Resurrection and Redemption: A Study in Paul’s Soteriology

by Richard B. Gaffin Jr.

A study of the structure of Paul's theology of Jesus' resurrection as that doctrine forms the center of Paul's total theology.

Genres: Theology, Biblical Studies, Christianity, Christian, Nonfiction

160 pages, Paperback

First published December 1, 1987

About the author

Richard B. Gaffin, Jr. is a Calvinist theologian, Presbyterian minister, and was the Charles Krahe Professor of Biblical and Systematic Theology at Westminster Theological Seminary in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania from 1999 to 2008. He became the Professor Emeritus, Biblical and Systematic Theology in 2008.

Reviews

[Peter Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

What is central to Paul's soteriology? Is it individual redemption? Is it regeneration? Is the ordo salutis a good way to view salvation? Or is there a better way? Gaffin argues persuasively that the resurrection of Christ is the central event in the history of redemption and is the controlling factor in Paul's individual and corporate soteriology. He does detailed exegetical study of key NT passages on the resurrection. The exegetical studies are marvelous. From these studies Gaffin shows that union with Christ becomes the basis for all parts of our salvation. Our redemption, justification, adoption, sanctification, and glorification all come from our union with Christ. So these are not a string of events in our lives, but rather they are all consequences of being united to the life giving Spirit, which is Jesus. Then he shows how his conclusions should affect reformed dogmatics.

Two things stuck out from his conclusions. First, a typically reformed view of salvation does not emphasize eschatology enough. With Jesus' resurrection a new age, a new creation was ushered in. Those who are united to Christ live in this new age by faith. We are not just individual saved souls walking around waiting for the end of the world. We are part of the new creation and we should live as those who belong to this new age.

Second, in a brief, but pointed section, he argues that making regeneration the central part of our ordo salutis creates all sorts of problems because it is not a central part of Paul's ordo salutis. He is not arguing against the idea of regeneration. Gaffin is just saying it is not in the text. So we need to speak more of union with Christ than of regeneration because that will help us speak in Biblical categories.

[Luke · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dense but rewarding. It’s hilarious that Gaffin got away with asking questions that would bring charges of heresy when picked up by the Auburn Avenue theologians just a couple decades later.

[Jake · Rating 5 out of 5]

For years I have seen this book's contributions footnoted with enthusiasm by my favorite theologians. With such a generic title, I was not very eager to read it and so it sat on my bookshelf for some time. But I am blown away by how thought-provoking Gaffin's insights are.

The central thesis of the book is that, for Paul, "soteriology is eschatology. All soteric experience derives from solidarity in Christ's resurrection and involves existence in the new creation age, inaugurated by his resurrection." (138). I have been convinced of this for some time, myself, being introduced to this in the writings of GK Beale. However, Gaffin's book helped clarify these things further, particularly in his exegesis of 1 Cor 15:45, 2 Cor 3:17, and Rom 1:3–4. His explanation of the flesh-spirit antithesis, in particular, was helpful.

What I did not expect, but which (admittedly) does follow from his argument that what is central to Paul's thought is union with the resurrected Christ by faith, NOT justification by faith, was the way in which Gaffin challenged the emphasis of traditional Reformed soteriology, particularly regeneration. In fact, Gaffin seems to question the notion of regeneration altogether as it is traditionally conceived. James Jordan's "Thoughts on Sovereign Grace and Regeneration," seems to me, in hindsight, to be the sequel of this book (though I don't know if Gaffin would endorse Jordan's thoughts there).

Gaffin's potential dismissal of regeneration, though, is not necessitated by the brilliant work he does in explaining the centrality of the resurrection in all soteriology, and the eschatological nature of soteriology. This book is absolutely worth reading. Though, I would say that most, if not all, of Part II could be skipped by most without loss.

[Jacob Aitken · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gleanings from Gaffin’s The Centrality of the Resurrection: A Study in Paul’s Soteriology. I maintain, that for all Gaffin's brilliance--and I agree with him in large part--he proves there is no such thing as one unified Reformed soteriology. My references are from the earlier edition.

“Baptism signifies union with Christ” (45).

