βI was wondering what the distinction is, if any, between the βfaith of Christβ and βfaith in Christβ found in Galatians 2:16? The modern translations seem to suggest that both phrases are one and the same.β
βKnowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justifiedβ (Gal. 2:16).
We believe that the King James Version of the Scriptures best conveys the sense of the original language. The modern versions change the phrase βfaith of Christβ to βfaith in Christβ throughout, which overwhelms the passage with redundancy. Paul never intended the emphasis to be upon what man has achieved, but instead what the Savior has accomplished on his behalf. The apostle here is clearly contrasting these two phrases.
We are not justified by keeping the law, rather we are declared eternally righteous by the faith of Christ. It was Christβs faithfulness that is the basis of our justification. He faithfully carried out the will of the Father to provide redemption through His finished work at Calvary (Heb. 10:5-10). While salvation is a free gift given to all who place their βfaith inβ what Christ has done, He being the object of our faith, it was at great cost. The payment to rescue us from the eternal consequences of sin is the precious blood of Christ. Only those, however, who place their faith in Him have the forgiveness of their sins (Eph. 1:7). source
