Justification with Mike Abendroth

Show Notes are Ai Generated: 

About the Guest(s): Mike Abendroth is a seasoned pastor and theologian with a substantial background in Christian ministry. He has served as the pastor of Bethlehem Bible Church in Massachusetts for over 27 years, showcasing his long-term commitment to pastoral care and biblical teaching. Mike is also the host of "No Compromise Radio," which was initially broadcast on the radio and has since transitioned to podcast format. His reach as an evangelical speaker extends beyond his local church as he engages audiences through various media platforms. In addition to his church and radio responsibilities, Mike is a published author who has contributed to the theological community through his writings. Notably, he has experienced personal trials, such as leukemia treatment, and has used these challenges to shape his ministry and outreach further. Episode Summary: In this enlightening episode of Renewalcast, hosts Colt Robinson and Jay Wipf sit down with guest Mike Abendroth, Pastor and No Compromise Radio host, to delve into a critical aspect of Christian doctrine – justification. The episode kicks off with an announcement about an upcoming special Law Gospel week, punctuating the importance of understanding Christian liberty and its relation to law and theology. Central to their discussion is the concept of justification, a foundational doctrine within the Christian faith. Justification is meticulously unpacked to reveal its significance as God's irrevocable declaration of righteousness granted to believers through the work of Christ. Abendroth engages in a deep dive into the facets of justification, advocating for the clarity of distinction between it and sanctification, and discusses potential contemporary misunderstandings. The conversation touches upon historical confessions and how modern perspectives can either align with or diverge from these traditional stances. Key Takeaways:

• Justification is presented as a one-time, irrevocable act of God, declaring a believer righteous through the double imputation of sin to Christ and Christ's righteousness to the believer.
• The episode emphasizes the necessity of keeping the doctrines of justification and sanctification distinct to avoid theological confusion and assure believers of their standing before God.
• Contemporary challenges to the classic Protestant understanding of justification are identified, including the notion of 'final justification,' and the need for works as a requirement for final salvation.
• Quotes from historical theologians like John Owen are elucidated, offering insight into Reformation-era beliefs that conflict with the idea of double justification.
• The importance of confessions and historical theology as guides and 'gutters' to keep current teaching accurate and in line with orthodox belief is stressed.

Notable Quotes:

1. "Justification is a double imputation. It's our sins imputed to Christ and his righteousness imputed to us." - Mike Abendroth
2. "Once God justifies someone, they can no longer become unjustified… Justification is the same for every single person that's justified, and it cannot be taken away." - Mike Abendroth
3. "Faith alone claiming this privilege for itself… it is one thing for love and works to be required in the person who is justified, another in the act itself of justification." - Turretin, quoted by Mike Abendroth
4. "We need not inquire how a man is justified after he is justified." - Benjamin Keach, quoted by Mike Abendroth
5. "If you add this final justification by works, it renders that first one null and void. It didn't matter that you got it right initially." - Jay Wipf

Resources:

• Renewalcast: Renewalcast Website
• Mike Abendroth's Podcast: No Compromise Radio

Listen to the full episode to gain a more comprehensive understanding of faith, justification, and the belief in Christ's role as the sanctifier. Stay tuned for more insightful discussions and episodes from Renewalcast.