How, according to the teachings of Paul, does the individual receive salvation?
That is the focal question behind this book. Against some recent scholars, Gaffin argues that it is both a meaningful and an appropriate question to ask. So what does the application of salvation to sinners involve for Paul? Does he distinguish between salvation accomplished (historia salutis) and salvation applied (ordo salutis) and, if so, how, and how important is the latter for him? And what exactly is the place of justification in his theology? Gaffin argues that:
The central soteriological reality is union with the exalted Christ by Spirit-created faith. That is the nub, the essence, of the way or order of salvation for Paul. The center of Paul's soteriology is neither justification by faith nor sanctification, neither the imputation of Christ's righteousness nor the renewing work of the Spirit. To draw that conclusion, however, is not to de-center justification (or sanctification), as if justification is somehow less important for Paul than the Reformation claims. Justification is supremely important, it is absolutely crucial in Paul's gospel of salvation (cf. Eph. 1:13). Deny or distort his teaching on justification and that gospel ceases to be gospel; there is no longer saving "good news" for sinners. But no matter how close justification is to the heart of Paul's gospel, in our salvation, as he sees it, there is an antecedent consideration, a reality, that is deeper, more fundamental, more decisive, more crucial: Christ and our union with him, the crucified and resurrected, the exalted, Christ. Union with Christ by faith, that is the essence of Paul's ordo salutis.
Author Information:
Dr. Richard B. Gaffin, Jr. is Charles Krahe Professor of Biblical and Systematic Theology at Westminster Theological Seminary where he has been teaching since 1965. An ordained teaching elder of the Orthodox Presbyterian Church, he is also the author of several books.
Other Resources:
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A Westminster Bookstore staff pick, recommended by manager Mark Traphagen. Mark says, "With the publication of By Faith, Not by Sight we finally have Dr. Gaffin's rich 'theology of Paul' under one cover. In addition to its value as an important contribution to the sometimes volatile discussions of justification and the nature of salvation, this book serves as a model of the proper cooperation between biblical and systematic theology. Through careful exegesis Gaffin roots his understanding of justification and sanctification in union with Christ, through which the believer enjoys all the benefits of Christ's death and resurrection. See all of Mark's recommendations.
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