Monday, September 11, 2006

By Faith and Not by Sight

Richard Gaffin--known for writing books thin in size but thick in content--has a new book out, entitled By Faith and Not by Sight: Paul and the Order of Salvation (Paternoster). It's available through the Westminster Seminary bookstore (as well as Amazon.com).

Here is some info pulled from the WTS site:

Publisher's Description:
How, according to the teachings of Paul, does the individual receive salvation?

That is the focal question behind this book. Against some recent scholars Gaffin argues that it is both a meaningful and an appropriate question to ask. So what does the application of salvation to sinners involve for Paul? Does he distinguish between salvation accomplished (historia salutis) and salvation applied (ordo salutis) and, if so, how, and how important is the latter for him? And what exactly is the place of justification in his theology? Gaffin argues that:
“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.”
Table of Contents 
1. The Order of Salvation and the Theology of Paul
 The Study of Paul Today
 Paul as Theologian--Some Foundations
       Biblical Theology
       The Problem of Interpreting Paul
  Paul as theologian
  Biblical theology and systematic theology

2. The Order of Salvation and the "Center" of Paul's Theology
 The "Center" of Paul's Theology
  1 Corinthians 15:3-4
  Sin
  Union with Christ
  Union and justification
  The role of faith
 The Center of Paul's Theology and the Order of Salvation
  Justification in the order of salvation

3. The Order of Salvation and Eschatology - I
 Eschatology and Anthropology
 Eschatology and Sanctification
  Union with Christ and the resurrection
  Indicative and imperative
  Historical and theological reflections

4. The Order of Salvation and Eschatology - II
 Eschatology and Justification
 Initial Considerations
  The perspective of the Westminster Standards
  Justification as future
  Faith and obedience
  Paul and James
  Justification and the present


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