is a duty to act honestly and with just regard for the commits made to another party. I see a parallel in the Christian faith.
Good Faith as Covenant Commitment
One of the major themes of Scripture is ‘covenant’. A Covenant, according to O Palmer Robertson is “a bond in blood sovereignly administered” (Christ of the Covenants, 4). A covenant is basically a relationship bond. We enter a marriage covenant where we vow to love, honour, and cherish our spouse. Nations enter into covenants of peace by treaty. In Scripture, there are special covenants between God and humanity. When they are made, they are always made by blood sacrifice. And God, as the senior partner in the covenant is the one that establishes, fulfills, and maintains the covenant (see Luke 22:19-21).
God’s Righteousness, a Good Faith Commitment
God’s covenants are sovereign promises. The author of Hebrews reminds us, “Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful” (Hebrews 10:23). God is faithful. He will act in good faith toward his promises.
The Believer’s Profession, a Good Faith Commitment
As believer’s however, we are not to simply “leave it to God” is some vague way. We are commanded: “work out your own salvation with fear and trembling” (Philippians 2:12). Paul instructed Timothy to “keep the faith”:
Follow the pattern of the sound words that you have heard from me, in the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. 14 By the Holy Spirit who dwells within us, guard the good deposit entrusted to you (2 Timothy 1:13-14).
It is required of a steward, that he be found faithful. As stewards of the grace of God, we must live in good faith toward him.
The GoodFaith Blog
You may know me as one of the hosts of Carnivore Theology. The team is on a hiatus, so I began writing. I hope to use this forum to push me to read more broadly. Then I will publish reviews and/or reflections on this reading. My plan is to publish a regular post every Tuesday, as well as occasional additional posts (such as timely comments, sermons, and links to other great resources). I hope that you will follow the blog and join the conversation. I look forward to your comments, but I hope for a broader conversation. My goal is to stimulate you to talk more about spiritual and cultural issues within your family, or church, or workplace.
