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.
Friday, January 31, 2003
Wednesday, January 29, 2003
Thursday, 30 January, 2003
We continue with selections from The Justification Reader by Thomas C. Oden.
My advice on this reading is simply to settle into it and reread it if necessary. It is a very important clarification.
Doe the continuation of our justification depend on faith alone, or upon our personal righteousness? Justification is completed at once, upon having faith. Believers, upon their justification, are called to complete obedience. The continuation of our pardon, and thereby of a justified state, depends on the faithfulness of God, upon whose promise we depend. From our side, the continuation of justification depends on faith alone. Nothing is further required except the application of righteousness imputed, that is, faith, taking seriously what God gives.
Taking God seriously. I think many folks are afraid to do that. It is much easier to hold onto the way we see things and the way we want things to be or the way we were taught they should be than to simply take what God says about us seriously. We are justified. Trust it. Do not try to put conditions on what has been declared by the Lord God as the way it is. Remember, when God speaks, God creates...out of nothing. So, when God says we are justified...that's the whole story. Reality has it that everyone of us is a natural born scorekeeper...bean counters who live as though we must stack up points in order to win something. I would call this Skeet ball theology. When I would go to an amusement park, I'd play skeet ball and win those tokens so that I could eventually have enough to cash in on a prize. Well, in the reign of God, when we walk in the door God gives us the prize and says play as much as you like the prize is already in hand. God will not take that away or say...you didn't score enough points to keep it or win something else. We need to help one another trust this amazing promise of our God.
Connection: We keep score too much already...when will we begin to be more graceful to ourselves and one another. This doesn't mean we can't have goals or work hard, it means our worth is already guaranteed...we are the children of God...beloved. That is what makes the day!
Precious Lord, how wonderful it is that your treat us to the fullness of you gracious reign when you invite us to live as though your word of love and life for us is the whole story and we are able to begin each day and each moment within your abiding presence and embrace. Amen.
My advice on this reading is simply to settle into it and reread it if necessary. It is a very important clarification.
Doe the continuation of our justification depend on faith alone, or upon our personal righteousness? Justification is completed at once, upon having faith. Believers, upon their justification, are called to complete obedience. The continuation of our pardon, and thereby of a justified state, depends on the faithfulness of God, upon whose promise we depend. From our side, the continuation of justification depends on faith alone. Nothing is further required except the application of righteousness imputed, that is, faith, taking seriously what God gives.
Taking God seriously. I think many folks are afraid to do that. It is much easier to hold onto the way we see things and the way we want things to be or the way we were taught they should be than to simply take what God says about us seriously. We are justified. Trust it. Do not try to put conditions on what has been declared by the Lord God as the way it is. Remember, when God speaks, God creates...out of nothing. So, when God says we are justified...that's the whole story. Reality has it that everyone of us is a natural born scorekeeper...bean counters who live as though we must stack up points in order to win something. I would call this Skeet ball theology. When I would go to an amusement park, I'd play skeet ball and win those tokens so that I could eventually have enough to cash in on a prize. Well, in the reign of God, when we walk in the door God gives us the prize and says play as much as you like the prize is already in hand. God will not take that away or say...you didn't score enough points to keep it or win something else. We need to help one another trust this amazing promise of our God.
Connection: We keep score too much already...when will we begin to be more graceful to ourselves and one another. This doesn't mean we can't have goals or work hard, it means our worth is already guaranteed...we are the children of God...beloved. That is what makes the day!
Precious Lord, how wonderful it is that your treat us to the fullness of you gracious reign when you invite us to live as though your word of love and life for us is the whole story and we are able to begin each day and each moment within your abiding presence and embrace. Amen.
Tuesday, January 28, 2003
Wednesday, 29 January, 2003
We continue with selections from The Justification Reader by Thomas C. Oden.
