The podcast explores the concept of hungering and thirsting for righteousness from a theological perspective, delving into debates on the meaning of righteousness in the Bible. Guests Michael Horton, Justin Holcomb, and Walter Strickland discuss the imputation of Christ's righteousness to sinners and the importance of this doctrine for the church. They touch on various biblical passages and engage with scholars like N. T. Wright and the New Perspective on Paul.
Hungering for righteousness reflects the longing for universal peace and justice.
Imputation of Christ's righteousness is crucial for believers' standing before God.
Deep dives
The Promise of Inheriting the Earth Through Christ's Righteousness
Longing for the restoration of righteousness and the promise of inheriting the earth is fulfilled through Christ's dying and rising, preparing believers for the resurrection and the ultimate restoration of creation.
The Upside-Down Kingdom of the Beatitudes
The Beatitudes declare favor on those lacking essential things and righteousness, emphasizing a kingdom established on favoring the meek, those hungering for righteousness and lacking the perfection needed for God's judgment.
Desiring Universal Righteousness and Shalom
Desiring righteousness reflects yearning for universal peace and justice, acknowledging the disruption of shalom in human relationships and creation by sin, leading to increased violence and idolatry.
Justification Through Christ's Imputed Righteousness
Achieving righteousness is a gift grounded in Christ's fulfillment of the law and bearing the curse, imputing righteousness to believers through faith alone, leading to declaration of righteousness, sanctification, and future glorification.
“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be satisfied.” - Matthew 5:6. What does it mean to hunger and thirst for righteousness? Is righteousness about right relationships or justice—is it about one’s standing before God? Or does it include all three? Through this beatitude, Michael Horton, Justin Holcomb, Walter Strickland, and Bob Hiller dive into the various theological debates around “righteousness” in the Bible. In this episode, the hosts examine claims from N. T. Wright and the New Perspective on Paul. Together, we’ll consider why the imputation of Christ’s righteousness to sinners is an essential doctrine for the church.