The Highway Forums General Discussion Theology Discussion Forum What do you think of

The central soteriological reality is union with the exalted Christ by Spirit-created faith. That is the nub, the essence, of the way or order of salvation for Paul. The center of Paul’s soteriology…is neither justification by faith nor sanctification, neither the imputation of Christ’s righteousness nor the renewing work of the Spirit. To draw that conclusion, however, is not to ‘de-center’ justification (or sanctification), as if justification is somehow less important for Paul than the Reformation claims. Justification is supremely important, it is absolutely crucial in Paul’s ‘gospel of salvation’ (cf. Eph. 1:13). Deny or distort his teaching on justification and that gospel ceases to be gospel; there is no longer saving ‘good news’ for sinners. But no matter how close justification is to the heart of Paul’s gospel, in our salvation, as he sees it, there is an antecedent consideration, a reality, that is deeper, more fundamental, more decisive, more crucial: Christ and our union with him, the crucified and resurrected, the exalted, Christ. Union with Christ by faith—that is the essence of Paul’s ordo salutis.

SemperReformanda said:
My initial thought was N. T. Wright...

And I did a search and, sadly, I am not surprised this was written by Richard Gaffin...

Pilgrim said:
What do I think of that statement?

Sorry, but the keystone of Christianity always has been and always will be, "Sola Fide"; justification by faith alone in Christ alone. In fact, at least from my study of God's written Word, it is not union with Christ that sinners are to seek, but rather reconciliation with God through Christ which is secured by faith. It is God Who is the offended party and to whom we must either be reconciled through Christ or stand in judgment. Thus it is justification, by having Christ's righteousness imputed to us, that is most necessary.

No doubt some advocate of NPP, FV, etc., made that quote, no? <img src="/forum/images/graemlins/Ponder.gif" alt="" />

In His grace,

J_Edwards said:
Gaffin is its author. Here is a review of his latest book.

Pilgrim said:
Actually, this is not much of a surprise since Gaffin has been the subject of much controversy over the past several years in regard to his less than forthright stand on "justification". One might say that he has finally chosen to come out of the closet, which in one way is a good thing. I cannot help but wonder if Westminster Seminary will commit the same blunder as it did with its past dealings with Norman Shepherd now with Gaffin? Unfortunately, I have no real hope that there will be a swift and decisive action taken.

In His grace,

A Westminster Bookstore staff pick, recommended by Assistant Manager Mark Traphagen. Mark says, "With the publication of By Faith, Not by Sight we finally have Dr. Gaffin’s rich 'theology of Paul' under one cover. In addition to its value as an important contribution to the sometimes volatile discussions of justification and the nature of salvation, this book serves as a model of the proper cooperation between biblical and systematic theology. Through careful exegesis Gaffin roots his understanding of justification and sanctification in union with Christ, through which the believer enjoys all the benefits of Christ’s death and resurrection.

CovenantInBlood said:
How do we attain union with Christ by faith unless we are first justified in Him by faith??