On the Doctrine of Imputed Righteousness & the Atonement

This is one of the more difficult subjects to address, as there are significant differences between modern evangelical protestantism and orthodoxy on this exact point.  To say that the doctrine of imputed righteousness formed a cornerstone for non-Anglican protestantism (starting with Luther) would be an understatement.  Alongside sola-scriptura, it is one of the few things that virtually all protestants have in common (historically). 

The doctrine, in essence, goes like this: we are born with a sinful nature (so that sinning is as unavoidable and natural to us as having eyes or feet).  We cannot avoid this, and, due to sin, owe to God an unpayable debt.  In Christ, through Christ's faithfulness, the ultimate and unpayable debt for our sins is absolved as, on the Cross, Christ accepted the punishment which was due to us for our sins.  When we place our faith in Christ, then, God views us through "Christ-tinted-glasses" - He sees not our sinfulness, but rather imputes Christ's righteousness (including Christ's payment of our debt) to us. 

More after the jump.

The Word of the Cross: God's Answer to Evil

This is, far and away, the best answer I've ever heard to the problem of evil.  Fr. Hopko doesn't set out to answer that problem (his purpose is just to meditate on what God is saying through the cross), but the impact is marvelous.

It is a bit long (2 hours), but can be found for free on Ancient Faith Radio.

Here are the links:

1. Part One
2. Part Two
3. Part Three
4. Part Four

You can also purchase it online from SVS Press (as the lecture was delivered at the seminary).

May you have a blessed Good and Holy Friday, and a wonderful Pascha.  I'll be taking a break from posting over the weekend.

In Christ,
Macarius