Venema, Cornelis P.
Gospel Clarity: Challenging the New Perspective on Paul (Barcley)
We pray that in the pages of this book God's people may again hear the gospel message, the good news that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners. We are convinced that the most important question that a person can ask is, how can a sinner be in right relationship with a holy and just God? Indeed, we are convinced that this is the central theme of the Bible. Our prayer is that the teaching of God's Word and the truth of salvation and justification in Christ come alive in new and exciting ways, and that instead of confusion God's people may be have clarity, confidence, hope and assurance. The apostle Paul said it best: "Since we have been justified by faith...we rejoice in hope of the glory of God" (Romans 5:1-2).
Table of Contents:
1. An overview of the New Perspective on Paul
2. The origin of Paul’s Christian life and gospel
3. Was Paul battling against Jewish legalism?
4. Covenant, law and ‘works of the law’ in Paul’s theology
5. Justification by faith and N.T. Wright’s narrative reading of the Bible
6. Justification by faith: the biblical doctrine
Authors
William B. Barcley is Pastor, Sovereign Grace Presbyterian Church, and Adjunct Professor at Reformed Theological Seminary.
Ligon Duncan is the Senior Minister of the historic First Presbyterian Church (1837), Jackson, Mississippi, and President of the Alliance of Confessing Evangelicals.
Endorsements
"Bill Barcley and Ligon Duncan combine biblical scholarship and pastoral skill in addressing one of the crucial issues of our time - the doctrine of justification. With enviable clarity and precision, this book adds to growing number of titles addressing the 'new perspective(s) on Paul.' At stake is the understanding of the gospel itself. This is the finest summary available of the core issues and a welcome confirmation of the 'old' perspective. Gospel-driven churches should make this book a special study." - Derek W. H. Thomas
"Justification is perhaps the hallmark doctrine of Protestantism and has thus been over the years the focus of much debate. In recent years a number of scholars have offered sophisticated critiques of the Protestant position, critiques that have become known as 'the New Perspective on Paul'. For the ordinary Christians, many of the arguments seem obscure and of limited relevance; for that reason, it is a pleasure to recommend this book by two pastor-scholars who not only understand the arguments, but also the immediate significance of these issues for the person in the pew. Highly recommended." - Carl Trueman, professor of Historical Theology and Church History, Westminster Seminary, Philadelphia