Justified: Modern Reformation Essays on the Doctrine of Justification

by Ryan Glomsrud (Editor), Michael Scott Horton (Editor), Jerry Bridges (Contributor)

"God justifies the ungodly": Paul's statement in Romans 4:5 has brought comfort and provoked controversy throughout the history of the church. Historically, most Protestants have seen the Reformation as a rediscovery of this gospel truth; indeed, justification as "the article by which the church stands or falls." In our day, however, neither the Reformers' account of the doctrine nor their appraisal of its significance can be taken for granted. Through various movements within Protestant theology and biblical studies, fresh (and not so fresh) challenges have made it imperative for us to reevaluate the Scriptures and the systematic as well as historical arguments that have been persuasive for so many Christians in previous eras. This book joins that contemporary conversation, bringing together voices from the pages of Modern Reformation magazine over the years. Like the magazine, this collection connects Lutheran, Reformed, and Baptist theologians, historians, and biblical scholars who are able to unpack important issues for thoughtful nonspecialists. This collection covers a lot of the relationship of justification to covenant (especially recent discussions between N. T. Wright and John Piper), the law, union with Christ, as well as sanctification. A final chapter considers the contemporary relevance of justification. If theology is for the church, then the gospel is surely a matter for all of God's people to wrestle with together.

Genres: Theology, Christian

120 pages, Paperback

First published October 5, 2010

Reviews

[Tonny · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book helped me a great deal to understand the reform tradition and gave me better grasp on current debates including the "New perspective on Paul"

[Eli · Rating 3 out of 5]

Helpful book on justification. Some of the Reformed ideas I disagree with, but I love Horton's desire to let the Reformation speak to today. The first chapter on Levenson was outstanding.

[Mark Green · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful, readable essays on the core of the Christian faith.