Monday, 9 February, 2004

After one week in the archives…We continue a devotional journey focused around portions of Carl E. Braaten’s book “Justification.”





…the verdict of justification is valid prior to the works of the regenerate heart and in spite of every human failure. Any qualification of this priority and this paradox leads to the synergistic heresy of the legalization of the gospel. Holding fast to the message of justification in all its stark forensic priority offers, furthermore, the only sure guarantee against boasting in ourselves, so that all our boasting may be in the Lord, by whom Christ has been made our righteousness.



This is a good word to hear as I come off of vacation. This is a reminder of what is at the very core of our trusting the Good News of the Reign of God. In a church in Hualtuco (sp), Mexico, the entire life of the congregation seemed to be built around the one of the appearances of Mary. “Being built around” literally means the whole building…the vast ceiling art work, statues, and even the greeting as one entered the building. Visually the message was one that said, “Here is another way to ‘get in’ and be a part of the church.” No. There is still one way…by grace alone we are justified….trust it…and trust that the power to trust is a gift that makes the whole new life in Christ, Jesus, a reality in the first place. Are we ready for such a word of grace? No. I mean…yes…but the truth is...this notions of justification by grace is such a bold word that is so contrary to all the strings we would like to place on such a gift, that we cannot by our own power trust such a statement…a declaration…a proclamation. And yet…we ask God to help and guide us…and we leap into the promise.



Connection: We begin today with one word that is the genesis of all the life that will flow through us and around us. God with us and for us…in all and through all – no matter what the day brings or what we put into it.



Lord of Love, anoint us with the promises of your gentle rule that we may resist the power of all who would take us another way. We have been upheld by your love and long to be ambassadors who lift up to those around us the simple and blessed word of your gracious love in Christ, Jesus. Amen.