In Defense of Sola Fide

One of the most debated topics in Pauline scholarship today is New Perspectives on Paul (NPP). NT Wright says that the church has misjudged early Judaism, mistaking it as a version of Pelagianism and that traditional understanding of justification was wrong. According to Wright, Paul was against the Judaizers not because of legalism but because they excluded the Gentiles and did not accept Jesus as Messiah. Wright's rejection of imputation of God's righteousness and justification by faith alone arises from historical-critical ideology, covenant theology, and anti-traditionalism. However, the NT describes first-century Judaism as a legalistic religion (Matt 23:15; Luke 18:12; John 6:27) and that justification is by faith alone (Rom 3:22, 28; Gal 3:11). We must contend for justification by faith alone, because it is biblical. We must not compromise with Wright, who subtly misinterprets this key doctrine. Justification by works is heretical at best and will destroy souls.