The Future Of Justification

This is a response and critical engagement with Tom Wright’s influential portrayal of the gospel and the theology of justification by faith. Piper challenges Wright’s work by comparing his work to the text of the Apostle Paul’s letters, and in doing, reminds us again of how the glorious mercy of God was revealed to us in Jesus Christ. This is essential reading for pastor’s and theological students, and is a great development in the in the way we understand what Paul really said.

Contents:

Acknowledgements
Introduction

1. Caution: Not All Biblical-Theological Methods and Categories Are Illuminating
2. The Relationship between Covenant and Law-Court Imagery for Justification
3. The Law-Court Dynamics of Justification and the Meaning of God’s Righteousness
4. The Law-Court Dynamics of Justification and the Necessity of Real Moral Righteousness
5. Justification and the Gospel: When Is the Lordship of Jesus Good News?
6. Justification and the Gospel: Does Justification Determine Our Standing with God?
7. The Place of Our Works in Justification.
8. Does Wright Say with Different Words What the Reformed Tradition Means by “Imputed Righteousness”?
9. Paul’s Structure Continuity with Second-Temple Judaism?
10. The implications for Justification of the Single Self-Righteous Root of “Ethic Badges” and “Self-Help Moralism”
11. “That in Him We Might Become the righteousness of God”

Conclusion

A Note on the Purpose of the Appendix

Appendix 1: What Doe sit Mean That Israel Did Not “Attain the Law” Because She Pursued It “Not by Faith But as though It Were by Works”> thought on Roman 9:30-10:4
Appendix 2: Thoughts on Law and Faith in Galatians 3
Appendix 3: Thoughts on Galatians 5:6 and the Relationship between Faith and Love
Appendix 4: Using the Law Lawfully: Thoughts on 1 Timothy 1:5-11
Appendix 5: Does the Doctrine of the Imputation of Christ’s Righteousness Imply That the Cross Is Insufficient for Our Right Standing with God?
Appendix 6: Twelve Theses on What It Means to Fulfill the Law: With Special Reference to Romans 8:4

John Piper is Pastor for Preaching and Vision at Bethlehem Baptist Church in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and a New Testament Scholar.