Fides 18 N2 - Revista do Centro Presbiteriano Andrew Jumper

Ralph F. Boersema, Original Righteousness
it is not distinguishing between two functions in the life of the believer, but two
incompatible principles: salvation through faith in Christ and his atonement,
rather than justification through self-righteous works.
keywords
Righteousness; Justification; Adam’s righteousness; Faith and works;
Probation.
An examination of God’s word with regard to Adam’s original righteousness,
before he fell into sin, yields ample fruit for the doctrine of justification
after the fall. In such a study it is proper to let the light of later biblical teaching
shine on Genesis 1 and 2. However, great care must be taken to avoid speculation
or influencing exegesis by theological constructs that, conceivably, may
fit the biblical data but which are not truly derived from them. I ask my readers
to graciously correct me if the thoughts expressed here make affirmations that
transgress these limits. 1
1. righteousness integral to the divine image
In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. God created man
in his own image. And God saw everything that he had made, and behold, it
was very good (Gen 1:1, 27, 31). One who is created after the likeness of God
is made in true righteousness and holiness (Eph 4:24). At his creation, Adam
was both truly righteous and holy.
From the beginning Adam bore the image of God and was righteous. His
heart was pure and holy. His standing before the Lord was as one who was
counted righteous and approved. There was nothing Adam had to do or could
do in order to achieve right-standing with his Creator. The Lord had already
made him righteous.
Adam’s original moral integrity immediately suggests several conclusions
that help define our concept of righteousness. One is that obedient works
(although necessary for remaining righteous) do not add anything to a person
being counted as righteous. Right-standing with God is not an achievement,
a work to be performed, but an endowment from the Creator. Any notion that
Adam was created morally neutral with the duty to become righteous, or upright
with the possibility of becoming more upright must be dispelled. Thoughts of
righteousness as an accounting ledger of credits produced by law-performance
do not fit with the truth that Adam was created just. There are no degrees of
righteous status and justice is not a matter of doing more good than evil.
1 To contact the author and for more about related topics, see http://pro-rege.net/rfb/theology/
justification.
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