Justification is best understood in direct contrast with condemnation. Those justified are not condemned. Those not justified are condemned. There is no middle way (Matthew 12:37), no way to stand as partially justified. To justify is to liberate totally and once for all the offender precisely while condemnation seemed just. Under the law the sinner is condemned. Under the gospel the sinner is justified. "It is God who justifies. Who is he that condemns?" (Romans 8:33,34)
Gospel justification views the convicted offender as suddenly and fully pardoned in a way that destroys the connection between his behavior and its penal consequence. Pardon reverses the sentence of condemnation (Romans 8:1). Forgiveness is not cheap. It is not as if the sinner is inaccurately declared innocent without any price being paid. Rather, the price is paid by another, so that the liability to punishment of the sinner is removed.
I know this is a bunch of stuff to throw out at everyone but I want to stress one thing. Justification has to do with life...living...how we are able to go about the day and live boldly as individuals in community. To live as though we must justify ourselves and all our actions...or do everything right in order to be worth something...or work to make ourselves look as though we are right and good - is to be condemned to a futile and despairing life. The list of what we could and should do would never end. There is no way to be perfect before God and one another (I think we all know that from our own experiences.). Instead, we begin our journey in this day with the announcement that we are justified before God...because God says so. In that announcement, our lives are made free from all the games and attempts of "making it all right" and we can live as though we are just what God says about us. Do you see how those two starting points are very, very different?
Connection: We are a part of a people who have heard a word of grace shared with us and within that gracious reign of our God we begin this day. As part of this day - a day full of grace - we are given the opportunity to live as though it is indeed true for us. As that makes a claim on us, we become a witness to God's justifying love -here and now.
Liberating Lord, you do not let us continue to march along a downward spiral of self-centeredness. Instead you call us to lift up our heads to see the new life you place before us as your beloved community. Encourage us to walk within such a gracious embrace. Amen.
Justification is best understood in direct contrast with condemnation. Those justified are not condemned. Those not justified are condemned. There is no middle way (Matthew 12:37), no way to stand as partially justified. To justify is to liberate totally and once for all the offender precisely while condemnation seemed just. Under the law the sinner is condemned. Under the gospel the sinner is justified. "It is God who justifies. Who is he that condemns?" (Romans 8:33,34)
Gospel justification views the convicted offender as suddenly and fully pardoned in a way that destroys the connection between his behavior and its penal consequence. Pardon reverses the sentence of condemnation (Romans 8:1). Forgiveness is not cheap. It is not as if the sinner is inaccurately declared innocent without any price being paid. Rather, the price is paid by another, so that the liability to punishment of the sinner is removed.
I know this is a bunch of stuff to throw out at everyone but I want to stress one thing. Justification has to do with life...living...how we are able to go about the day and live boldly as individuals in community. To live as though we must justify ourselves and all our actions...or do everything right in order to be worth something...or work to make ourselves look as though we are right and good - is to be condemned to a futile and despairing life. The list of what we could and should do would never end. There is no way to be perfect before God and one another (I think we all know that from our own experiences.). Instead, we begin our journey in this day with the announcement that we are justified before God...because God says so. In that announcement, our lives are made free from all the games and attempts of "making it all right" and we can live as though we are just what God says about us. Do you see how those two starting points are very, very different?
Connection: We are a part of a people who have heard a word of grace shared with us and within that gracious reign of our God we begin this day. As part of this day - a day full of grace - we are given the opportunity to live as though it is indeed true for us. As that makes a claim on us, we become a witness to God's justifying love -here and now.
Liberating Lord, you do not let us continue to march along a downward spiral of self-centeredness. Instead you call us to lift up our heads to see the new life you place before us as your beloved community. Encourage us to walk within such a gracious embrace. Amen.
Tuesday, 28 January, 2003
We continue with selections from The Justification Reader by Thomas C. Oden.
Some of the language involved in the justifying action of our God is taken from courtroom/legal images.
In this courtroom an incomparable Advocate has appeared. "We have one who speaks to the Father in our defense - Jesus Christ, the Righteous One" (1 John 2:1). A satisfaction is offered, substituting another's suffering for the penalty due to sinners: "He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins" (1 John 2:2). The sacrifice of one is accepted for many: "Through the obedience of the one man the many will be made righteous" (Romans 5:19).
