RADAR, ACRONYMS, FAITH AND SYNECDOCHES

We are all familiar with the term radar. You may even be aware of what radar can do. But did you know that radar is actually an acronym which stands for radio detecting and ranging? But, instead of calling it a “radio detecting and ranging” device, we call it radar. Radar is a shortened way of describing all of what the device does.

This got me thinking about how such New Testament terms as “grace”, “faith” and “believe” are sometimes used in a similar way. They are sometimes used alone to describe the whole process of salvation. When a word is used this way it is called a synecdoche. Webster’s Dictionary defines a synecdoche as “a figure of speech by which a part is put for the whole.”

Ephesians 2:8 is one example of such a useage. It says, “For by grace you have been saved through faith.” God’s part in salvation is described as “grace.” “Grace” is defined as God’s favor toward or good will for men. “Grace” is His loving attitude toward mankind. But, is it His attitude alone toward men that save them? Of course not! His loving, sacrificial action in Christ is part of that “grace” that saves us! Therefore, “grace” is a synecdoche that refers to both God’s attitude and action that He worked out in Christ for our salvation! One word describes the whole process!

Interestingly, Ephesians 2:8 also has another synecdoche. It is the word “faith.” Just as God’s part in man’s salvation is described with the one word, “grace,” man’s part in salvation is described with the one word, “faith.” “Faith” is defined as mental assent or trust. But, is it man’s mental assent or trust in God alone that saves him? Of course not! “Faith alone” does not save people! James 2:24 says “You see that a man is justified by works, and not by faith alone.” [Emphasis added-RRG] James tells us that faith (the right attitude) and works (the right action) are both necessary for men to be saved. Paul uses the one word “faith” to describe the whole process of salvation! But, James makes it clear that only an active, obedient faith saves men! (cf. Romans 16:26; 1:5) God’s “grace” was active in saving us just like our “faith” must be obedient in our salvation!

       Ronaldo Ricardo Guzmán