The key distinguishing argument of Universal Objective Justification is their claim that "UOJ is not the Atonement." Robert Preus stated that clearly when he was promoting the UOJ of Bishop Stephan and CFW Walther.
No less a genius than Frosty Bivens - plagiarizing Mark Zarling (both of WELS) - announced that UOJ is the Chief Article of the Christian religion, the master and prince, the judge of all other doctrines. And UOJ is all that - for ignorant bullies who find the dogma a convenient axe, a trusty stealth weapon, a deadly instrument.
Robert and Jack Preus used UOJ to keep W. Maier II from becoming president of Concordia Seminary in Ft. Wayne.
UOJ is a clever ploy to take people away from the Gospel itself. The Bible clearly uses the Atonement, Christ's death on the cross for the sins of the world, as another word for the Gospel.
The Gospel chapter of the Old Testament is Isaiah 53, which is devoted to the suffering of Christ to pay for the sins of the world.
Teaching the Gospel means teaching the Atonement, which is universally true - Christ died for all people, paid for all sins. Preaching the Gospel plants faith in the hearts of those who have never heard this before. The baby being baptized hears the Gospel and believes, because the Spirit works through the Word.
The lapsed adult hears the Gospel and it rekindles his faith, because the indwelling Spirit gladly hears the message of grace and hungers for more.
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| UOJ Stormtroopers live on the dark side of the moon. |
The Universal Nature of the Atonement Means All These Things
The universal nature of the Atonement is kidnapped by the UOJists and left for dead after they have received their ransom money - all the foundation and Thrivent money, plus synod funds, thank you. They do not teach the Atonement - a moment of clarity and honesty before the rationalistic fog of Pietism rolls in.
But this is what the universal nature of the Atonement means:
- No sin is too great for this forgiveness, but it is only received in faith. Thus the sin against the Holy Spirit is unfaith. John 16:8ff. UOJists teach blasphemy against God - which is why they become so arrogant, cruel, hardened, and blind.
- Nothing makes us qualified for this forgiveness. We do not have to repent enough, cleanse ourselves enough, suffer enough, pay enough. Believers are freely and fully forgiven, and this constant state of grace heals and motivates us for fruits of the Spirit.
- Not even the smallest sin can be paid for by man, and to think that way is a potentially fatal error that leads to even more mistakes.
- Christ did not only die for minor and easy to conquer sins, which we never do conquer, but also for great and terrible sins. There is nothing more astounding on this earth than to see the transformation of someone who seemed so lost and hopeless before, enjoying this great forgiveness and knowing the power of Gospel Word accomplished what man's wisdom and aids could not.
- We are forever wanting to pay for our sins with tears, sorrow, money, and good works. When we checked out of a motel with our family, I tried to pay the bill. "There is no bill for your room." I argued otherwise and wanted to pay. "I know I did not pay for this room." The clerk said, "The amount has been removed. Let me see. Oh - someone paid for you...Gladys." I turned around and my mother was smiling. That is a little example of the grace of God through Christ, which energizes good works. When someone wants to atone for their sins, the Word says, "No, that was already paid by the Lamb of God."
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