I am nearing the end of Justification by NT Wright. What an amazing read! I cannot tell you, in a short space as thought for the day, how important this book is, but I can give you snippets of its importance and let you decide for yourself. Here’s a wonderful, beautiful snippet of delight:
But the great story of Scripture, from creation and covenant right on through to the New Jerusalem, is constantly about God’s overflowing, generous, creative love–God’s concern, if you like, for the flourishing and well-being of everything else. Of course, this too will redound to God’s glory because God, as the Creator, is glorified when creation is flourishing and able to praise him gladly and freely. And of course there are plenty of passages where God does what he does precisely not because anybody deserves it but simply ‘for the sake of his own name.’ But ‘God’s righteousness’ is regularly invoke in Scripture, not when God is acting thus, but when his concern is going out to those in need, particularly to his covenant people…God’s concern for God’s glory is precisely rescued from the appearance of divine narcissism because God, not least God as Trinity, is always giving out, pouring out, lavishing generous love on undeserving people, undeserving Israel and an undeserving world (NT Wright, Justification, 70-71).
There’s more to it than that, of course, but I promised a snippet.
I agree with him. There is a big-arch to Scripture and we do well to notice it, preach it, and live it. Oh Happiness! There is grace enough for us and the whole human race! And He wants us to know it.**
**disclaimer: that is not, in any way, intended to be a plug for ‘universalism’ of any stripe. so please, please, don’t go there.
18 Comments(+Add)
Rats.
Jerry,
This snippet reminded me of a post Ben Witherington wrote a while ago regarding God’s supposed narcissism. The comments section is pretty interesting.
The way John Piper describes God’s interest for His own glorification does make it sound like He is a bit of a narcissist. It’s kind of ironic though, because as Wright notes, God is glorified through the pouring out of Himself, not through simply making demands that His creation worship Him. God receives glory when people see Him for who He truly is and freely offer their worship to Him. In fact, I would actually say that worship that is forced or demanded isn’t really worship.
i like them both; i like what i have read of wright and his non-universalistic, non-works dependent view of god’s grace. i like piper for his exposition on the glory of god and worship being the primary motivation of missions
To me, Piper’s limited atonement and unconditional election view are worse than many universalism through Christ views. I grow weary of doctrines except redemption – am I becoming emergent?
Rick – do you have a goatee and macbook yet?
#5 oh no….I have both. Just no black rimmed glasses
i know it’s a joke, but that meme is so stupid.
well….dangit-all.
Guess I’ll sit this out.
“dangit-all”
Growth. I’m proud of you, Chad.
Thanks, Rick.
I have to admit, it feels pretty damn good.
Thank Goodness for I John 1:9!
Rick, you have to admit that was funny, I don’t care who you are
But seriously, if I believed heaven was a place where my admittance was dependent upon whether or not I used culturally conditioned words I’d have no interest in going there.
don’t worry, Chad, according to some that’s clearly a settled issue for you…you hellbound, man-centered, anti-theologian from the cesspool of liberal cultism that is Duke.
ha! Now that’s funny!
They don’t call us blue devils for nothing.
given how people see you, Chad, you should also see the accidental appropriateness of being referred to as a “Dukie”…
I see Scripture as an overarching redemptive narrative. I see it as authoritative, and yet some of the finer points seem ambiguous and sometimes at odds with each other. I do not believe inerrancy is salvidic, and I see the redemptive exclusivity of Yeshua through personal faith as non-negotiable and the Mason-Dixon line of heresy.
Why don’t the emergents accept me?
i think “emergents” accept you, Rick.
they would just be unwilling to disfellowship with you even if when there are disagreements.
Thank you, Nathan, I feel so warm and fuzzy. Hey, on another note, here’s a blog whose exclusive purpose is to let everyone know this one fact.
We can read.