This (from my favorite bookstore) is really, really good:
“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.”
Excerpt from Richard Gaffin, By Faith, Not by Sight: Paul and the Order of Salvation. Might just have to pick that one up…
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4 responses so far ↓
1 greg // Sep 15, 2006 at 12:57 pm
You and me both brother!
I can’t wait to read it. If you pick up this book, and these others: “Perspectives on Pentecost” and “Resurrection and Redemption”; you will have a basic summary of his WTS class “Acts and Paul”.
(I have the latter two already if you’d like to borrow…as if our reading lists aren’t long enough!)
2 Aron // Sep 15, 2006 at 7:01 pm
I know!! I should be admitted for even thinking about stacking another book on this pile. It’s a sickness, I tell you–a “debilitating case of booklust!”
I noticed the audio series of that “Acts and Paul” series on the website; what with my commute getting longer shortly, I was thinking about picking that up (as well|instead)…seems I have more time to listen than to read lately.
3 greg // Sep 16, 2006 at 12:49 am
listening is way cooler… if I could get all my books on audio i’d do it in a heartbeat…
That’s how I got through the Harry Potter series… and several others as well!
Though I am not sure theology would translate nearly as well to audio. Worth a try though! Who could we get to read the books? Kenneth Bragnaugh? Patrick Stewart? For this one it’d have to be Gaffin himself…
If you do get the lectures, you’ll need to bone up on your greek ;-)
4 Aron // Sep 16, 2006 at 9:14 am
Sir Ian McKlellan, perhaps? No–I’ve got it: Michael Cain, in his best Cockney accent. Now that would be cool…
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