Thesis: believers are united to Christ in his death; Christ’s death took on our sin; therefore, believers have died to sin (45). Interestingly, he leaves out his previous comments on baptism as union into Christ.

“There is no element in Paul’s soteriology more basic than this existential union with Christ” (51). .

The theme governing Paul’s thought is the unity of the resurrection with Christ with the resurrection of the believers (59-60). In the resurrection of the believer there are two episodes: the already and the not-yet.

Gaffin affirms the Holy Spirit’s instrumentality in the resurrection of Jesus (cf. Romans 8:11; p. 66). Gaffin rightly affirms that Paul’s teaching on the resurrection has a Trinitarian character: The Father raises the Son through the instrumentality of the Spirit (74).

The contrast between Adam and Christ is the contrast between two different heads/representatives of two different world-orders, aeons, ages (85).

Resurrection as the Redemption of Christ
As long as Christ is dead, Satan and the powers remain triumphant. Following Romans 1:3, Gaffin maintains that Christ’s exaltation in the realm of the Spirit, the new age, is his justification or vindication (121). Christ’s resurrection is his justification as the Last Adam, of the firstfruits.

This book is good but Pauline studies, regardless of one's tradition, have moved on to other stuff. Many of Gaffin's arguments are dated, but the basic structure (no pun intended), is sound.

[Benjamin Glaser · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you cannot get through Vos' "Pauline Eschatology" then read this book. Dr. Gaffin does a great job of, in a lot of ways, getting the kernels of wisdom from Vos into an understandable and very important work. Highly recommend.

[Luke Romero · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very helpful book on the resurrection and on Paul’s theology of redemption as whole - two things that Gaffin argues go together hand-in-hand.

[Nathan White · Rating 5 out of 5]

Through rigorous exegesis and principles of biblical theology, Gaffin argues that the Resurrection of Jesus Christ "is THE pivotal factor in the whole of the apostle's soteriological teaching." (Emphasis his). But from this, he casts doubt on the traditionally reformed ordo salutis, instead arguing for a more eschatological focus that places the resurrection and union with Christ at the center of our soteriology.

Important to note: I give 5 stars to the book, the argument, the exegesis - which is all phenomenal. But I do *not* agree with all of his conclusions, especially his comments about the ordo salutis. I am comfortable recommending the book and yet giving this caveat (that his conclusions can lead in some dangerous directions), for I don't see his arguments/exegesis as necessitating his conclusions. I do think the traditional ordo salutis is important and biblically warranted, and I stand with those who say we can uphold both union and the ordo together. (For a better treatment of union with Christ that upholds the ordo salutis, let me recommend "Covenant and Salvation" by Mike Horton.)

Nevertheless, this is a helpful book --if for nothing else, it condenses key arguments from Vos' Pauline Eschatology. I highly recommend it.

[mpsiple · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic (but not the easiest read). Better than *By Faith, Not by Sight*.

[Trent Still · Rating 4 out of 5]

First interaction with Gaffin. Quite intriguing. I wish he had provided more historical witness for his exegesis. I’m sure there’s been someone at some point to argue in this fashion.

[Ethan McCarter · Rating 3 out of 5]

The man's got some keen exegesis in the line of Geerhardus Vos. There are certain elements of this book that is imminently helpful. The necessity of the resurrection of Christ, the central aspect of union with Christ, and these themes running throughout the Pauline epistles are clearly evident and defended well. The discussion of individual biblical texts are also helpful in order to shed some more light on pivotal texts in Paul's corpus.
However, there are some major problems with Gaffin's views. First, he collapses the elements of redemption (justification, sanctification, adoption, glorification, etc.) into one summed up in union with Christ. A major text he uses for this is Rom.6:1. Second, he so completely redefined the ordo salutis that it is unrecognizable to Reformed readers. He attempts to exegete around Romans 8:29-30 to an unsatisfactory conclusion. In addition, he disregards traditional exegesis, he does address them somewhat, on these passages from Calvin, Hodge, Warfield, and Berkhof. Being a biblical theologian, Gaffin has some pointed issues with dogmatic and systematic theologians; which has been corrected in his other book after this. Basically, many of the issues with Vos' Pauline Eschatology would also be directed here. It's not a heretical work, nor crummy exegesis everywhere, but Gaffin's historical theology and understanding of Reformed systematics is poor at best. Read with a grain of salt, then read John Murray or Bavinck.