On this basis the judge reverse the judgment, grants a full acquittal, and justifies the accused: "Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus" (Romans 8:1). The sinless One has become sin for us, taking punishment on our behalf, so that we might live in him.
I picked this section because there are quite a few "traditional" images being thrown around. My translation of what takes place before the "Judge" would be something like this: "Yo, Daddy-O, this one (meaning you and I) is with me, s/he's cool." And that would be that. No matter what was before that moment. The Judge (if you want to use that language) sees us through the love the Judge has for Christ, Jesus. Yes, we deserve to be punished or put to death or...whatever...but, we are listed on the books as being "in"...completely without any stipulations. There is no restriction pinned on our "file" that would say "watch him/her closely"..."beware of this one"..."the next time s/he acts up, its out to the woodshed." NO. No condemnation. Why then is the church -the followers of Jesus- known by the world as some of the greatest people of condemnation in town?
Connection: As we have an Advocate for us, this day we may also become for those around us an advocate who looks after the well-being of those who may have no other voice of support and solidarity. Remember, we always have the Advocate standing with us to withstand all voices of condemnation as we live within the graceful reign of God today.
Lord, God, you bring us life and by the power of your Spirit you remind us, even as we continue to act as though we have amnesia, that your love for us will never pass and your power for new life will always be available to us. Praise be to you. Amen.
Some of the language involved in the justifying action of our God is taken from courtroom/legal images.
In this courtroom an incomparable Advocate has appeared. "We have one who speaks to the Father in our defense - Jesus Christ, the Righteous One" (1 John 2:1). A satisfaction is offered, substituting another's suffering for the penalty due to sinners: "He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins" (1 John 2:2). The sacrifice of one is accepted for many: "Through the obedience of the one man the many will be made righteous" (Romans 5:19).
On this basis the judge reverse the judgment, grants a full acquittal, and justifies the accused: "Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus" (Romans 8:1). The sinless One has become sin for us, taking punishment on our behalf, so that we might live in him.
I picked this section because there are quite a few "traditional" images being thrown around. My translation of what takes place before the "Judge" would be something like this: "Yo, Daddy-O, this one (meaning you and I) is with me, s/he's cool." And that would be that. No matter what was before that moment. The Judge (if you want to use that language) sees us through the love the Judge has for Christ, Jesus. Yes, we deserve to be punished or put to death or...whatever...but, we are listed on the books as being "in"...completely without any stipulations. There is no restriction pinned on our "file" that would say "watch him/her closely"..."beware of this one"..."the next time s/he acts up, its out to the woodshed." NO. No condemnation. Why then is the church -the followers of Jesus- known by the world as some of the greatest people of condemnation in town?
Connection: As we have an Advocate for us, this day we may also become for those around us an advocate who looks after the well-being of those who may have no other voice of support and solidarity. Remember, we always have the Advocate standing with us to withstand all voices of condemnation as we live within the graceful reign of God today.
Lord, God, you bring us life and by the power of your Spirit you remind us, even as we continue to act as though we have amnesia, that your love for us will never pass and your power for new life will always be available to us. Praise be to you. Amen.
Monday, January 27, 2003
Monday, 27 January, 2003
We continue with selections from The Justification Reader by Thomas C. Oden.
"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)
We have been justified by what Christ has done, and not by the way we have responded to him. Our affirmative response merely confirms the value of the gift God has given. Justification is God's work, not (humanity's). It is a decision of the Judge, not of the accused who prior to his/her pardon is guilty as charged.
I know that some people are turned off by the notion of Jesus' blood shed or spilled out "for us." For some it sounds brutal...pagan...like a sacrifice...and that is out of the realm of their thinking. I wonder if that use of the idea of being "justified by his blood" brings us back to the complete one sided action of God's justification. What brings life to a person in ancient days was the blood. It is exactly why kosher meats are from animals killed in a way that drains the blood from the animal before it is available for human consumption. Like God acting for the people of Israel in Egypt in the story of the exodus when the lamb's blood was put on the door posts of their homes - to completely protect them. God acted. God protected. No blood...no life. When people try to press the point that a person needs to make a "decision" to follow Jesus, remember that it is always the decision of God to be for us that is the power for the life that comes to all the followers of Jesus. We are the people God has fashioned. We are a gifted people who "merely confirm the value of God's gift freely given to us.
