Friday, 31 January, 2003

We continue with selections from The Justification Reader by Thomas C. Oden.

Sorry for the delay. I forgot to send this!



The concluding act of the justification drama occurs on the last day. This future justifying act of God, having already been established on the cross is looking toward it final vindication at the end of time: "Since we have now been justified by his blood, how much more shall we be saved from God's wrath through him!" (Romans 5:9). The same word for justification that is used in courts of law is also used of God's judgment in the last day.

Justification is a presently experienced reality, assuming union with Christ by faith, which anticipates the final day of judgment.

The verdict of this final-day court has already been announced, although ensuing history continues. Justification is an end-time event in which the believer stands already, as if in an anticipative sense.



Think imagination. Think "sure thing" even though we cannot see any concrete proof. Think of it as a word upon which we can rest our lives. That's faithful imagination. Being given - by the Holy Spirit - the gift to trust that the end-time judgment is "for us"...in favor of us...justifies us, so that we can go about this day with the clear understanding that God's word on our behalf in Christ, Jesus, is available today and cannot be taken from us. There is as Oden notes: "not two justifications, one by God and another confirmed by our obedience, nor one that occurs with faith, and a final justification that occurs at the end time dependent upon our works." Therefore we are put into a place today that is a complete gift that will always be out of our control and always in the hands of our God for us to take for "life." Don't listen to other words! This is as Good as the News gets!!!



Connection: Live as though the end is true - God is eternally for us. Live as though the beginning is like wise true - God creates and it is good. Live as though the promises of our God are promises that never fail and are never overcome. Go for it.



This is the day that you make for us. Loving Lord it is through your love that we are sent out into this day and by your love for us our day takes on a new shape and a new direction. Such graciousness is the power to lift us up from all despair and have us sit with your at the great banquet in your glorious reign. Amen.