Living in Light of Our
Justification By Hayden Smith
Pietism isn’t just a product of the 17th century. It has reared
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its ugly head in all theology, in all men, at all times. Historically, speaking, pietism was a reaction to what was seen as a lack of heartfelt faith borne out in the Christian life with too much focus on an intellectualized faith. Pietism countered this with an emphasis on more subjective inner faith and so purity of doctrine and the sacraments were de-emphasized Over time, pietism has come to mean a functional works’ righteousness created by looking to our own works as evidence for our salvation. It comes naturally to us. There is always a beckoning; there is always a “still small voice,” if you will, that calls our attention to our works for justification and, I dare say, sanctification.“Live the victorious and rigorous Christian life and if you don’t…we all know you never really were a Christian in the first place.”
