Uncovering the Roots of Justification by Faith
The question of whether the Old Testament teaches justification by faith alone has sparked intense debate among scholars. While the New Testament provides explicit teachings on this doctrine, the Old Testament’s witness is more subtle. However, a closer examination reveals that the Old Testament is replete with examples of God’s grace and the importance of faith in relating to Him.
The Call of Abram: A Testament to God’s Mercy
The story of Abram, who was called out of idolatry in Ur of the Chaldeans, exemplifies God’s gracious purposes. Abram’s summoning was not due to his virtuous nature, but rather because of God’s great mercy and love. This pattern is repeated throughout the Old Testament, as seen in the stories of Isaac, Jacob, and Israel’s redemption from Egyptian slavery. Despite their moral shortcomings, God remained faithful to His people, promising to establish a new covenant with them.
Righteousness in the Old Testament
To gain a deeper understanding of righteousness in the Old Testament, let us examine two pivotal texts: Genesis 15:6 and Habakkuk 2:4. These verses are crucial in understanding the doctrine of justification by faith, as they are cited by New Testament writers to defend this notion.
Genesis 15:6: A Canonical Reading
In Genesis 15:6, we find Abram’s response to God’s promise of a great reward. Despite his doubts and concerns, Abram believed the Lord, and as a consequence, Yahweh counted it to him as righteousness. This text is fundamental to understanding the concept of justification by faith, as it highlights the importance of trusting in God’s promises.
Habakkuk 2:4: The Faithfulness of God
Habakkuk 2:4, another key text, emphasizes the faithfulness of God. This verse is cited by Paul in Romans 1:17 and Galatians 3:11 to defend the notion of righteousness by faith. The author of Hebrews also references this text in Hebrews 10:38, as he prepares to launch into the great faith chapter in Hebrews 11.
Reading Canonically and Historically
To fully grasp the significance of these texts, we must adopt a canonical and historical reading approach. This means considering both the original authors’ intentions and the broader biblical witness. By doing so, we can gain a deeper understanding of the unity of the Bible and the doctrine of justification by faith.
The Unity of the Bible
The scholarly practice of dividing Old Testament and New Testament studies has sometimes obscured the unity of the Bible. However, by reading canonically and historically, we can uncover the rich tapestry of God’s revelation and deepen our understanding of the biblical text.
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