The Meaning of Faith: A Philosophical and Biblical Definition | Dr. C.A. McIntosh | Ep. #304
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Dr. C.A. McIntosh challenges the modern philosophical trend of redefining faith as something weaker than belief—such as mere hope, assumption, or 'allegiance'—arguing that this view distorts the biblical concept of saving faith. Drawing from a careful exegesis of the New Testament, he contends that faith is not blind or irrational, but a robust, rational, and personal response involving five essential elements: trust in a divine person, belief in propositional truths (like Christ’s resurrection), heartfelt love and hope, volitional allegiance marked by loyalty and obedience, and reasons grounded in miracles, testimony, and divine revelation. He dismantles the idea that faith can be reduced to a 'leap in the dark,' showing instead that biblical faith is deeply cognitive, affective, and active—requiring both intellectual conviction and moral commitment. The episode culminates in a powerful redefinition: saving faith is a justified, positive response of head, heart, and will to God’s revelation, with the real risk not in uncertainty, but in the personal cost of confessing Jesus as Lord in a hostile world.
Faith in the Bible requires belief, not just hope or assumption—Thomas’s doubt in John 20 demands full belief, not weaker cognitive states.
Saving faith is not just trust in a person but includes belief in propositional truths like Christ’s resurrection, God’s existence, and eternal life.
Faith requires heart: love for God and hope in His promises, not just intellectual assent—without affection, belief is dead.
Faith involves will: allegiance expressed through loyalty, humility, and obedience, not just passive acceptance.
Faith is not blind—it is warranted by miracles, testimony, and personal experience of God, not a 'leap in the dark'.
…and 3 more takeaways available in PodZeus
Introduction to Dr. C.A. McIntosh and His Booklet
Zach introduces Dr. C.A. McIntosh, a theologian and philosopher, and sets the stage for a deep dive into his new booklet, 'What Is Faith and Can It Save Us?', which seeks to define faith biblically.
The Problem with Contemporary Philosophical Definitions of Faith
McIntosh critiques modern philosophers for divorcing faith from Scripture, arguing they analyze a cultural concept of faith—often reduced to hope or assumption—rather than the biblical doctrine of saving faith.
The Myth of 'Faith Without Belief' and the Thomas Encounter
“Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed, right? That's the only way to understand that passage. It involves nothing short of belief.”
Faith Requires Propositional Belief and the Gospel
McIntosh argues that faith must include belief in specific propositions—like Christ’s resurrection and salvation through Him—citing numerous New Testament passages where faith is tied to doctrinal content.
Saving Faith vs. Christian Faith: The Old Testament Dilemma
McIntosh resolves the tension of pre-Christian believers (like Abraham) by distinguishing saving faith (trust in God) from Christian faith (belief in the full gospel), showing that God judges based on available revelation.
“Blessed are those who have not seen and yet also believe, right? That's the only way to understand that passage. It involves nothing short of belief.”
“it's not that faith is blind, it's just that it requires belief in things that we can't see, touch, feel, and sense in the here and now.”
“The demons believe. Congratulations! Gold star! Even the demons believe.”
Host
Guest
Dr. C.A. McIntosh
person
Zach
person
John 20
other
camacintosh.com
product
Romans 10.10
other
Hebrews 11.1
other
Salvation by Allegiance Alone
book
James 2.19
other
Matthew Bates
person
trust fall
other
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