A Controversial Teaching

Confusion
The subject of UOJ is a controversial one, if for no other reason, because it can be soooo confusing for soooo many.  And, in my experience, the way in which it is often taught only leads to further confusion.

Such as this…often times when teaching on the subject of UOJ pastors, professors and others use biblical concepts (and the words associated with them) interchangeably/synonymously.  For example, the conversation will not be exclusively about justification alone, but instead it will be about justification, acquittal, forgiveness, and righteousness with each of these terms being used interchangeably.  More than this, the discussion often comes with little to no explanation as to why these words can or should be used interchangeably or how someone came to this conclusion.

Now, imagine sitting through an hour-long Bible class while continually going back and forth from justification to forgiveness to righteousness to acquittal and back to justification again and so on.  Ugh!

Beyond Confusion
But, the controversy associated with UOJ goes well beyond mere confusion.  Many would argue that the doctrine of justification is at the heart and center of all of Scripture.  How is man made right with God and restored to him?  Is this not what the Christian faith, indeed the whole of our existence in a fallen world, is all about?  

Any variation in beliefs on this topic and we can expect debate, attempts at correction, sinful temperatures rising and yes, controversy.

Furthermore, over the years, numerous church members, pastors and even whole congregations have been disfellowshiped from their church body for disagreeing with UOJ.

Yes, UOJ is a confusing and controversial teaching.

Simplicity & Clarity
But what if the doctrine of justification doesn’t need to be so complicated?  What if it doesn’t need to be so divisive?

What if…

What if Scripture actually speaks more clearly than those on either side of the debate have allowed themselves to consider or to comprehend?

What if…gasp…those on both sides of the debate are…actually…right? Huh?

What’s Possible?
Some will say, “But, that’s not possible!”

Or, is it? Don’t dismiss this possibility too quickly. Don’t forget, “With God, all things are….”

Well…just keep reading.

First, we’ll look at both sides of the debate in some detail. Then, we’ll look to see how God’s truth may have already brought both sides of the debate together, while debaters were busy focusing too heavily on Lutheran writings rather than on that which was right in front of them in God’s Word all along.

Could it really be that simple? See for yourself.

First things first, though. So, what exactly is this debate all about anyhow?