#121 – The Righteousness of God with Dr. Michael Kruger
Oct 7, 2021
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Join Dr. Michael Kruger, a leading scholar in New Testament studies, as he dives into the intricate themes of Romans 3:21-31. He discusses the profound implications of God’s righteousness and its manifestation apart from the law. Dr. Kruger contrasts traditional Reformation views with the New Perspective on Paul, exploring the significance of propitiation and faith. With insights on justification, divine forbearance, and how these concepts relate to our understanding of sin, listeners are challenged to reflect on their spiritual lives in a fresh way.
The podcast emphasizes that true peace and spiritual growth come from engaging with God's character through Scripture, rather than through busy schedules.
Suffering is reframed as a refining process that brings believers closer to God, illustrating that joy can emerge from adversity.
Justification by faith, given as a gift from God, highlights the universal need for salvation, transcending personal works and ethnic divisions.
Deep dives
The Importance of Time in God's Presence
True peace and rest cannot be attained through busy schedules or self-imposed guidelines; instead, they are found by spending quality time in the presence of God. A new devotional invites readers to engage with Scripture for 90 days, directing focus on understanding God's character and His nature. Through this extended period of reflection, individuals can cultivate a deeper love for God and appreciate His attributes. The goal is to foster spiritual growth that leads to genuine peace and rest in one’s life.
Understanding Suffering and Joy
Many individuals grapple with the question of why suffering exists, particularly in the context of the Christian faith. A new book offers insights into how God's refining process transforms pain into a means of becoming closer to Him, allowing believers to find joy amid adversity. By sharing personal experiences and biblical narratives, the author illustrates that suffering can lead to resilience and enhanced character. This perspective emphasizes that God’s presence assures the faithful of enduring joy, regardless of circumstances.
The Role of Justification in Romans
A discussion on Romans highlights the significance of the concept of justification by faith, emphasizing that righteous status comes as a gift from God, apart from one’s own works. This theology serves as a powerful reminder that everyone falls short of God’s glory and thus requires divine intervention for redemption. The passage underscores the transformative nature of faith, which excludes the possibility of boasting in personal achievements. By establishing that justification is accessible to both Jews and Gentiles, the message reinforces the universal need for salvation.
God's Righteousness and Covenant Faithfulness
The podcast delves into how God's righteousness is manifested through His steadfastness in keeping promises, especially as it pertains to the justification of sinners. The conversation addresses the balance between God's nature as just and His role as a justifier, communicated through the sacrificial atonement of Christ. The implications of this interplay assure believers that God’s divine standards remain intact while offering grace to those who believe. This deep understanding of God's character fosters an appreciation for the grace available through faith, despite human inadequacies.
The Law of Faith vs. Works
In addressing misconceptions surrounding faith and the law, the discussion clarifies that believers are called to uphold God's law, not as a means of earning salvation, but as a response to faith. The idea of a 'law of faith' contrasts with the notion of 'works of the law,' reinforcing that righteousness comes through trust in Christ rather than personal merit. The inclusion of both Jews and Gentiles in this relationship underscores that all believers are accountable to uphold the law as an expression of their faith. Ultimately, the focus remains on glorifying God rather than boasting in one’s accomplishments.
Jen Wilkin, JT English, and Kyle Worley are joined by Dr. Michael Kruger to look at Romans 3:21-31 and discuss the righteousness of God.
Questions Covered in This Episode:
Dr. Kruger: How significant is the idea of the “righteousness of God” and can you give us a sense of its importance in current NT scholarship?
If you were teaching and preaching this, is it possible to say yes to both meanings of the righteousness of God?
What is the difference between what the reformers would have said about Paul and the new perspective?
Who would be the names that our listeners might know that hold the new perspective on Paul?
What does Paul mean that “the ROG has been manifested apart from the law?”
What does it mean to fall short of the glory of God?
What is this word “propitiation?”
Divine forbearance - passing over former sins?
What is the “law of faith?”
V. 31, what law is Paul talking about here?
Dr. Kruger: What commentaries on Romans have you found helpful?
Helpful Definitions:
Greek Genitive: Denotes possession or ownership.
Righteousness of God: δικαιοσύνη Θεοῦ (dikaiosynē Theou)
A. Is God righteous? God’s righteousness on display, His character being upheld, Is He faithful to His covenant?
B. Is this something that God is giving? Is there a righteous status you can receive from Him?
Propitiation: Implying it to Jesus. To satisfy (soak up) all the wrath of God. In terms of what Christ has done, He has fully paid a price in such a way that all of God’s wrath has been fully absorbed by what Christ has done so that there is none left for you.
Law of works: Mosaic law keeping as a means to be justified.
Law of faith: You achieve a righteous status not by works but by trusting in Christ.
Guest Bio:
Michael Kruger is president and professor of New Testament and Early Christianity at Reformed Theological Seminary in Charlotte, North Carolina. Dr. Kruger received his B.S. from The University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, his M.Div from Westminster Theological Seminary in California and his Ph.D at the University of Edinburgh. Dr. Kruger has served in leadership capacities for the Evangelical Theological Society and has been a visiting scholar at both St. Edmund’s College and the Tyndale House at the University of Cambridge. He is the author of many books, including but not limited to: Canon Revisited, A Biblical-Theological Introduction to the New Testament, and the Heresy of Orthodoxy. In addition to his many academic accomplishments, Dr. Kruger serves as a Pastor in the Presbyterian Church in America and is married to Melissa - who is a popular author and women’s minister.
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