new perspectives on paul

after spending some time at the unofficial n.t. wright page, i am seriously exploring new perspectives on paul.

i always thought that 'justification by faith alone' meant that 'all who BELIEVE are saved'. however, it might actually be that 'ALL who believe are saved'. this cuts right to the heart of the gospel. it makes a world of difference, literally.

all who BELIEVE are saved

saying that 'justification by faith alone' means that 'all who BELIEVE are saved' implies that we are saved simply by believing. however, it is clear from Scripture that 'a person is justified by what he does and not by faith alone' (James 2:24, NIV).

in other words, we are not saved simply by believing and living happily ever after. rather, we are saved by believing and living according to the will of God.

ALL who believe are saved

saying that 'justification by faith alone' means that 'ALL who believe are saved' emphasises that whenever paul talks about 'justification by faith alone' vs 'justification by the law', it is always in the context of the gospel being for both Jews and Gentiles - not just the Jews.

"But now a righteousness from God, apart from law, has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify. This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by His grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus." - Romans 3:21-24 (NIV)

"You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus, for all of you who were baptised into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise." - Galatians 3:26-29 (NIV)

to this end, 'justification by faith alone' vs 'justification by the law' is not so much 'faith' vs 'law', as it is 'faith + works of faith' vs 'law + works of law'. paul opposes the Jews not because they sought works per se, but because they sought works of law - thinking that the Old Covenant (which excluded the Gentiles*) was still in force.

*from service, not salvation

so what's the difference?

the heart of the gospel is not that 'all who BELIEVE are saved'. this cheapens faith, grace and ultimately the gospel itself.

the heart of the gospel is that 'ALL who believe are saved'. this resonates so much more deeply with unlimited atonement, global missions and unity in the body of Christ.