Michael Bates has written a very important book entitled Salvation by Allegiance Alone. This is a presentation that is very counter to classical Dispensationalism. Bate’s thesis is simple. It is that the word range of the Greek word for faith used in the texts on salvation by faith includes the meaning of allegiance, a trusting allegiance. If this is so, then the response to the Gospel is a decision of total allegiance.
If we translate the familiar verses with the word allegiance, then we get a very different picture than usual For example, “For by grace you are saved through allegiance, and that not of yourselves, it is a gift of God, not of works, lest any man should boast. (Eph. 2:8) Some have sought to overcome “easy believism” by translating faith as trust. One enters a trusting relationship with Yeshua which implies obedience. This is a good and possible translation. Allegiance seems to be part of the word definition. We can also translate, that “Wherefore being justified by allegiance, we have peace with God.” When we are in allegiance with God we are saved and have peace. Even John 3:16 which is sometimes translated as “trusts in Him” in Bates includes allegiance. “For God so loved the World that he gave his only begotten Son so whosoever “comes into allegiance with him” should not perish but have everlasting life.” The kind of trust implied in John 3:16 is a trusting relationship that implies real allegiance.
If Michael Bates is correct, this shatters the classic Dispensationalist view that one can be saved by believing while yet not living in obedience to Yeshua. Such a person is not really in allegiance with Yeshua and is not saved. Allegiance means obedience. One may fall short, but when one’s heart is really to live in allegiance to Yeshua, that one is saved. So, who is saved? Those who are in allegiance with Yeshua and live in allegiance. Who is not saved? Those who are not. One’s denominational affiliation is not the issue. One can believe things that Protestants find troubling. However, Catholics or Orthodox Christians who are in allegiance to Yeshua are saved. This is a simple and refreshing approach.