The Shack Co-Author "Justice, Not Righteousness" | Episode 90: Wayne Jacobsen

Join us at The Bright Side for your daily dose of positive news and inspiration: https://livethebrightside.com/ Did the English Bible translators get it wrong? What if one of the most important words in the New Testament has been shaping our faith differently than Jesus intended? In this thought-provoking episode of the Live Faith First Podcast, Elliot Sands sits down with Wayne Jacobsen, co-author of The Shack and co-author of Just Love, to discuss a provocative claim: the Greek word often translated as "righteousness" may be better understood as "justice." Together, they explore how this translation choice may have influenced centuries of Christian thought, discipleship, and spiritual formation. More importantly, they discuss how God's love transforms us from the inside out, leading not to religious performance but to lives marked by justice, compassion, and genuine care for others. Whether you agree with Wayne's conclusions or simply want to wrestle with an important biblical idea, this conversation will challenge you to think more deeply about what it means to follow Jesus. Wayne Jacobsen is an author, speaker, and teacher known for helping people discover a deeper, more relational walk with God. After spending two decades in pastoral ministry, Wayne experienced a profound shift in his understanding of God's love and grace that changed the trajectory of his life and writing. He is the author of numerous books including He Loves Me!, Finding Church, A Language of Healing for a Polarized Nation, and Just Love. Wayne is also widely known as one of the co-authors of the bestselling novel The Shack, which has impacted millions of readers worldwide. Through his writing, podcasts, and speaking ministry, Wayne encourages people to move beyond religious performance and into a vibrant relationship with God rooted in love, freedom, and transformation. Elliot Sands is the host of the Live Faith First podcast—a dynamic space where faith meets real-world challenges. With a rich background as a pastor, school principal, health-tech co-founder, and now Executive Director of Faith First, Elliot brings deep wisdom and practical insight to every conversation. As a husband, father, and grandfather, he weaves personal experience with thoughtful discussion, tackling tough topics with clarity and compassion. Live Faith First is all about bridging divides—whether in society or the church—encouraging listeners to step beyond echo chambers and build real, meaningful relationships across the aisle, the street, or the table. Connect with Wayne Jacobsen Website: https://www.lifestream.org/ Book: Just Love — https://www.lifestream.org/just-love/ Podcast: https://www.thegodjourney.com/ Facebook:   / wayne.jacobsen.370211   Connect with Live Faith First https://livethebrightside.com/ Join the Email List: https://www.livefaithfirst.org/contact   / livefaithfirst     / livefaithfirst     / livefaithfirst   Connect with Host Elliot Sands Website: https://www.elliotsands.me/ Instagram:   / fool.4.grace   Chapters: [00:00] Righteousness or Justice? The Big Question [01:07] Meet Wayne Jacobsen [01:35] From Pastor to Author and Co-Author of The Shack [02:43] The Premise Behind Just Love [04:16] Why the Word "Righteousness" Matters [07:13] Abraham, Faith, and Justice [11:10] Justice Throughout Scripture [14:05] Malachi, Jesus, and the New Covenant [19:55] How Did This Translation Happen? [26:05] Transformation vs. Behavior Management [30:02] Wayne's Favorite Verse Revisited [32:46] Why English Is Unique [35:17] Salvation Beyond "Getting to Heaven" [38:55] Working Out Your Salvation [42:21] Why God Doesn't Use a Cookie-Cutter Approach [43:21] How Justice Changes the Way We Treat Others [47:08] Elliot's 5 A.M. Noodles Story [51:49] Self-Righteousness vs. Justice [53:05] "My Yoke Is Easy" Revisited [55:35] Can This Be Explained Simply? [58:15] Why Wayne Wrote Just Love [58:54] What's Bringing Wayne Joy Right Now [1:00:48] Loving Sarah Through Trauma and Healing [1:01:28] The Seed Question