RSSJustification
Prof Lints raised the question of justification, and I’d like to continue that in a different vein. Jeff is right, I think, that the debate has been skewed from the beginning because FV has been mixed with Shepherd and the NPP and given a vigorous, confusing shake. There are definitely parallels and interconnections, but the FV debate is different.
Speaking for myself, my main work on justification has not been about the “by faith” part but on the “justification” part. I’ve argued that “justify” has a more flexible meaning in Scripture than in the Confession, and that in some contexts it refers not to a verdict but to a delivering act of God that is simultaneously a public vindication (justification) of His favored one(s). I’d be happy to discuss that here, and can give some of my arguments if anyone is interested in pursuing it.
W.H. Chellis
September 21st, 2007 at 6:45 pm
I think we would be very interested in pursuing this discussion further.
D Hart
September 21st, 2007 at 8:32 pm
It’s not my blog so I’m not sure my vote counts. I will say that if this discussion proceeds I have found Peter’s writings on justification to give me no comfort, which is remarkable given his earlier statements on assurance and the pastoral concern to comfort the doubter with the means of grace. The Protestant doctrine of justication is one of the most precious I know, and something that makes Rome unthinkable. I cannot for the life of me — to return to our lead question — see why any Presbyterian, nay Protestant, would want to tinker with justification. Talk about pastoral. It’s the pastor’s trump card with the devil.
Peter
September 21st, 2007 at 11:30 pm
Darryl, what writings on justification are you referring to?