By OUR faith we enter into CHRIST’S OWN faithfulness

Christ’s own faithfulness (Romans 1:17, 3:22, 26, Galatians 2:16, 16, 22, 3:2, 5, 22, 23, 23, 25, 26, Ephesians 3:12, Philippians 3:9), that is, the faithfulness that the Gospel manifested as being within his own heart toward God (Galatians 3:26 [Ephesians 1:15, Colossians 1:4], 1 Timothy 3:13, 2 Timothy 1:13, 3:15, James 2:1, Revelation 2:13, 14:12) is what inspires and indwells our faith[fulness] in response (Romans 1:17, 3:22[, 26], Galatians 2:16, 3:22, Philippians 3:9).  Secondarily, to “put on Christ” by baptism is ipso facto to enter into his own faithfulness by exercising our own measure of faith, and thereby to participate in all that his flawless faithfulness gained for us. [7/05/10]

CHRIST’S FAITHFULNESS SUPREMELY MANIFESTED AT THE CROSS; GOD’S RIGHTEOUSNESS SUPREMELY MANIFESTED AT CHRIST’S RESURRECTION FROM THE DEAD

Michael J. Gorman* mistakes “the faithfulness of Christ/Jesus” as being inclusive of “the righteousness of God” and identical with “the faithfulness of God“.  He thus confuses what Paul keeps strategically distinct!  For although Gorman is fundamentally correct that “Christ’s faithfulness” focuses on his cross, yet “God’s righteousness/justice” focuses on his RESURRECTION!

*Cruciformity, pp. 116-120; Inhabiting the Cruciform God, pp. 80, 90, 104.

77 Questions about the Atonement (Q&A #64)

64.     Doesn’t God predestine some people to be saved and others to be lost?

Good heavens, no!  God desires everyone to change their minds about Him and start trusting His Son Jesus.  He destines that all who acquiesce in faith and keep trusting the abundant testimonies and proofs He furnishes in Scripture and personal experience will happily end up as adopted sons and daughters, hence heirs of allotments in His impending Kingdom.  That’s His intended destiny for all who keep believing; that’s where the train’s goin’.  If anyone decides to pry open a safety door and jump from the train of God’s amazing deeds rumbling down the track toward His Kingdom, coupled to the thundering locomotive of His superabundant graciousness, fueled by the Holy Spirit’s inspired testimonies to the Cross-Resurrection-Pentecost events, it’s most certainly not God’s intention.  For in that sorrowful case a tragic destiny does regrettably commence activation and is to be avoided strenuously at all costs!  Why should we defect when God is offering free passage, all expenses paid?  We’re just along for the ride…if we care to stay instead of falling out.  God’s proposal in His resurrected Son Jesus Christ to our otherwise doomed species is just too good to be false!  This accounts for the apostle Paul’s urgently sensible plea to the whole human race:  “For Christ’s sake be conciliated to God!”