Dr. Couch, you referred to Philippians 1:29 as a verse that argues that faith is a gift of God. Would you explain?
ANSWER: This is an awesome passage. It reads: “For to you it has been granted for Christ’s sake, not only to believe
in Him, but also to suffer for His sake.”
The word granted is an English word that is too meek and mild in relation to what it actually means.
In Greek the word is an aorist tense of the word charizomai. It is related to the Greek words charis (grace)
and charisma (gift). It should better be translated “to gift to you,” or “to freely give.” It is not passive,
as “granted” sounds in English, but it is an active word. God is gifting us for two things: TO “believe” and TO
“suffer” for Christ’s sake. Both of these words are parallel present active infinitives playing off the main verb
“to gift.” Is this “believing” simply meaning to be having a stronger faith for the Christian life or is it
related to salvation belief? It has to do with salvation “belief.” The expression “in Him” always refers to saving
faith not simply Christian walking faith!
The word “to gift” is in the aorist tense which makes it a very distinct action on God’s part. “He definitely gifted
us to be believing in Him and to be suffering for His sake!”
Most of the “giant” Bible teachers and grammarians agree with this interpretation:
- "God granted to us the double proof of His favor." – Alford
- "Salvation is of the Lord from the beginning to the end (Jonah 2:9). As objects of divine choice [election], believers know they will be in the eternal presence of God because of what Christ has done for them. All are saved by grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone (Eph. 2:8-9). The entire program of salvation is a gift from our loving God." – Gromacki (Philippians – From my new commentary series)
- "Believing in Christ is not from one’s own power. It is a gift from God." – Poole
- "Faith in Christ is here incidentally spoken of as a grant of divine grace." – Moule
- "To you it has been graciously given by God to believe in Him." – O’Brien
Founder of “old” Dallas Seminary, Lewis S. Chafer, taught that faith was
clearly a gift of God. He wrote "Christ said: ‘All things are delivered
unto Me of My Father; and no man knows the Son, but the Father; neither
knows any man the Father, save the Son, and He to whosoever the Son
will reveal Him’ (Matt. 11:27). Faith accordingly is declared to be ‘the
gift of God’ (Eph. 2:8). Utter lack of faith is the condition of
unregenerate men (1 Cor. 2:14) until God be revealed to them by the Son
through the Spirit." - Systematic Theology, vol. 7
Stick to the Word of God. Do not listen to contrary voices.
Thanks for asking.
Dr. Mal Couch