[Josiah Richardson · Rating 4 out of 5]

While this was a pretty dense read, it was very compelling. Gaffin points out that in our formulation of our theological principles and systematics, we may have overlooked or missed entirely the central interpretive motif of the apostle Paul’s soteriological philosophy. Even when we utilize ideas like the Ordo Salutis, we leave out the idea of Resurrection being essential to the whole process of salvation. We could categorize Resurrection as being purely eschatological - at least when it concerns our personal bodily resurrections - and this means that Paul’s belief about the spirits work of regeneration being accomplished and applied as John Murray emphasized, is so closely tied to what we affirm in our eschatology too.

Some have said that this book creeps closely at times to ideas of the Federal Vision, but I think this misses what Gaffin was arguing for. Whatever the case, if you are up to it, this is a profitable read to get to know Paul and his theology better.

[Kevin V. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Clear and tightly argued, Gaffin expounds an understanding of Christ’s redeeming work helped along by recent biblical theological study. Accordingly, Gaffin sees the resurrection as the height of Christ’s finished, eschatological work. The believer, in union with Christ, receives all the benefits of this union, namely justification, adoption, sanctification, and glorification. These are not separate acts in Christ’s work, but different aspects of his one work of resurrection.

[Gwilym Davies · Rating 5 out of 5]

Make no mistake: Gaffin is hard work. If ever there were a book that required its own esoteric dictionary, this is it... starting with his deeply unsettling use of the word 'exponential.' But push through the synthetics, the formers and latters, the 'exponential of's and the loca probantia, the untranslated Latin, Greek, German and Dutch (!) and here's the truth: this is epic. So glad to have renewed my acquaintance...

[Patrick Poteet · Rating 4 out of 5]

Always wanted to read and glad I did. Though a challenging read it had great insights on Paul’s view of soteriology and our union with Christ. Highly academic though and after the intro the rest of the book gives exegesis of his thesis. If you don’t know Greek it would be a difficult read.

[Will Cunningham-Batt · Rating 5 out of 5]

I guess you probably shouldn’t invite Richard Gaffin to speak at your youth group, but his thesis that the resurrection of Christ is the single redemptive-historical event (through union with Christ by the Spirit) that commands our salvation is thoroughly compelling - thrilling, actually!

[Zack · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent book and compelling thesis, but inadequate/unconvincing engagement with historical theology.

[J. Michael · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall good stuff. Some of the Greek weighed me down a little. Good and thought provoking.

[Andy Smith · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an interesting read, mixed with good points, usually followed by what I thought were over-reaching conclusions. For example, what I apprehended to be the thesis, that "Strictly speaking, not Christ's death, but his resurrection (that is, his exaltation) marks the completion of the once-for-all accomplishment of redemption," is an extremely helpful and well argued point. However, Gaffin uses this point to cast aspersions on, or I should say at the very least distrust in, the doctrines of regeneration and ordo salutis. I'm not sure why, because these doctrines are important and I think irrefutably linked. Union with Christ and the ordo salutis are not enemies, but ways of describing the same salvation for different applications.

[John Yelverton · Rating 1 out of 5]

For starters, it's an extremely difficult read, because the author decided to go hunting for the biggest words he could find in the dictionary. Secondly, the author blatantly states that John Calvin, Charles Hodge, and B.B. Warfield are wrong in their understanding of Paul. Finally, he proclaims that the classic Reformed understanding of the order of salvation outlined in Romans 8:29 is wrong as well. I don't know whether to be offended or cry at the author's seeming self-conceit and hubris.

[Allen Tsai · Rating 3 out of 5]

The doctrine of the resurrection is easily and sadly overlooked. This necessary resource sheds light on how indispensable the resurrection is in our understanding of redemption and our newness of life in Christ. It is a bit laborious at times and not written in the most reader friendly style.

