BY FAITH, NOT BY SIGHT: PAUL AND THE ORDER OF SALVATION

Written by Richard B. Gaffin Jr Reviewed By Mark Arnold

What is Paul’s understanding of how the individual receives salvation? Is this a meaningful question for Paul? In this book the author examines the relationship between salvation accomplished in history by Christ’s death and resurrection, and salvation applied to the individual in Paul’s theology.

In the first chapter Gaffin gives a very helpful introduction to studying Paul as a theologian, reminding us that Paul’s writings must be set in the context of the Bible as a whole (Heb. 1:1–2a). We are reminded that we do not study Paul merely as a theological genius, but as an apostle of Christ who is speaking the word of God. Gaffin then reminds us that at times even Peter struggled with Paul’s writings, and that these difficulties came both from the fact that Paul was speaking of the ‘impenetrable depths of God’s incomprehensibility’ and in response to specific situations. He encourages us to make the effort because we live in the same period of God’s history of redemption (1 Thess. 1:9–10), and because Paul is speaking God’s word to us. The chapter concludes with some useful observations on the relationship between systematic and biblical theology.

Chapters two to four move on to tackle the topic of the title. By ‘order of salvation’ Gaffin means the ongoing application of salvation to believers that comes from the once for all act of salvation accomplished in history in the death and resurrection of Christ. Chapter two focuses on the centre of Paul’s theology as the accomplishment of salvation by Christ’s death and resurrection, and its relationship to the order of salvation. Gaffin discusses the need for salvation because of the reality of sin. He then speaks of that salvation as the union of believers to Christ by faith.

Chapter three focuses on sanctification and renewal, looking at the relationship between Christ’s resurrection and ours. Gaffin very helpfully explains that the life of the Christian is resurrection life, that we are already raised with Christ (Eph. 2:5–6), and so we are living out what we already are in Christ, a part of his new creation in Christ by his Spirit,

Chapter four focuses on justification and the reality that there is a ‘not yet’ aspect to our justification—we wait for the certain future verdict to be openly declared on the day of judgement. Gaffin reminds us that while works are no ground of justification we are, as justified believers, new creations in Christ to do good works. The final two chapters taken together show how Paul’s concern for the salvation of individuals fits into his theology of God’s plan of salvation accomplished in history.

This short book comes from four lectures and as such covers a lot of ground. Gaffin acknowledges that in some places he has simply to assert rather than justify. In general the book does not suffer as a result of this, rather it encourages the reader to think through for themselves the issues that are raised. He helps us to clarify our thinking on justification, sanctification and union with Christ, showing us their relationship to each other and to the great work of Christ’s death and resurrection, and the day of judgement to come. It is a good reminder that the gospel is both about what Christ does for us (in justification), and what he does in us (in sanctification) and that these aspects are inseparable because both are aspects of our union with Christ. In a Christian world where holiness and the things of God are often treated lightly it will help any thoughtful Christian help others to begin to see the full scope of the great salvation we have in Christ.


Mark Arnold

Guildford