Thursday, 8 January, 2004

We are now in a devotional journey focused around portions of Carl E. Braaten’s book “Justification.”



In essence this (justification by grace) was the message that turned things around for Luther and his followers. Justification by grace alone through faith alone on account of Christ alone is the absolute truth by which the church stands or falls. It is the truth that makes Christianity Christian and the church really the church, preserving it from idolatry, preventing its secularization, providing the charter of its career, and offering believers a solid basis and direction for their daily life. The doctrine of justification was the “doctrine of doctrines,” not one among many. It functioned as a critical principle, cleansing the church of everything that enters into contradiction with the evangelical basis and content of faith.



This is that “foolishness of the cross” that we hear about in 1 Corinthians. This is that power of God that is not about our power. This is that eternal welcome without having to earn a welcome. Without this doctrine…we are left to be like any religion in which people must somehow earn their way into the good favor and into a place before the deity. We take this foolishness seriously. It is vital to who we are and whose we are. Many churches will start with such a “word of grace” only to turn it into a journey of works. There will be a strong invitation into the presence of God’s mighty and gracious action on our behalf in Christ, Jesus, BUT then we are dropped back into the abyss of “getting it right” as though this action by God is something tentative…given BUT…you better act right in order to keep it. When the doctrine of justification is called the “doctrine of doctrines,” that is meant to stress its essential position. Nothing gets in its way…nothing is added or deleted…it is, as I like to say, the beginning and end of God with us. Fear not and do not be coerced into following some other gospel…for there is no other Gospel.



Connection: Many people will want to throw “yeh, buts” into conversations about justification by grace. “Yeh, buts” always seem to make sense. “Yeh, buts” pull out the morality card as though that is the center of the gospel…again…what we do. And yet, we say “to hell with the BUTS” we rest on God’s actions alone. That power will transform all things as it will transform all things. Never give way to any power for life for the Holy Spirit will be the power that transforms…and it is a sheer gift.



Lord by your Power and Love, you transform the shape of our lives and you alone become for us the ground upon which we walk and face this day. By the power of your Holy Spirit, keep our vision set on your gracious act in Christ, Jesus, for all creation. Amen.