Wright vs Piper Final Round

Well it was a fun filled bout. Many ups and downs for both. For me the highlight was reading to objective views and seeing good in both. I think many object to a lot of Wright's views (Piper included) because he doesn't say things the way we would like. But his breakdown of the gospel, covenant, and the place of works in justification has yet to be fully challenged by Piper.

THE GOSPEL
I think there is a lot of emphasis on covenant in Wright. This leads to a skewed view of justification and the implications of his view. But i think his view of the gospel as the pronouncement of the Lordship of Jesus is great besides the lack of acceptance of salvation within the gospel. Piper doesn't like it because of that reason. I think the lordship of Jesus leads us to salvation, Wright says this but also denies its importance.

THE COVENANT
I do see the covenant as an important part of the doctrine of justification. God did give Abraham the covenant that would deal with sin and evil. This is met with the death and resurrection of Jesus. But it should not define God's righteousness. God's righteousness i believe is seen through the law. I think it logically stupid for God to give a law that he doesn't fulfill. He proves that he can meet the requirements of the law through Jesus (Romans 2). I think this leads to Jesus becoming our righteousness as his fulfillment of the law is imputed (put on us) because we are judged as unrighteous before God unless we have this righteousness. It doesn't make sense that God would judge us righteous/just because he has called us into a covenant (Wright's view). But we need to be forgiven of our sins, have the slate wiped clean, and be given a status righteous by Christ's righteousness. We are in Christ and therefore we share in his righteousness. Through Jesus' death and resurrection we are included as heirs to the covenant promises in union with Jesus. Therefore we are covenant members by Christ.

WORKS
As a result of being in Christ. We are marked with the Holy Spirit which helps us to do the requirements of the law, not that we need to, but with a changed heart we look to submit to our king (Christ Jesus) and our works by the Spirit are a sign of the justification and covenant relationship we have. This is not to say that our works make us right with God, or add merit to us. This would deny the work of God.

So in if you have been following the battle so far I would not say that the round by round description would count towards a winner. But i would recommend reading the three books i have read and come to your own conclusion. For me the winner is God and his word. In terms of argument style in the books i give it to Wright. But as Michael commented earlier in the first blog of this series, "it doesn't mean he is right."

The future of Justification is still decided by God and we are still working out what it means. The battle continues on many fronts. If you are joining in feel free to read, think and critique.