Wednesday, June 23, 2004
A question I received today:
Are the two sentences below the same or different?
1) God declares the sinner righteous
2) God makes the sinner righteous
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"God declares the sinner righteous." This is the reformed doctrine of justification. The declaration that the sinner is righteous rests upon the obedience of Christ on the sinner's behalf. As Sproul says, it is forensic in nature--legal, not actual. Justification does not make the sinner righteous; it declares him to be so on the basis of Another's obedience, Jesus Christ. Our righteousness is an alien righteousness--not our own.
"God makes the sinner righteous." This is sanctification in reformed theology. It begins with regeneration and faith, adoption, the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, and involves putting off the old man and putting on the new. We only have a small beginning in this life, but will be perfected and like Christ when we see Him. This righteousness is imperfect in this life and forms no part of our justification.
The article by Linden is excellent. I met him at the URCNA synod in Calgary last week. He is a good guy and he as justification right. God bless him.
It is all of grace, of course, from beginning to end, including justification and sanctification. Our Lord Jesus begins the work, and He finishes it. That is why the doctrines of Total Depravity, Uncondition election, Limited Atonement, Irrrestible Grace, and Perseverance are so important for they protect the free grace of God. If it is not predestined, then the nature of grace is changed.
Are the two sentences below the same or different?
1) God declares the sinner righteous
2) God makes the sinner righteous
-------------
"God declares the sinner righteous." This is the reformed doctrine of justification. The declaration that the sinner is righteous rests upon the obedience of Christ on the sinner's behalf. As Sproul says, it is forensic in nature--legal, not actual. Justification does not make the sinner righteous; it declares him to be so on the basis of Another's obedience, Jesus Christ. Our righteousness is an alien righteousness--not our own.
"God makes the sinner righteous." This is sanctification in reformed theology. It begins with regeneration and faith, adoption, the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, and involves putting off the old man and putting on the new. We only have a small beginning in this life, but will be perfected and like Christ when we see Him. This righteousness is imperfect in this life and forms no part of our justification.
The article by Linden is excellent. I met him at the URCNA synod in Calgary last week. He is a good guy and he as justification right. God bless him.
It is all of grace, of course, from beginning to end, including justification and sanctification. Our Lord Jesus begins the work, and He finishes it. That is why the doctrines of Total Depravity, Uncondition election, Limited Atonement, Irrrestible Grace, and Perseverance are so important for they protect the free grace of God. If it is not predestined, then the nature of grace is changed.
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