The Biggie (Part 1)

March 27, 2020

At the heart of the Reformation and the division between the Catholic and Protestant churches (and therefore, on some level, this season of A Beautiful Church Podcast) is the subject of justification. Although this was Martin Luther’s primary doctrinal issue, over the years, ecumenical dialogue has found much unity in theology between Protestants and Catholics. In this episode, Adam and David discuss some of those points of agreement.

Unfortunately, much of the division in the Church is due to decades-old political disputes and semantic issues. Or, as Adam and David point out, sometimes what is perceived as a difference in doctrine is really just a difference in emphasis. There’s common ground concerning justification, especially when it comes to hell, objective truth, and the salvation that comes exclusively through Jesus Christ.

Adam and David discuss these points and more in the first of two episodes on the subject of justification. Tune in to episode 9 to hear them continue the conversation by exploring the relationship between grace and works.

 

Jump Through the Conversation

  • [0:17] Adam’s disclaimer and opening comments about unity

  • [2:54] Context for discussion of justification

  • [5:31] David’s caveat

  • [6:28] Political/geopolitical and linguistic/semantic issues in the Reformation and beyond

  • [8:56] Doctrinal emphasis vs doctrinal differences

  • [10:20] Rabbit trail about pronunciations

  • [12:25] Original sin

  • [13:45] On the existence of hell

  • [15:35] Evangelical Protestants and objective truth

  • [16:43] Conversion experiences and discipleship

  • [21:14] Mortal sin vs venial sin

  • [25:40] The real significance of Jesus’ death

  • [28:15] Various perspectives on hell

  • [33:43] Jesus Christ is the only Savior

 

Links and Resources

 

A resource of the Chattanooga House of Prayer