Justification: Two-Volume Set

Description

A two-volume project delving into the doctrine of justification. Michael Horton seeks not simply to recover a clear message of its role in modern Reformed theology, but also to bring a fresh discovery of the gospel in a time when contemporary debates around justification have reignited. The doctrine of justification stands at the center of our systematic reflection on the meaning of salvation and grace as well as our piety, mission, and life together. And yet, within mainline Protestant and evangelical theology, it's often taken for granted or left to gather dust in favor of modern concerns of self-renewal. Volume 1 is an exercise in historical theology, exploring the doctrine of justification from the patristic era to the Reformation: Providing a map for contemporary discussions of justification, identifying and engaging principal sources: Origen, Chrysostom, Augustine, Thomas Aquinas, John Duns Scotus, William of Ockham, Gabriel Biel, and the magisterial reformers. Studying the transformations of the doctrine through Aquinas, Scotus and the nominalists leading up to the era of the Reformation and the Council of Trent. Examining the hermeneutical and theological significance of the Reformers' understanding of the law and the gospel and the resultant covenantal scheme that became formative in Reformed theology. Volume 2 embarks on the theologically constructive task of investigating the biblical doctrine of justification in light of contemporary exegesis. Taking up the topic from a variety of theological vantage points, Horton engages with contemporary debates in biblical, especially Pauline, scholarship. Part 1 draws out The Horizon of Justification from the Old Testament narratives of Adam and Israel. Part 2 defines The Achievement of Justification in the blood of Christ and seeks to lay the groundwork for understanding its extent. Part 3 focuses on The Gift of Righteousness, delving into a clear articulation of what justification means, its mechanism, and the role of works on the day of judgement. Part 4 proposes a way forward for Receiving Justification and understanding faith and justification within the broader framework of union with Christ. Engaging and thorough, Justification, Vol 1 & 2 will not only reenergize the reader-whether Protestant or Catholic-with a passion for understanding this essential and long-running doctrinal conversation, but also challenge anyone to engage critically with the history of the Church and the heart of the gospel.

Michael Horton (PhD) is Professor of Systematic Theology and Apologetics at Westminster Seminary in California. Author of many books, including The Christian Faith: A Systematic Theology for Pilgrims on the Way, he also hosts the White Horse Inn radio program. He lives with his wife, Lisa, and four children in Escondido, California. Michael Allen (PhD, Wheaton College) is the John Dyer Trimble Professor of Systematic Theology and Academic Dean at Reformed Theological Seminary, Orlando, FL. Scott Swain is Professor of Systematic Theology at Reformed Theological Seminary in Orlando, Florida. He is author of several books, including The God of the Gospel: The Trinitarian Theology of Robert Jenson, and Trinity, Revelation, and Reading: A Theological Introduction to the Bible and its Interpretation. He serves as general editor (with Michael Allen) for T&T Clark's International Theological Commentary and Zondervan's New Studies in Dogmatics series. He is a regular blogger at Reformation21.

'These two volumes on Justification are not only enormously good but enormously important. I'm so grateful for them and I think they could be and should be game-changing for evangelicalism... Charles Taylor's A Secular Age and your work on Justification are the two most important books I've read in the last 10 years (at least)... I'd have every ministry student working in western culture read and master the arguments of both. If I had my way I'd find a way to have three full courses--one devoted to Taylor, one to Horton's Justification, and one to the Institutes--in each course the entire work would be read and distilled.' * Tim Keller, Redeemer Presbyterian Church in New York City * 'Writing with theological and pastoral passion, Horton is a formidable polemicist who never loses sight of his central concern, so that his book is both an exciting debate and a moving witness to the Pauline, Lutheran, and Calvinist Gospel... Horton's very readable volumes are a major theological statement that may rouse from their slumbers the despisers of the Reformation and the Pauline message. I would like to see them in the hands of every student of theology.' * Fr. Joseph O'Leary, Modern Theology * 'Over 900 pages of some of the most important research done on the doctrine of justification from a Protestant perspective in the last several decades... This two-volume work is indispensable reading for any interested in rebutting current critiques of justification by grace alone through faith alone.' * Mark Mattes, Lutheran Quarterly * 'In summary, Horton's Justification is a robust articulation of the doctrine that successfully manages to situate the doctrine historically, articulate its theological importance, reflect upon its biblical foundations, and to engage firmly but charitably its contemporary critics. It will be a valuable resource to students of the doctrine for years to come...a rich reward is in store.' * Guy Prentiss Waters, Themelios * 'All of these qualities elevate his work to such a high level that anyone who desires to adequately grasp and engage the Reformed view of justification in modern academia will have to read and interact with Horton's Justification... should be required reading in any course on soteriology... Horton's Justification is much more than a solid, convincing academic piece; it is a close look into what makes the gospel good news, filling believers with confidence and hope in Christ for this life and the one to come.' * Lucas Sabatier M. Leite, Reading Religion (American Academy of Religion) *