Vox Judicialis

January 20, 2022 (Thursday)

 

Every now and then, I run into someone who questions the “fairness” of God. The argument runs that if God is fair and just, then those who have never heard of Jesus will not suffer eternal Hell. Paul answers that simply with, “Ever since the creation of the world, God’s invisible qualities—God’s eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, because they are understood through the things God has made. So humans are without excuse.” [Romans 1:20 CEB] This, what is seen in creation, is what theologians call “general revelation.”

 

In the orthodox understanding of Christianity, Jesus is the only way to salvation. Speaking to the religious elite, Peter (who the text says was “inspired” while talking) stated, “Salvation can be found in no one else. Throughout the whole world, no other name has been given among humans through which we must be saved.” [Acts 4:12 CEB] The Person he was talking about was Jesus. This, what is read in scripture, is what theologians call “special revelation.”

 

However, Paul takes a wider view of what theologians call “justification.” Quoting Genesis 15:6, Paul argues, “What does the scripture say? Abraham had faith in God, and it was credited to him as righteousness.” [Romans 4:3 CEB] He goes on to remind us that Abraham was a Gentile when this happened. (see Romans 4:10 – 12) I am under the impression; at the accountability level everyone can see God in creation. (Which is one reason the lie of “evolution,” which strips God out of creation, is so poisonous.)

 

Psalm 19 distinguishes between these two ways God has revealed Himself. Explaining how creation speaks, David declared, “Of course, there’s no speech, no words— their voices can’t be heard— but their sound extends throughout the world; their words reach the ends of the earth.” [Psalm 19:3 – 4a CEB] Addressing how the written word works, David affirmed, “No doubt about it: your servant is enlightened by them; there is great reward in keeping them.” [Psalm 19:11 CEB] The word translated “enlightened” is a word picture that means “to shine or send out light” (BDB). Figuratively it means “to admonish, warn” (BDB)

 

Here’s where we get stuck. David continues, “How can I know all the sins lurking in my heart?” [Psalm 19:12a NLT] The image of “lurking” tracks close to the visual God gave Cain as a warning. (see Genesis 4:7) The idea here is “hidden faults” or as some would like to blame “secret sins.” We are helpless against them since they are beyond our ability to see or understand them. (I know I’m splitting the texts for this verse.) David finishes the verse, “Declare me innocent from hidden faults.” [Psalm 19:12b ESV] This is what theologians call the “vox judicialis,” where God declares (in the legal sense) us innocent.

 

David continues with the “real” problem humanity faces, “Keep your servant from deliberate sins! Don’t let them control me. Then I will be free of guilt and innocent of great sin.” [Psalm 19:13 NLT] The deliberate things we do (or do not do) ultimately control the sinner. The unknown/hidden sins create havoc. The deliberate sins are like an addiction. They are slavery in the worst sense of the word.

 

Let me end with a prayer for a skill necessary to combat sin, “Let the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be pleasing to you, Lord, my rock and my redeemer.” [Psalm 19:14 CEB] The words you hear in your mind are not all yours, our culture attacks, our past attacks, and the enemy attacks with those words. The key is what words you own and use need to be pleasing to God.