New Perspectives on Paul

Since the Reformation in 1517, Martin Luther’s influence has shaped our understanding of Paul’s concepts of Righteousness, works, faith, and Justification. That is, we have believed that we stand in judgment due to sin. We think there must be something we can do—some work or adherence to the law—to achieve righteousness. However, from this perspective, only our faith in Jesus is to be reckoned to us as righteousness. In this view, Justification is a legal verdict or forensic declaration. This perspective has long contributed to antisemitic thought, particularly regarding those who “follow the law,” But more recently, specifically in light of the Holocaust and the atrocities done there, there has been a rethinking around these concepts. This thinking has been championed by scholars such as E.P. Sanders, James D.G. Dunn, and N.T. Wright.

First and foremost, the righteousness of God is not to be thought of as a static attribute, but rather as something that is active and provokes transformation in us, making us people of God, a covenant family. This transformation, impelled by God’s righteousness, is best known and displayed in the person of Jesus. Faith in Jesus, that is, looking to Jesus as the exemplar, brings about God’s Righteousness in us. The works that Paul refers to are not the overarching expectations of the Law, but those identity markers, like circumcision and dietary restrictions, that in and of themselves do not bring about righteousness, but only serve to separate and splinter the church. Paul was not concerned so much with how people get saved but rather how the covenant family could include both Jews and Gentiles. God desires that we let go of those things that separate us and those laws that seek to set us against each other, so that we might all be transformed into covenant people. Therefore, rather than being individually declared righteous by God, the community of believers, by knowing Christ, is transformed into a family that embodies God’s righteousness in the world.