Lately I have been reading some disturbing theological things surrounding the nature of justification by faith. RC Sproul has picked up on this in his book: Getting the Gospel Right. The book details 2 documents: primarily 1: Evangelicals and Catholics together (ECT for short). This document in basic form says that Catholics and Evangelicals are uniting under the banner of several doctrinal pieces primarily: justification by faith. Hey I am one for unity as one of my favorite book says that there is "one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to one hope when you were called— one Lord, one faith, one baptism;"(Eph. 4:4-5) At the same time if we are so similar and together on the doctrine of justification what was the Reformation for? Was it merely just mass hysteria and chaos over nothing? Or as some of my Catholic friends have said that it was merely a blown out of proportion with one crazy man leading and playing off the masses fears and weaknesses? What were we protesting exactly?
THis lead me first to God's word:
Ephesians 2:8
Titus 3:3-5
2 Timothy 1:8-10
Romans 4
Galatians 2:16
Acts 13:36
Genesis 15:6
All of these passages affirm the doctrine of justification by faith alone. Each verse details within context that justification (which is a legal term meaning to be declared righteous) by faith in Christ (his deity, death, and resurrection).
If this is the case where is the difference? Most Catholics I have spoken with say there is none, they were the original church, with the closes ties to Christ and dont understand why Protestants do not follow the teachings of the church. We are one and the same. But this is not the case. Hence why the reformers worked so diligently to expose this through Scripture.
So here are some questions to think about:
1. When should we as Christians dis-unify? (not be beligerent, or speak badly or tear down churches but merely not be united)
2. Do Catholics and Protestants have the same "justification by faith"? Are their differences in our doctrines on justification by faith and if so what are they?
3. Is justification by faith alone essential to the gospel? (meaning that if its not there neither is the gospel)
Be Blessed
