Doctrine of Justification

by James Buchanan, J.I. Packer (Introduction)

It may be thought by some that the subject of justification is trite and exhausted; that, as one of the 'commonplaces' of theology, it was conclusively determined and settled at the era of the Reformation; and that nothing new or interesting can now be introduced into the
discussion of it.

But ]] may it not be said that, to a large class of minds in the present age, nothing could well be more new than the old theology of the Reformation? The gospel is older than Luther; but to every succeeding generation it is still newgood news from Godas fresh now as when
It first sprung from the fountain of Inspiration.

]] The doctrine of justification, by grace, through faith in Christ, is the old doctrine of the Reformation, and the still older doctrine of the gospel; yet the vivid apprehension of its meaning and the cordial reception of its truth must be a new thing in the experience of everyone when he is first enabled to realize and to believe it.

Genres: Theology, Christian, Church History

494 pages, Hardcover

First published March 2, 2015

About the author

Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name. See this thread for more information.


(2) list of works from Wikipedia: James Buchanan (minister)
1804-1870

Reviews

[Jared Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Masterful.

[Justin Dillehay · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a classic for a reason. Read it and weep for joy.

[Daniel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Masterclass on justification—both in historical and systematic theology.

And the conclusion brings it all together with several powerful and insightful reflections concerning the importance of this doctrine.

Take up and read.

[Alex · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is somewhat difficult to rate because it depends on your expectations. If seen as a textbook intended to support rigorous doctrinal study, it's phenomenal. The content is thorough, robust, solid.

Those same traits however make for heavy work at times. It's no beach read.

So if you're setting off to ski the mountain of Justification, as long as you know this isn't a green run but rather a double black diamond, then you'd be hard pressed to find a better book on the subject.

[Adam Kareus · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great and classic work on the doctrine of Justification. Buchanan walks through scripture, a historical survey and addresses some of the central questions that surround this doctrine. This should be studied by all who take their Christian faith seriously to appreciate what it means that a person is justified by faith in Christ.

[Jonathan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Superb. The author's clear thinking shows in his clear writing. As Packer states in the introduction, Buchanan isn't an original thinker, but we don't need originality when talking about justification. Buchanan shows how faulty views on justification, if not fatal, are always injurious to practical Christianity.

[Simon Field · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars. Very comprehensive and thorough. Buchanan surveys the history of justification starting in Genesis in part 1 and exposits the doctrine and how it relates to other areas of Christian teaching in part 2. My only criticism is that sometimes Buchanan quotes scripture without reference.

[Travis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book overall. Although, it did seem a bit redundant near the end.

[Johnny Zacchio jr. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I only skipped 2 chapters in the beginning section.

An absolute masterpiece. Please read this book!

[Ben · Rating 5 out of 5]

Careful, clear, sharpening.

List of Buchanan's 33/34 propositions: https://www.apostolictheology.org/201...

#readbigbooks

[Miles Foltermann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Masterful and sublime. Should be considered one of the enduring authoritative sources on the Reformed doctrine of justification.

[Tim Michiemo · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.1 Stars

Buchanan’s book is a comprehensive work on the doctrine justification. Concerning the doctrine of justification Buchanan leaves no crevice uncovered or rock unturned. This book is fairly long (381 pages) and its older style of writing made it work to read. Yet anyone who wants a comprehensive understanding of the doctrine of justification would do well to read this book. Buchanan delivers a detailed outline of this doctrine over biblical and church history and then explains the actual doctrine itself over 33 different propositions. His explanations are well thought out though and thoroughly Biblical. Again, I recommend this book for anyone who wants to dig deeper and understand all the implications and complexities of the doctrine of justification!

[Brenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Buchanan speaks truth. He addresses many of the distortions concerning justification that we find today and shows them to be false. If you want to learn the truth of justification, read this book. It is amazing how relevant it still is.

[Daniel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Why was this one of the last books I read on justification? Read this before Owen. More readable and, I dare say, more useful to me.