Connection: The very life force of our God is spilled for us. It is to be a statement that carries more power than any other statement that can be said about us. Trust it. We do not have to play games that deal with whether or not we deserve it or have done anything correctly to have God so much on our side. In a day when people are told to "trust the pizza"...first trust that which is the power for new life every day.
Lord, your love for us is the very foundation from which we move into the adventure of life within this day. You have colored everything with your loving kindness and therefore our lives are full of the colors of hopefulness. Praise be to you. Amen.
"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)
We have been justified by what Christ has done, and not by the way we have responded to him. Our affirmative response merely confirms the value of the gift God has given. Justification is God's work, not (humanity's). It is a decision of the Judge, not of the accused who prior to his/her pardon is guilty as charged.
I know that some people are turned off by the notion of Jesus' blood shed or spilled out "for us." For some it sounds brutal...pagan...like a sacrifice...and that is out of the realm of their thinking. I wonder if that use of the idea of being "justified by his blood" brings us back to the complete one sided action of God's justification. What brings life to a person in ancient days was the blood. It is exactly why kosher meats are from animals killed in a way that drains the blood from the animal before it is available for human consumption. Like God acting for the people of Israel in Egypt in the story of the exodus when the lamb's blood was put on the door posts of their homes - to completely protect them. God acted. God protected. No blood...no life. When people try to press the point that a person needs to make a "decision" to follow Jesus, remember that it is always the decision of God to be for us that is the power for the life that comes to all the followers of Jesus. We are the people God has fashioned. We are a gifted people who "merely confirm the value of God's gift freely given to us.
Connection: The very life force of our God is spilled for us. It is to be a statement that carries more power than any other statement that can be said about us. Trust it. We do not have to play games that deal with whether or not we deserve it or have done anything correctly to have God so much on our side. In a day when people are told to "trust the pizza"...first trust that which is the power for new life every day.
Lord, your love for us is the very foundation from which we move into the adventure of life within this day. You have colored everything with your loving kindness and therefore our lives are full of the colors of hopefulness. Praise be to you. Amen.
Friday, January 24, 2003
Friday, 24 January, 2003
We continue with selections from The Justification Reader by Thomas C. Oden.
The word of the cross is not: "I will love you if you become perfect," but "While we were yet sinners, at the right time, Christ died for the ungodly" (Romans 5:6-8) Luther understood this profoundly. On the basis of the self-justifying works of the law, the holy God would not let sin go unpunished. Yet on the basis of the gospel, God is merciful precisely toward humbled sinners.
Origen grasped it just as clearly in the third century. "Christ died not for the godly but for the ungodly. For we were ungodly before we turned to God, and Christ died for us before we believed. Undoubtedly he would not have done this unless either he himself, or God the Father, who gave up his only-begotten Son for the redemption of the ungodly, had superabundant love towards us.
"On the basis of the gospel" is the place in which we begin our journey as the followers of Jesus. There may be many other words heard within the scriptures, but we return to the word that is our defining word - the gospel. For on the basis of the gospel, God is for us before it would enter our minds or our hearts to trust God. The story of God's "superabundant" love precedes our actions and it does not count on our actions for its power to be unleashed. In fact, the power of the Good News acts for us before we turn to God...it turns us. We are given the strength to trust God at God's word for us and walk forward as though no other word will have a say over us.
Connection: This is powerful stuff. It may sound like just words. But these are words that will not fade and these are words that have a history of grasping the saints of old and making for a new life when there appeared to be no possibility of life.
Before we move or speak, O Lord, you are with us and you promise to abide with us no matter what the day may bring into our lives. Empower us with your Holy Spirit so that we may be joyfully aware of your superabundant love towards us. Amen.
