Status Updates From Christ Crucified: A Theolog...

“It is clear when we read all of Paul's letters that he doesn't teach that one's ethnic background is cancelled as if it no longer exists. Paul prays specifically in Romans 9 for the Jews to be saved and often distinguishes between Jews and Gentiles in his letters (102).

“One doesn't relate to others based on social status or one's position in society but based on one's faith in Jesus Christ. As has often been pointed out, Paul develops new kinship categories, a new idea of what it means to be family. We can see from this how later in history, even by the second century, Christians identified believers as a third race” (100–101)

On love fulfilling the law: “We can imagine someone who refrains from adultery, murder, and stealing while being self-absorbed, narcissistic, and irritable. Love never transgresses commands, which is to say that love never violates moral norms. Nevertheless, love is not fully encapsulated or defined by such moral norms. Love is more than keeping moral norms but is never less” (90).

The law is described as our paidagogos, which is translated: “guardian,” "schoolmaster,” “custodian,” or “tutor.” The word doesn't refer to a teacher, tutor, or instructor but to one who cares for a child during growing-up years. I think the word "babysitter" is the best dynamic translation. Babysitters are appropriate while we are growing up, but they’re dispensed with at adulthood. (86–87)

When God declares believers are justified by faith, he is announcing in advance the verdict that will be declared on the last day. The end time has reached into the present time, and this eschatological declaration belongs to believers now because Jesus has been declared to be in the right by his death and resurrection. (44)

God's purposes aren't fulfilled in a beautiful arc that curves upward in a smooth, unbroken narrative. Instead, the story of salvation is full of fits and starts, advances and retreats. By the time the NT opens it seems hope for redemption had ground to a halt, but suddenly God acts, invading the world in Christ. The end-time promises are fulfilled but in a startling way—eschatologically and apocalyptically! (32)