The Incarnation of God: The Mystery of the Gospel as the Foundation of Evangelical Theology

Marcus Peter Johnson (PhD, University of Toronto) is assistant professor of theology at Moody Bible Institute. Along with writing his doctoral dissertation on union with Christ in the theology of John Calvin, he is also the author of One with Christ: An Evangelical Theology of Salvation and the coauthor (with John C. Clark) of The Incarnation of God: The Mystery of the Gospel as the Foundation of Evangelical Theology. He and his wife, Stacie, live in Chicago with their son, Peter, and are members of Grace Lutheran Church.

Endorsements 

“The Incarnation of God is a theological juggernaut grinding into dust all modern dichotomous thinking about the person and work of Jesus Christ. Reclaiming grossly neglected biblical, patristic, and reformational teaching, Clark and Johnson reestablish the incarnation as the proper center and ground for all evangelical theology, and demonstrate with profundity and potency the tectonic implications of our Lord’s assumption of human flesh.” - Joel Scandrett , Assistant Professor of Historical Theology & Director of the Robert E. Webber Center, Trinity School for Ministry

“Clark and Johnson clearly and eloquently lay out the significance of the incarnation as the centerpiece of Christian theology. Their fascinating reflections on the relation of the incarnation to other aspects of Christian faith introduce us to depths of truth that most Christians have never dreamed of, let alone explored. Their exposition grows out of the rich tradition of Christian reflection on the incarnation, and it is a joy to see my hero Athanasius and my late mentor T. F. Torrance figure so prominently in these pages. It is a pleasure to recommend this book.” - Donald Fairbairn , Robert E. Cooley Professor of Early Christianity, Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary; author, Life in the Trinity and Grace and Christology in the Early Church

“Remedying a major deficiency in evangelical literature, this fine book on the incarnation informs readers of how the central apostolic confession—in Jesus of Nazareth, God has come among us as man—governs our understanding of every aspect of the Christian faith, informs every feature of our discipleship, and grounds pastoral comfort in the heart of God. The authors of this profound study highlight why the incarnation guarantees our salvation, acquaints us with the only Savior we can ever have, allows us to know God, enlivens our obedience, renders the church the bride of Christ, and, not least, informs Christians concerning the logic of God’s intention for human sexuality.” - Victor Shepherd , Professor of Theology, Tyndale University College and Seminary; author,Interpreting Martin Luther and The Nature and Function of Faith in the Theology of John Calvin

“The Incarnation of God is an engrossing and stunningly well-conceived book. The theological significance of the great central miracle of Christian faith is laid forth with clarity and conviction. Reflecting an impressive range of research and timely apologetic concern, this is a book for thoughtful reading. I endorse it with enthusiasm.” - Andrew Purves , Jean and Nancy Davis Professor of Historical Theology, Pittsburgh Theological Seminary; author, Reconstructing Pastoral Theology and The Crucifixion of Ministry

“This tightly argued and comprehensive theology centered in the incarnation makes a fitting textbook for introductory theology courses. Clark and Johnson’s incisive claims reflect the decisive importance of Jesus’s incarnation for the Christian faith and life. The student not only will come away with a better grasp of the incarnation’s significance, but also will be grasped more profoundly in holistic worship by the incarnate Lord through this compelling read.” - Paul Metzger , Professor of Christian Theology & Theology of Culture, Multnomah Biblical Seminary; coauthor, Exploring Ecclesiology; editor, Trinitarian Soundings in Systematic Theology

“Recent attention to the theme of the believer’s union with Christ has stimulated renewed interest in the person of the Christ with whom Christians are united. In dialogue with the best of the Christian tradition and recent theology, Clark and Johnson explore the incarnation in ways that both academics and pastors will find helpful.” - William Evans , Younts Professor of Bible and Religion, Erskine College; author, Imputation and Impartation and What Is the Incarnation?