Life in Christ: Union with Christ and Twofold Grace in Calvin's Theology

by Mark A. Garcia

In three wide-ranging case studies Mark A. Garcia offers a comprehensive yet focused analysis of the centrality of union with Christ in Calvin's thought. It explains not only the distinctive nature of Calvin's response to Rome on justification, but why this response must be carefully distinguished from that of his Lutheran counterparts. The fruit of these investigations is the first extensive demonstration that Calvin's exposition of union with Christ in relating justification and sanctification points to an emerging Reformed theology of justification that diverges from the Lutheran tradition. Calvin's exegetical and theological model of union with Christ accents the importance in the early Reformed tradition of the relationship between Christology and salvation.

Genres: Theology

388 pages, Paperback

Published April 1, 2008

Reviews

[Jared Mcnabb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent study of Calvin’s theology of Union with Christ, with particular reference to the relationship of good works and justification, Reformation Eucharistic debates, and Calvin’s debate with Osiander.

[Josh · Rating 4 out of 5]

I spent a lot of time with this book. Like, a lot! For the majority of it, I felt like I was paddle boating in the middle of the ocean. I enjoyed it and learned quite a bit, but it was a chore! Garcia is at fault no more than a chef would be for a toothless toddler choking on a perfectly grilled steak. I just was not quite ready to dive into this work. "Life in Christ" will go back up on my shelf and come down after a few more years of study, and I look forward to taking a second, more leisurely trip through it then.

[Jeffrey]

My buddy Mark did a thorough job on the topic. He has raised some dust in our little part of the world, and I do not necessarily sign on to everything he says, but it is pretty solid.

[Paul Jeon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gaffin's review says it all. A model study on historical theology.