The interview was enjoyable. I appreciate Wright’s desire and ability to be “biblical” in the best sense. I do wonder when/if his correct view on “the works of the law” will catch up with his incorrect usage of sacramental theology. He correctly emphasizes that “works of the law” are chiefly circumcision and temple qualification. And Paul clearly teaches one is not counted as legitimate by God through these means. Unfortunately the widely received forms of the Christian religion have manipulated water baptism and “the Eucharist” into precisely the same role that “the works of the law” played in the early judaizing controversies of the New Testament. Roman Catholicism more directly, and Reformed Protestantism more circuitously, both teach a legitimacy attained through these means as renovated “works of the law.” The actual teaching of the New Testament however is that one is counted legitimate only by loyal recognition and fidelity in Jesus Christ, -that is FAITH, even the obedience of faith.
“…through whom we have received grace and apostleship to bring about the obedience of faith among all the Gentiles for His name’s sake, (Rom 1:5)”
“…among whom you also are the called of Jesus Christ; (Rom 1:6)”
“…for the demonstration, I say, of His righteousness at the present time, so that He would be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus. (Rom 3:26)”
“…For we maintain that a man is justified by faith apart from works of the Law. (Rom 3:28)”
Dr. Jerry Johnson interviewed Bishop N. T. Wright for Criswell College’s radio program, “Jerry Johnson Live.” The interview begins at 17:09.
2 Comments
Daniel
Tony,
Could you be more specific about what you mean by “caricatures and straw men” in the interview?
I’m not sure what you mean. I thought that he was very gracious.
jeff miller
The interview was enjoyable. I appreciate Wright’s desire and ability to be “biblical” in the best sense. I do wonder when/if his correct view on “the works of the law” will catch up with his incorrect usage of sacramental theology. He correctly emphasizes that “works of the law” are chiefly circumcision and temple qualification. And Paul clearly teaches one is not counted as legitimate by God through these means. Unfortunately the widely received forms of the Christian religion have manipulated water baptism and “the Eucharist” into precisely the same role that “the works of the law” played in the early judaizing controversies of the New Testament. Roman Catholicism more directly, and Reformed Protestantism more circuitously, both teach a legitimacy attained through these means as renovated “works of the law.” The actual teaching of the New Testament however is that one is counted legitimate only by loyal recognition and fidelity in Jesus Christ, -that is FAITH, even the obedience of faith.
“…through whom we have received grace and apostleship to bring about the obedience of faith among all the Gentiles for His name’s sake, (Rom 1:5)”
“…among whom you also are the called of Jesus Christ; (Rom 1:6)”
“…for the demonstration, I say, of His righteousness at the present time, so that He would be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus. (Rom 3:26)”
“…For we maintain that a man is justified by faith apart from works of the Law. (Rom 3:28)”
With hope,
jeff