Getting the Gospel Right: Assessing the Reformation and New Perspectives on Paul
Publisher: Banner of Truth
Author: Venema, Cornelis
ISBN-10: 085151927X | ISBN-13: 9780851519272
Binding: Paperback
List Price: $6.00
Westminster Bookstore: $4.50
- 25% Off
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Staff Review: "New Perspectives on Paul...What is that?" is no doubt a common question among many church members. Through his defense of the historicity of the synoptic gospels and emphasis upon the climactic events in the history of salvation (Jesus' life, ministry, death and resurrection), N. T. Wright has become a popular scholar among many evangelical and Reformed audiences. More controversially, Wright's popularity has extended the influence of a broad school that advocates "new perspectives" on Paul. These new perspectives commonly question Reformed formulations of the order of salvation (justification, sanctification, etc.).
In light of the academic origins of the new perpectives on Paul, Venema's book is a helpful primer to the most contested issues. While briefly conceding that "it may be admitted that new perspective has illumined some significant aspects of Paul's understanding of the gospel," Venema focuses exclusively upon refuting new perspective claims to cast doubt upon the traditional Reformation interpretation of Paul. Reaffirming the justification by faith alone based upon the merits of Christ alone, Venema conveys the issues concisely without excessive over-simplification. - Matthew Harmon, Westminster Bookstore, July 2006
Publisher Description: Every generation of Christian believers faces the challenge of proclaiming the gospel of Jesus Christ with integrity and in conformity to the teaching of the Scriptures. But what do the Scriptures teach with regard to the central message of the gospel? Were the Reformers correct to insist that the good news of God’s gracious and free acceptance of guilty sinners, on the basis of the obedience and atoning sacrifice of Christ, lies at the heart of the gospel? Or are we to accept the ‘new perspectives’ on Paul’s teaching, which have been advocated in recent years by those who have made a fresh study of the relevant historical sources? Since the new perspectives challenge some of the basic features of the traditional Protestant understanding of justification, they require careful study and thoughtful evaluation. Nothing less than the shape of the evangelical church’s proclamation of the gospel today is at stake.
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
2. The Reformation Perspective on Paul
'Justification': A Judicial Declaration of Acceptance with God
'By Grace Alone': The Basis for Free Justification
'Through Faith Alone': The Instrument of Justification
Key Features of the Reformation Perspective
3. A 'New Perspective' on Paul
A New View of Second-Temple Judaism: E. P. Sanders
A New View of the 'Works of the Law': J. D. G. Dunn
A New View of 'Justification': N. T. Wright
4. A Critical Assessment of the New Perspective
An Exaggerated View of Sanders' Achievement
The 'Works of the Law' in Paul's Epistles
'The Righteousness of God' in Paul
The Nature of 'Justification'
'Substitution', 'Imputation', and 'Faith'
A 'Final Justification' on the Basis of Works?
5. Conclusion |
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