There are many texts in the Old Testament that refute forensic justification, such as Psa 106:30-31 (cf. Num 25) and Phinehas being credited with righteousness due to his meritorious good works or passages that, while often abused by the likes of Buchanan and White, when exegeted in their context, refute the concept of forensic imputation of righteousness (e.g., Lev 17:3-4; Deut 25:1).
In Psalm 45: 2, 4, we read the following:
In verse 2, grace (Heb:חֵן Gk: χαρις) is said to be poured into a person (Heb: יצק Gk.: εκχεω), not merely imputed or "covering" the person. Furthermore, the term "blessed" (ευλογεω) is often used to denote one who has been justified (e.g., Gal 3:8, 9, 14; cf. Gen 22:17). Such is further strengthened by v. 4 using the term that is translated "righteousness" that is often used in justification contexts (Heb:: צֶדֶק Gk: δικαιοσύνη; cf. Rom 4:3, 5, 6, 9, 11, 13, 22, etc).
What is clear is that Psa 45 is consistent with the concept of justification being, not merely declarative, but also transformative. Such is inconsistent with most Protestant theologies, but consistent with Latter-day Saint soteriology.
In Psalm 45: 2, 4, we read the following:
Thou art fairer than the children of men: grace is poured into thy lips: therefore God hath blessed thee for ever . . . And in thy majesty ride prosperously because of truth and meekness and righteousness, and thy right hand shall teach thee terrible things.
In verse 2, grace (Heb:חֵן Gk: χαρις) is said to be poured into a person (Heb: יצק Gk.: εκχεω), not merely imputed or "covering" the person. Furthermore, the term "blessed" (ευλογεω) is often used to denote one who has been justified (e.g., Gal 3:8, 9, 14; cf. Gen 22:17). Such is further strengthened by v. 4 using the term that is translated "righteousness" that is often used in justification contexts (Heb:: צֶדֶק Gk: δικαιοσύνη; cf. Rom 4:3, 5, 6, 9, 11, 13, 22, etc).
What is clear is that Psa 45 is consistent with the concept of justification being, not merely declarative, but also transformative. Such is inconsistent with most Protestant theologies, but consistent with Latter-day Saint soteriology.
