Moreover, our justification is not part of the content of the gospel proper either; only Jesus’s justification is, inasmuch as the resurrection is the effect of his being declared righteous.

We truly are saved by allegiance alone, but perfect allegiance is neither demanded for salvation in this earthly life nor is it possible any more than is perfect faith (or zero doubt) as traditionally understood.

Although not everything that happens in life reflects God’s desired will (most obviously our own sin or the sin of others is not what God would wish to occur), all that happens is allowed within God’s permissive will.

Although believing certain facts about Jesus does not immediately result in salvation, believing certain facts is required as a minimal starting point.

But Jesus’s own life is not forfeit. His life is of such tremendous value that by substitution it can secure the purchase of the many who are bound.

Properly speaking, pistis is not part of the gospel but the fitting response to the gospel.

Ephesians 1:3–14 does show that God chose the church for salvation in the Son even before creation.

Our salvation—praise be to God—is not dependent on our being outstanding teachers, scholars, evangelists, catechists, or even especially adept learners with respect to the gospel.

In short, for many today faith is defined as the opposite of evidence-based truth.