----- Forwarded Message -----
From: malajaa@...
To: soundofgrace-subscribe@...
Date: Wed, 1 Sep 2004 23:00:54 -0400
Subject: active obedience of Christ
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Chad and Harry,

Thank you for this interesting discussion regarding the active obedience
of Christ.  It has been stimulating to read through your comments.  Some
questions and comments.  Harry, I believe that you need to examine the
Scriptures which present "life" as a reward for obedience which Chad has
presented more carefully.  We both agree with your conclusion that no one
from Adam achieves that righteousness/life, and is therefore saved by
their works.  However those Scriptures are clear and irrefutable- life is
promised for obedience to the Law (Lev. 18:5, etc.).  It does not
automatically follow that people, are saved by obeying the Law.  Luther
saw this and was careful to point out the difference between the
indicative and imperative.  That which is commanded is not the same as
that which is possessed as a reality.   

Chad, you are assuming something that I have not (yet) accepted.  That is
that Christ's substitutionary death and resurrection are not sufficient
to pay for the penalty of breaking God's Law.  You assert that active
obedience is also necessary, since that is what God commanded.  Is it
logically or Theologically or Scripturally necessary for God to require
the positive fulfillment of His Law in order to account us righteous? 
Why is not the resurrected and living Christ sufficient.  1 Cor. 1:30
says that it is Christ who is "made unto us wisdom... and
righteousness..."   I share Harry's desire for specific Scriptures
teaching this doctrine.  I am familiar with Rom. 5 and find it
inconclusive, certainly not clearly establishing your view.  If the
gospel is specifically that Christ died and rose again for our sins, then
to add his life of keeping the law seems to be adding to, and therefore
detracting from, those specific truths.

Seeking to understand His word,

Mike M.
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