The word of the cross is not: "I will love you if you become perfect," but "While we were yet sinners, at the right time, Christ died for the ungodly" (Romans 5:6-8) Luther understood this profoundly. On the basis of the self-justifying works of the law, the holy God would not let sin go unpunished. Yet on the basis of the gospel, God is merciful precisely toward humbled sinners.
Origen grasped it just as clearly in the third century. "Christ died not for the godly but for the ungodly. For we were ungodly before we turned to God, and Christ died for us before we believed. Undoubtedly he would not have done this unless either he himself, or God the Father, who gave up his only-begotten Son for the redemption of the ungodly, had superabundant love towards us.
"On the basis of the gospel" is the place in which we begin our journey as the followers of Jesus. There may be many other words heard within the scriptures, but we return to the word that is our defining word - the gospel. For on the basis of the gospel, God is for us before it would enter our minds or our hearts to trust God. The story of God's "superabundant" love precedes our actions and it does not count on our actions for its power to be unleashed. In fact, the power of the Good News acts for us before we turn to God...it turns us. We are given the strength to trust God at God's word for us and walk forward as though no other word will have a say over us.
Connection: This is powerful stuff. It may sound like just words. But these are words that will not fade and these are words that have a history of grasping the saints of old and making for a new life when there appeared to be no possibility of life.
Before we move or speak, O Lord, you are with us and you promise to abide with us no matter what the day may bring into our lives. Empower us with your Holy Spirit so that we may be joyfully aware of your superabundant love towards us. Amen.
Wednesday, January 22, 2003
Thursday, 23 January, 2003
We continue with selections from The Justification Reader by Thomas C. Oden.
Justification does not result from higher commitment to greater ideals or more advanced actualization of good character or better performance of the demands of the law. It is solely due to a declaration of God's merciful attitude toward the sinner whose life is hid in Christ.
Some things cannot be said or announced too much. This is one of those pieces of our faith that must be like a bell or buzzer going off throughout the day to simply remind us of God's amazing and justifying grace. It is such a contrary notion within our world. Unfortunately, it is also a contrary notion to what is often preached as the Good News and is not Good at all - for it keeps running away from the total and complete and the universal action of God for us. The power for life that come from this word of justification is one we must share within the body of Christ. It becomes the meal we share - the wine we drink - the bread we pass - the conversations we enter - and the presence we feel as we gather together. The whole enables each person to see the life that is promised.
Connection: Be the beloved community! There are many ways we can let one another know of the gift of life that is offered to each of us today. We become the voice box of such a word or the touch that alerts others to God's gracious presence with us. What a powerful gift we are through God's merciful action in Christ for all people.
Lord of Life you bring a breath of fresh air into our day and pull us into your blessed rest and hope-filled vision. Thanks to you for sending sisters and brothers to remind us of your eternal love that wraps us up and nurtures our living. Amen.
Justification does not result from higher commitment to greater ideals or more advanced actualization of good character or better performance of the demands of the law. It is solely due to a declaration of God's merciful attitude toward the sinner whose life is hid in Christ.
Some things cannot be said or announced too much. This is one of those pieces of our faith that must be like a bell or buzzer going off throughout the day to simply remind us of God's amazing and justifying grace. It is such a contrary notion within our world. Unfortunately, it is also a contrary notion to what is often preached as the Good News and is not Good at all - for it keeps running away from the total and complete and the universal action of God for us. The power for life that come from this word of justification is one we must share within the body of Christ. It becomes the meal we share - the wine we drink - the bread we pass - the conversations we enter - and the presence we feel as we gather together. The whole enables each person to see the life that is promised.
Connection: Be the beloved community! There are many ways we can let one another know of the gift of life that is offered to each of us today. We become the voice box of such a word or the touch that alerts others to God's gracious presence with us. What a powerful gift we are through God's merciful action in Christ for all people.
Lord of Life you bring a breath of fresh air into our day and pull us into your blessed rest and hope-filled vision. Thanks to you for sending sisters and brothers to remind us of your eternal love that wraps us up and nurtures our living. Amen.
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