Required reading
Systematic Theology by Charles Hodge (Vol 3) (Available from Amazon or free here) - Continue Chapter 17 by reading up to the heading '11. Modern views on Justification. Rationalistic Theories'.
My summary
Now Hodge begins to looks at departures from the Protestant doctrine of justification.
He attacks the view of:
(i) Osiander (justification means to render inherently just and holy);
(ii) Stancarus (the righteousness of Christ was the work of his human nature exclusively);
(iii) Piscator (denied the imputation of the active obedience of Christ);
(iv) Arinius (justification is merely pardon).
What grabbed me
I appreciated the clear description of the three greatest views of justification:
'We have then the three great systems. First, that of the Romanists, which teaches that on account of the work of Christ God grants, through Christian baptism, an infusion of divine grace, by which all sin is purged from the soul and all ground for the infliction of the penalty is removed and the sinner rendered inherently just or holy. This is the first justification. Then in virtue of the new principle of spiritual life thus imparted, the baptized or regenerated are enabled to perform good works, which are really meritorious and on account of which they are admitted to heaven.
Secondly, the Arminian theory, that on account of what Christ has done, God is pleased to grant sufficient grace to all men, and to accept the imperfect obedience which the believer is thus enabled to render in lieu of the perfect obedience required under the covenant made with Adam, and on account of that imperfect obedience, eternal life is graciously bestowed.
Thirdly, the Protestant doctrine that Christ, as the representative and substitute of sinners or of his people, takes their place under the law, and in their name and in their behalf fulfils all righteousness, thereby making a real, perfect, and infinitely meritorious satisfaction to the law and justice of God, which righteousness is imputed, or set to the account of the believer, who is thereupon and on that account freely pardoned and pronounced righteous in the sight of God, and entitled not only to the remission of sin but also to eternal life. Being united to Christ by faith, the believer becomes partaker of his life, so that it is not he that lives but Christ that liveth in him, and the life which the believer now lives in the flesh is by faith of the Son of God, who loved him, and gave Himself for him.'
Contrary to popular opinion, the Arminian view stands out in stark contrast to the teachings of the Scriptures.
Next week's reading
Conclude Chapter 17.
Now it's your turn
Please post your own notes and thoughts in the comments section below.
No comments:
Post a Comment