[Eric Yap · Rating 5 out of 5]

Originally Gaffin's dissertation for his doctorate, I pick this up having read a couple of years ago Gaffin's other work "By Faith, Not By Sight" which is a tone down version of this book that helped me see the already-not yet/eschatological framework in Pauline corpus and soteriology (and intentionally engages prominent modern Pauline debates such as the NPP). Gaffin's postulates the resurrection, rather than the exclusively upheld death of Christ as the locus and motif of Pauline soteriology, as well as the efficient cause of our salvation. Granted, a reviewer has stated that the debates on Pauline soteriology have moved beyond this arena, but it is not hard to see how Gaffin's seminal work has contributed to the sharpening of Pauline soteriology in Reformed traditions. Gaffin distinguished between three modes of resurrection in Pauline corpus: resurrection in redemptive-history/the resurrection of Christ (redemption accomplished), the existential/experiential resurrection by the believer (redemption applied), and the eschatological resurrection at Christ's eventual coming. The eschatological outlook of salvation is reminiscent of some continental theologians, such as Barth, Dodd and Cullman, who have all posited an eschatological framework for New Testament theology, but G.K. Beale has noted in his NTBT that Geerhardus Vos is actually the first European-American theologian to espouse an already–not yet eschatology as a major theological approach to Paul. Gaffin does draw heavily from the works of Vos, Murray and Ridderbos, demonstrating the redemptive-historical hermeneutic method of the Reformed tradition to understand the Pauline corpus in part 1, the three modes of resurrection in part 2 and a final theological synthesizing of the resurrection in the entire system of Pauline soteriology through detailed exegetical outworkings in part 3. The exegetical workings of this small book are extremely detailed, and I definitely need to revisit some of them when I get a better handle on biblical Greek, but this work has definitely sharpened and challenged my oft-oversimplistic Reformed conception of Pauline texts and soteriology, as well as clarifying some gaps that have remained from reading other works on Pauline soteriology.

[Ethan Preston · Rating 5 out of 5]

Because I have been exposed to the ideas of this book through many other subsequent sources, it was easy for me to feel unimpressed by the central ideas of the book. Yet, what I had to remind myself was that the reason I had already come to accept much of what this book argues is that Dr. Gaffin's ideas were so original that they inspired many after him. This book argues that central to Paul's soteriology is the believer's union with the resurrected Christ. Many fruitful avenues of theological reflection flow from this (i.e. reconsidering our theological understanding of Christ's resurrection; the relationship of the historia salutis to the ordo salutis; rethinking dominant Reformed conceptions of the ordo salutis altogether; and, perhaps most surprising to me, challenging the dominant Reformed equation of regeneration as an event preceding faith with the believer's resurrection). I think all of these avenues deserve more attention and subsequent reflection as they are all compelling. Gaffin demonstrates artfully how central the resurrection of Christ is to Paul's soteriology. Ultimately, Gaffin argues that the resurrection is the beginning of the new age and the new creation. Gaffin admits that his work stands squarely on the shoulders of biblical theologians such as Vos and Ridderbos. Unrelated to the thesis, I also believe this book demonstrates how further exegesis and biblical theology in the Reformed tradition can challenge its Reformed predecessors (as Gaffin does at numerous points) while still admitting dependence on and thankfulness for them. In my estimation, Gaffin's challenges to reform Reformed discussions of the ordo salutis should be seriously considered.

[Kelle Craft · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gaffin is keen to point out “Resurrection” as central to Paul’s understanding of redemption, which is often (or has often before the writing of this decades ago) been neglected in Reformed dogmatics, especially in light of the emphasis on the atonement.

What I found to be most helpful and intriguing was his thoughts on regeneration, as Ferguson has also picked up on in Calvin’s thought, as having an ongoing “renewal,” orienting it eschatologically. While he doesn’t dismiss it as being an aspect of the ordo salutis, his characterization of the term, because of its minimal usage in Paul and the NT in general, he does raise some potential issues with traditional dogmatic formulations of regeneration. But all in all, I think he’s wanting to help bring about a fuller understanding and nuance to regeneration, rather than knock it altogether.

