Now that we have it straight that “the righteousness of God” in Paul has reference exclusively to the Father’s demonstrated justice in raising Jesus from the dead, not the Son’s personal righteousness (about which Paul never writes in those particular words), the question still remains, “Is that ‘imputed to us’ by faith à la penal substitution logic?” The question almost answers itself. The significance of this emphatic and all but self-evident “No!” is that the so-called penal substitutionary “doctrine” of imputation cannot possibly be correct, now or ever. It is a desperate contrivance—a last resort of those who have slipped off the solid and secure foundation of God’s own personal righteousness. [1/13/09]
It was Augustine who entrenched the prejudice against faith itself being “imputed for/as righteousness” by his arguments in the Pelagian (echoed decades after his death, during the inaptly labeled “semi-Pelagian”) controversies. Thereafter, faith—so honored, even glorified, by the apostles in Hebrews 11 and many other places (e.g., Romans 14)—was rendered unworthy of such exalted treatment. Augustine took a fatefully wrong step in his attempt to refute his opponents, and Western Christianity has become impoverished profoundly ever since. [1/13/09] I had almost said, “has been punished profoundly for Augustine’s sin ever since.” But that gives too much credit to Augustine’s own signature misunderstanding of sin. Far be it! Augustine’s sinful doctrines (are they not?) cannot be “imputed” to subsequent generations, however much they may be voluntarily parroted and repeated by his willing disciples, any more than Adam’s sin could be. Nevertheless, the evils consequent on believing such a doctrine certainly can be inflicted upon later generations, and in fact have been so inflicted in spades! [9/08/16]
The quasi-“historic” doctrine of penal substitutionary Atonement is at root human centered, anthropocentric, sinner focused. By contrast, the apostolic position is radically Christocentric. The entire New Testament collection of authentic apostolic documents emphasizes the faithful and obedient Son as worthy of the Father’s full reward and just reparations exhibited at the Resurrection and Ascension to the Throne. The Son’s heroic suffering of the full-bore fury of the Dragon, without flinching, in faithful obedience to the Father’s desire, won him the just award of our salvation, for He had the right to have descendants to join him in his much-deserved glory. Penal substitution can’t hold a candle to the dazzle of this mighty luminescent Truth of God’s tangible righteousness toward Jesus. [1/17/09]
Some early Christian writers use the beautifully revealing expression, “the grace of the Resurrection.” We should have expected it if indeed Christ’s resurrection was understood as the inaugurating moment of his overcompensating and just restitution from God (rather than his cross as a reputed event of God’s justice). This phrase should come back into vogue when the atoning truth about Christ’s resurrection returns to prominence, by God’s grace. [1/21/09]
The authentic ethos of apostolic Christianity is exceedingly simple…not easy, but simple and straightforward: keep or follow the directions and example of Jesus against all opposition, at whatever cost or sacrifice may be called for. The reward may be long in coming, and may not even show up prominently in this life. [1/23/09] But hold on!
The Premial Atonement 