Walking in Steps

One problem with faith only is it sees faith as belief only, but Paul describes faith as walking in steps. Faith is following commands or examples to achieve a God given goal. Anytime justification is mentioned in the New Testament it always implies walking is Christ's steps and Abraham's steps. That is Paul's usage and example.

Rom 4:12  AndG2532 the fatherG3962 of circumcisionG4061 to themG3588 who are notG3756 ofG1537 the circumcisionG4061 only,G3440 butG235 who also walkG4748 G2532 in theG3588 stepsG2487 of that faithG4102 of ourG2257 fatherG3962 Abraham,G11 which he had being yet uncircumcised.G1722 G203 

The faith has specific steps to walk in or copy. In this sense Christians get marching orders to copy Abraham. I call them marching orders because that is what the word steps implies. It is a military word of troops in step with a leader. It implies imitation of actions, not belief only.

ichnos

Thayer Definition:

1) a footprint, track, footstep

2) in the NT, metaphorically of imitating the example of any one

Part of Speech: noun neuter

A Related Word by Thayer’s/Strong’s Number: from ikneomai (to arrive, compare G2240)

It is used 3 times in the New Testament, all require imitation of someone. Abraham, an apostle, or Christ himself.

2Co 12:18  I desiredG3870 Titus,G5103 andG2532 with him I sentG4882 a brother.G80 Did(G3387) TitusG5103 make a gainG4122 of you?G5209 walkedG4043 we notG3756 in theG3588 sameG846 spirit?G4151 walked we notG3756 in theG3588 sameG846 steps?G2487 

1Pe 2:21  ForG1063 even hereuntoG1519 G5124 were ye called:G2564 becauseG3754 ChristG5547 alsoG2532 sufferedG3958 forG5228 us,G2257 leavingG5277 usG2254 an example,G5261 thatG2443 ye should followG1872 hisG846 steps:G2487 

Instead of faith being dead of works, it is often filled with the following of commands and examples of imitation. These commands and examples may not be from a specific law, but may be required for salvation. Romans 4:12 is an example of faith being tied to following an example, and the verse is used by Paul to explain what faith really is. Abraham followed God for many years, it wasn't a simple belief that was a few minutes long. It wasn't an alter call type faith.

I Peter 2:21 shows us our calling is to follow in Christ's steps.

Just remember that anytime justification by faith is mentioned by Paul, it always carries the idea of walking in step with someone. It is never dead of works.