N.T. Wright responds to the critics in Justification
There’s no theological topic more important to the Christian faith than the doctrine of salvation. The question of how we are saved from sin continues to be actively discussed and debated even today, and one theologian who has brought a new angle to the age-old topic is N.T. Wright. He’s championed what some call the “New Perspective” on the writings of Paul, and in particular the doctrine of justification.
It’s a complicated subject, but you can read some of Wright’s views in his 2003 essay on Paul. Wright’s perspective on justification is not without its critics, including the respected theologian John Piper, who disagrees with Wright’s take.
Why bring up an ongoing theological debate here? Because InterVarsity Press recently published Wright’s latest book Justification, in which he responds to criticisms of his ideas. IVPress has put the first chapter of the book and an extensive Q&A with Wright about Justification online. To read Wright’s full take, of course, you’ll have to pick up the book, but between the free chapter and the Q&A, there’s a lot of fodder for reflection and discussion.
It is a matter of our understanding of ‘grace’ vs the ‘works of man’. Anythng a man can do for himself, any action, baptism of earthy water, prayer, church activities, church meetings, bible studies, good deed or money given, nothing can make you justified before GOD. Only the work of Jesus can justify us of sins. We are only required to believe that we are sprinkled with the His blood and washed with the heavenly living waters and sealed by the Holy Spirit. For thses three bear witness to a mystery called ‘Born Again.’.