In this episode of Genesis Marks the Spot, Carey Griffel sits down with Dr. Matthew Bates—New Testament scholar and author of Salvation by Allegiance Alone, Gospel Allegiance, and Beyond the Salvation Wars. Together, they explore what it really means to proclaim Jesus as King, how allegiance reframes faith, and why justification should be seen as a benefit of the gospel rather than the gospel itself.

The conversation touches on:

- The difference between biblical theology and systematic theology

- How gospel allegiance compares with “lordship salvation” and “believing loyalty”

- Substitution, atonement, and representation in Paul’s letters

- Baptism, corporate identity, and the role of children in the believing community

- How Catholics and Protestants might find common ground

This dialogue bridges scholarship and discipleship, inviting us to think deeply about what the gospel is, what it isn’t, and how it calls us to live together as the people of God.

Links mentioned in the show:

- Dr. Matthew Bates’ website: [Matthew W. Bates](https://matthewwbates.com/)

- On Script Podcast: [OnScript](https://onscript.study/)

On This Rock Biblical Theology Community: https://on-this-rock.com/

Website: [genesismarksthespot.com](http://genesismarksthespot.com/)

Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/GenesisMarkstheSpot

Music credit: "Marble Machine" by Wintergatan

Link to Wintergatan’s website: https://wintergatan.net/

Link to the original Marble Machine video by Wintergatan: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IvUU8joBb1Q&ab_channel=Wintergatan

00:00:00 Introduction to Dr. Bates’ Work
00:06:12 Matthew Bates’ Journey
00:10:53 What Is Biblical Theology?
00:13:14 The Gospel as Royal Allegiance
00:17:25 Allegiance, Lordship Salvation, and Believing Loyalty
00:23:01 Gospel, Holiness, and Priesthood
00:27:20 Justification and the Gospel
00:33:20 Cross-Shaped Love and Substitution
00:41:44 Individual and Corporate Salvation
00:45:34 Baptism and Allegiance
00:53:21 Beyond the Salvation Wars
00:57:17 Catholic Responses to the Book?
00:59:05 Looking Ahead: Tracing Baptism-Adjacent Themes