UOJ or JIC or…?
On this site, I have attempted to share (for a PDF download of the full text of this site that you too can share…or keep for yourself, click here) the teaching of UOJ, along with various problems associated with it .

Additionally, I have attempted to offer a more biblical view of justification (which I have come to call Justification in Christ or JIC – not a new teaching, just a new identifier for the original biblical teaching…in my view) which is consistent with all of Scripture, including those biblical teachings which I have suggested serve to disprove UOJ.

Further, the foundation behind JIC was borrowed from Lutheran theologians who, themselves, were proponents of UOJ.  What is that foundation? It is that Christ, himself, had to be vindicated/justified after having become sin for us.

Am I 100% convinced that JIC is the correct way to understand justification?  No.  But, I do lean heavily in that direction (about 99.9% convinced…I always leave some wiggle room to be corrected on any of my beliefs, but I also know what I believe and why I believe it…and, it’s not just “because my pastor said so.”) based on the biblical witness.

Am I 100% convinced that UOJ is NOT the correct way to understand justification?  At this point in time, again I would say 99.9% convinced.  And again, I am always willing to consider legitimate arguments from Scripture to the contrary (arguments FROM SCRIPTURE…you caught that, right?) At this point, I have read, researched and prayerfully considered much on the subject of UOJ and have been left thoroughly under-impressed with any supposed biblical arguments.

And, honestly, I don’t really care what other pastors, professors or Lutheran Fathers have to say on the issue unless it is directly taken from God’s word.

My Hope…
I hope that this site serves to spark critical thinking on the subject of justification.

I further hope that this site prompts further discussion among Lutherans (theologians and non-theologians), truly willing to openly listen and discuss.

One observation I have made regarding the proponents of UOJ is that most seem over-confident (I’ll refrain from saying arrogant – oh, I guess I just did 😲) in their stance on UOJ.  It is assumed that UOJ is the be-all, end-all position on justification. There often seems to be no legitimate consideration given to the possibility that UOJ could be wrong…only that the poor, yet-to-be-convinced, persistent errorist (the one who rejects UOJ) must be wrong.

I would suggest that this is not because the evidence from Scripture compels them to hold so tightly to UOJ (as we have seen some real problems with supposed “proof” passages for UOJ).  Rather, I would suggest that these proponents of UOJ are more inclined to hold tightly to UOJ due to pride, tradition, fear of disagreeing with UOJ (and being disfellowshipped), or the like, more than based on the supposed evidence itself (though maybe they have been thoroughly deceived by the enemy).

In this sense, they are akin to the secular scientist who rules out the possibility of a creator before ever looking at the evidence in creation. Just as this is not good science (leading the evidence where you want it to go, rather than following the evidence wherever it leads), so every Christian ought to be readily willing to admit he could be wrong in one way or another and ought to humbly consider another possibility while thoroughly examining all of the biblical witness on the subject.

Should we allow ourselves to be blown back and forth by every wind of teaching? Of course not! But we ought not (dare not) stubbornly refuse to consider real truth, in light of the full testimony of Scripture, either.

Sadly, in regard to UOJ, proponents seem to have closed their eyes and ears to any possibility of being corrected. Zech 7:11 comes to mind:

~ Zech 7:11 But they refused to pay attention and turned a stubborn shoulder; they closed their ears so they could not hear. (CSB)

But, I am fairly confident that not all “proponents” emphatically agree with UOJ (or each other).  I hope this site serves to embolden those who quietly disagree with UOJ to come out from hiding and to take a stand for truth…or at least take a stand for legitimate questioning and debate.

Finally, I hope this site serves to glorify God and to bring light to his truth, found in our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

If I Have Failed…
If I have, at times spoken too harshly, I apologize. It was not my intention. Though it was my intention to put forth the truth and to put down error plainly and boldly (and hopefully with a bit of levity). I currently stand vehemently opposed to UOJ, but I have done my very best to present information here as honestly and objectively as possible. I have made every effort to avoid name-calling or other derogatory language and the like, while at the same time openly “telling it like it is.” I hope I have successfully shared the truth (as I understand it) in true Christian love and humility. I again, apologize if I have failed at some point.

Blessings
God’s blessings to you on your journey of discovery regarding God’s justifying work through Christ. May he lead you to a knowledge of the truth.

~ If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. James 1:5 (BSB)