The Active Obedience of Christ. No Hope Without It! (part 1)

CONTEXT: During my  time in seminary an intramural debate broke out over the "active obedience of Christ."  As this theological discussion spilled over onto campus a few of my classmates (Marc Wragg and James Dolezal), and one of our local church pastors, (Phil Johnson), became increasingly concerned over some of the writings a (now former) professor produced concerning this subject.  The following is an essay I wrote as a young seminary student in defense of this core doctrine.

SUMMARY: The term "active obedience" refers to the perfect righteousness of Jesus Christ.  Christ's "active obedience" is not merely His inherent holiness as the Divine Son of God.  The active obedience of Christ includes His perfect, lifelong obedience to the letter and spirit of God's holy law (note Matthew 3:15; Galatians 4:4-5).  For thirty plus years Jesus lived one perfect life!  The perfect (alien) righteousness of Christ (the second Adam) is imputed to the account of all who receive the Savior in faith (see 2 Corinthians 5:21, Romans 5).  This doctrine touches the heart of the biblical gospel.  To quote the late Dr. Machen, "I'm so thankful for the active obedience of Christ.  No hope without it."