The Highway Forums General Discussion Theology Discussion Forum John Armstrong

Mike,

I'm not as sure as you are that John Armstrong is simply restating the historical doctrine of Sola Fide and defending it against certain contemporary elements, e.g., the anti=Lordship people. His language is much like that of N.T. Wright, who he says he has learned much from and has "adjusted" his thinking on the matter of justification from that which he has always held. That should cause the [color:red]red flag to fly high. Mine was immediately hoisted after reading just the very first paragraph. And, I will quote him below:

Most Reformed proponents would say, "We are saved by the God-given gift of faith in Christ alone." Agreed! But we must biblically deal with the faith itself or we simply pour our meaning into a vitally important word. Since Luther, we have had a Protestant tendency to see faith as the exact opposite of works. I see faith as the exact opposite of unbelief and disobedience. (See such use in Romans again.) Faith, in this sense, is a synonym for works, obedience, etc."

Given the current controversy of the "Auburn Avenue Statement" and those advocating a "New Perspective on Paul" (NPT) of whom N.T. Wright is one of the most ardent protagonists, I must then read this statement with great care.

The most salient issue is in defining the "Faith" which justifies. According to Dr. Armstrong, "Faith=works, obedience, etc.". He does not appear to be referring to nor defending the historic view which holds that "good works, obedience, etc." are indicative of one who believes but rather that faith "is synonymous (equals, is) good works, obedience, etc." And therefore salvation (final justification?; aka Auburn Statement) is secured by this "faith", which is in reality "works and obedience". The orthodox doctrine of the perseverance of the saints is that those who have been predestinated and elected to salvation in Christ will infallibly persevere as they are infallibly preserved from falling and grow in grace due to the indwelling of the Holy Spirit of Christ. A regenerated, true believer performs "good works" and walks in "obedience" BECAUSE he has been justified. (cf. Rom 8:29, 30: Eph 2:8-10; Phil 2:11, 12; et al). Salvation is NOT promised nor secured on the basis of one's own "obedience", but contrariwise, one's salvation is promised and infallibly secured on the basis of ANOTHER'S obedience; Jesus Christ.

Being a personal friend of Dr. Armstrong, I can tell you that he is not known to write a in vague or confusing manner, particularly when the subject is salvation/justification. But IF he is simply iterating the doctrine accepted and taught by the historic Reformed Churches, he has done a horrid job in doing so here. However, I suspect that he is espousing the views of N.T. Wright, at least to a certain degree. And IF I am correct, which I obviously believe I am, then I have grave concerns, indeed.

In His Grace,