Many readers may wonder: Why would an unknown author choose to write and publish yet another book on justification and righteousness, given the vast array of works by numerous prominent scholars on these subjects? This endeavor is rooted in three theological convictions:
First, Justification and righteousness can only be fully understood through the lens of God's covenant promises, as articulated in the prophetic messages of the Old Testament (Romans 1:2). This perspective emphasizes that the core message of justification is framed within the context of Jesus and His proclamation of the kingdom of God, to which believers are invited to enter through repentance. Therefore, the meaning and implications of justification are fundamentally linked to the concept of the kingdom of God.
Second, Justification is best understood as the gateway to salvation and a life committed to the kingdom and its mission. Thus, a vital focus of this study should be exploring how those who are initially justified live as members of this kingdom, embodying a righteous identity. This theme is reflected in Jesus' Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7) and His eschatological teachings (Matthew 24-25). Unfortunately, contemporary scholarships often present a negative perspective on this issue. A crucial task of modern theology on justification is to investigate how we will be affirmed in the future.
Third, the concepts of justification and righteousness are significantly informed by the notion of Jubilee, which symbolizes the righteousness of the kingdom of God. The Jubilee, which has its origins in the Sabbath-referred to as a "little jubilee" during creation-celebrates God's goodness and mercy toward His creation, foreshadowing the redemption through Christ. In Leviticus 25, the Jubilee is initiated with the sound of the trumpet on the Day of Atonement, ushering in righteousness and fostering the creation of a righteous community in Israel, governed by God's grace. This institution is proclaimed as good news (Isaiah 61:1-3) through its two components: the year of the Lord's favor and the Day of Vengeance. Luke refers to this as the Gospel of Jesus (Luke 4:16-19). Therefore, understanding the Jubilee is crucial for grasping the Gospel, righteousness, justification, and judgment, and it helps clarify the nature of God's judgment as the Day of Vengeance approaches. Caring for the poor and loving our neighbors are central themes of good news and the Jubilee. Sadly, many remain unaware of these critical elements within our understanding of faith and justification.
This exploration is not merely an intellectual or academic pursuit, but a vital inquiry into the question of salvation. Regrettably, few books effectively persuade readers based on the entirety of the 66 books of the Bible. Instead, Christianity appears divided into two camps concerning the doctrines of justification and salvation, leading to significant misunderstandings and conflicts arising from various partial perspectives. To fully comprehend these concepts and their implications, this work employs a Covenant-Kingdom theological methodology. It aims to encompass the diverse teachings on righteousness and justification found throughout the Bible, from Genesis to Revelation.