His exegesis is stimulating throughout, but if not familiar with the passages, one will easily lose track of his overall argument. But keys texts like 1 Cor 15:42-48, 2 Cor 3:17, Rom 1:3-4, are characteristically misinterpreted all the time, even in Reformed/evangelical circles. I think his unpacking of Vos’ exegesis in keys texts like these brings wonderful clarity to texts that might not seem to be altogether unclear upon a first reading. Gaffin’s rigorously redemptive historical and christological exegesis is what’s missing from most commentators and exegetes today

[Jason Vaughn · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a good book, but in terms of resurrection study, it’s not great. There was nothing wrong with his arguments per se.

I’m giving the book a 3 because when it comes to books on the resurrection, this would be lower on my recommendation list.

I agree that the resurrection needs more attention. I also side with Horton who pushes back from a central doctrine. Gaffin has some excellent points on our union and the resurrection relationship.

His main point is that Christ’s resurrection provides us with the new inner man (resurrected inner man) and our physical body will follow in the new age.

I’d have liked to see more details on 1 Cor 15:42ff, specifically what the spiritual body will be. He talks about the passage, but not the details of the old / new body.

Also I loved that he related the resurrection to Trinity, however he sees Jesus as passive in this event as “being raised.” He here limits his Scripture usage to Paul, but if we add John, we know Christ is active in His resurrection. At other times Gaffin reached to a broader understanding of a concept, but here he does not.

All in all, I’d say yes, worth reading. But not the best one. :)

[Mark Kennedy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Richard Gaffin’s book ‘Resurrection & Redemption’ is a cracker! The tone of the work is potent, bold and convincing. I would say there is no doubt in his mind that the truths contained are just that. True. He combines reformed biblical methodology with solid exegesis and he uncovers Paul’s doctrine of the resurrection and salvation. The discoveries within this work are what seems to be a helpful corrective on some long assumed reformed emphasis. Gaffin exercises respect for the history of theology but also is clearly interested in throwing out all preconceived ideas and coming to the word of God with as much fresh objectivity as possible. In so doing he is able to transcend what he would consider wrong emphasis and see clearly what place the resurrection of Jesus Christ has in Paul's teaching on salvation (soteriology).

[Tim Wilder]

Gaffin believes that the center of Paul's theology is union with Christ. The definition of the union remains problematic. As this is a change from those who wish to see the doctrine of justification as central, as it has been central to doctrinal disputes since the Reformation, the book is somewhat controversial. Also as Gaffin supported Norman Shephard at Westminster, some see him as suspect on the topic.
Still, the argument stands and falls on its own. Also there is an inherent logic to it, as justification is a change in a man's standing before God, but to what end"? What is the consequence of that change in standing? The consequences can all be related to union with Christ.

[Alex · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gaffin wrote a great little work which is essentially Vos and Ridderbos for dummies. It is a readable but dense read. This work illuminated a few texts such as Romans 1:3-4 and 1 Corinthians 15:42-49 in a manner that is true to historic reformed doctrine while being led by the text. He exemplifies his philosophy that systematic theology ought to be subservient to biblical theology. With that said, I can't give this work 5 stars because Gaffin reaches at times in how he formulates his idea of the ordo of salutes and uses language that can be really dangerous to the undiscerning reader.

[Peter Stonecipher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gaffin does some wonderful work placing union with Christ, particularly the union of believers with the resurrected Christ, at the center of Pauline theology. He covers a lot of ground in this slender volume which is both commendable and can be overwhelming. Some of the finer distinctions he makes between his own conceptions of Pauline soteriology and those of his Reformed forebears were lost on me, but this is still a paradigm shifting work.

[A.J. Jr. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is Gaffin's PhD thesis so it reads like it. Be prepared for serious reading. The subject of the resurrection of Christ and it's centrality in Paul's soteriology is often overlooked. Read this book and you will understand Paul and Christian theology better.

[Christopher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant. Absolutely brilliant. Not sure I agree with everything (and I definitely don't understand everything) but this is well worth reading.