Quote
Joe k said:
I am trying to make a distinction where his WHOLE sinless life was needed. But during those 33 years, the externals of reproach and slander et all had no efficacious value in themselves.
True, in and of themselves, the opposition to Christ had no efficacious value. However, without them His life would not have been efficacious since it was necessary that He, being the second Adam, had to be tested and emerge victorious over all that would have resulted in His sinning and thus not be able to provide that perfect righteousness which is imputed to believers.

My point has always been that the biblical teaching re: atonement is double-faceted; active and passive. Most focus upon the "passive", i.e., His paying the penalty for sin on the cross. Few, unfortunately, understand the "active" aspect of the cross and realize that it was no less necessary to merit the Father's good pleasure and thus contributed equally with the passive aspect to satisfy ALL that is required for a sinner to be saved. <img src="/forum/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

In His grace,


[Linked Image]

simul iustus et peccator

[Linked Image]