Be Prepared
The point is that today we have to be prepared. We not only have to know what Scripture says, but we have to be able to think theologically. It’s not enough to simply quote Paul in Romans or Galatians, we have to have the skills to take what Paul has said and know how to respond to some of these challenges today.
As a word of encouragement—because I realize it could be actually very overwhelming to look at the challenges of this very apologetic scene in which we have to respond—the most important thing that has to be done is to simply stand our ground.
In other words, in the world’s eyes, and sometimes in the eyes of those who might take on the label of evangelical, the traditional—and what I would argue is the biblical—doctrine of justification is seen as foolishness. It’s thought of as out-of-date or old-fashioned To that, I would respond to stick with the biblical view because while it may be old, it’s still right. Not only is it right, but it’s capable and sufficient to answer any and all challenges to it to this day.
This is a guest article by Matthew Barrett, editor of The Doctrine on Which the Church Stands or Falls: Justification in Biblical, Theological, Historical, and Practical Perspective. This post originally appeared on crossway.org; used with permission.
Matthew Barrett is Tutor of Systematic Theology and Church History at Oak Hill Theological College in London. He is the executive editor of Credo Magazine, as well as the author of Salvation by Grace, Owen on the Christian Life, and editor of The 5 Solas Series. He is the author of several other forthcoming books, which you can read about at matthewmbarrett.com.