Wednesday, 22 January, 2003

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



Answering the question "What is Justification?" Oden adds:

Justification is not the forgiveness of a (person) without righteousness, but a declaration that "the person" possesses a righteousness that perfectly and forever satisfies the law, namely Christ's righteousness.(2 Cor.5:21; Rom. 4:6-8) The sole condition on which this righteousness is imputed or credited to the believer is faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, who is at the same time truly (human) and truly God.

Justification is the opposite of condemnation. One is justified who is viewed as right with the Judge, the law, and the Lawgiver. The justifying Judge declares that all the requirements of the law are entirely satisfied. The person justified is declared to be entitled to all the advantages and rewards arising from perfect obedience to the law.



God declares it and that is that. And yet, we find it next to impossible to accept that declaration...for us and for others. We read the bible...we pray to God...we long for the vision of God's reign to come into being here and now...and yet, we will do everything and anything to not trust what God declares once and for all. Because of that "hard-headedness" and need to be in control, we turn our back on the God who wants to bestow on us all the "advantages and rewards arising from perfect obedience to the law" (even though we do not obey perfectly). Too often, we would trust our own way than the way that is announced to us in the Good News. We keep throwing up conditions and will not let God be the God of all things.



Connection: Yes, you may be like me...a real meatball at times...and yet, the only word that counts for the making of this day is the word God declares as the truth about us and for us. Nothing can turn that announcement off...nothing.



Lord continue to bless us and offer us new life for we can be so slow to hear your word of love and forgiveness and so unforgiving of ourselves and those around us. Be the faithful God that has never let your people's ways rule. Amen.