The HUGE debate among evangelicals over justification continues. N.T. Wright, a British Anglican bishop and evangelical scholar, is the leading popular proponent of what has been called the "New Perspective" on Paul. Among other points, this view redefines justification as the ground whereby we claim our place among God's people. Present justification is by faith in Jesus and in the Holy Spirit's power to transform us and produce a life of good works. Future justification before God at the end of the age is based on our good works, not on faith alone. Wright uses Romans 2 to establish this--instead of being an argument against works righteousness, Wright says "the doers of the law will be justified" is a true statement of what will happen in the end.
John Piper has been the most popular (and gracious) opponent of this view, arguing for the historic Reformational idea that justification was, is, and will be the act of God declaring the sinner righteous by faith in the finished work of God in Jesus Christ. He says Wright is wrong, but not heretical. His book, The Future of Justification is his summary critique.
Wright has answered with Justification: God's Plan and Paul's Vision. I am going to be reading this soon, after skimming its contents already, and having some strong questions arise in my mind about Wright's view.
Part of my concern stems from a summary critique of the content in Wright's book, found in two parts here and here. If these summary statements are true, I'm in for a bumpy ride while reading Wright.
I'll keep you posted (pun intended).
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1 comment:
Craig, thanks for providing access to this and other articles. I appreciate the opportunity to keep up with some of the contemporary discussions and issues in the church.
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