Gospel Allegiance: What Faith in Jesus Misses for Salvation in Christ Paperback - 2019

From the rear cover

"Zeroes in on the questions Christians are asking, or should be"

"We in the Protestant tradition believe the church is always reforming, but this reforming must retain a focused eye on Scripture. Gospel Allegiance reforms the gospel of evangelicalism by undertaking an adventurous journey through gospel texts in the New Testament. Bates challenges major pastor-theologians to give a more accurate gospel by adding his own strong voice. A must-read for the church."
--Scot McKnight, Northern Seminary; author of The King Jesus Gospel

"Dallas Willard's dictum articulated by discipleship expert Bill Hull should guide our thoughts about discipleship: 'The Jesus we preach and the gospel we uphold will determine the disciple we get.' Gospel Allegiance responds on point, showing us that the biblical gospel is a comprehensive gospel."
--Bobby Harrington, founder and lead servant of Renew.org and Discipleship.org

"A stimulating and challenging book that invites us to go back to the New Testament and listen to the gospel all over again. What does the word 'faith' mean to Jesus and the apostles, and does our contemporary language about 'belief' faithfully represent their concerns? Whether or not you agree with all of his conclusions, all readers will benefit from Bates's exploration of this all-important theme in the New Testament."
--Tim Mackie, cofounder of The Bible Project

"This book cuts straight to the point, and if I'm honest, it hurts. You will find yourself simultaneously stepping back in shock and leaning in with intrigue, but at the end of the day you will find yourself on your knees in surrender to the only One worthy of your allegiance."
--Kyle Idleman, teaching pastor, Southeast Christian Church, Louisville, Kentucky; author of Not a Fan

"Arresting and provocative, with the aim of cultivating faithfulness, Bates's newest book zeroes in on the questions Christians are asking, or should be. I am eager to give my students and my parishioners this tool so that we can all engage with the glory of the gospel afresh."
--Amy Peeler, Wheaton College

"Gospel Allegiance offers a simple but profound argument. Bates shows that faith is not mere belief. Rather, biblical faith is allegiance. This singular observation disentangles a number of thorny theological ideas surrounding grace and works, salvation and faith. The church will be better for it."
--Mark E. Moore, teaching pastor, Christ's Church of the Valley, Phoenix; author of Core 52