Recently the time-honored understanding of the doctrine of justification has come under attack

December 16, 2007

The doctrine of justification is under considerable debate today. Traditional Evangelicals have their view, Roman Catholics theirs, Emergent types yet another, and then we have the ‘New Perspective on Paul’

Counted Righteous in Christ, by Pastor John Piper, is a most helpful book making a defense of the biblical doctrine of justification.

Are Christians merely forgiven, or do they possess the righteousness of Christ? Recently the time-honored understanding of the doctrine of justification has come under attack. Many question how—or if—we receive the full righteousness of Christ.

Martin Luther said that if we understand justification “we are in the clearest light; if we do not know it, we dwell in the densest darkness.” And now, in this new and important book, John Piper accepts Luther’s challenge. He points out that we need to see ourselves as having been recipients of the imputation of Christ’s righteousness and therefore enjoy full acceptance with God and the everlasting inheritance of life and joy.

Piper writes as both a pastor and a scholar. His pastor’s heart is shown in his zeal for the welfare of the church. His careful scholarship is evident in each explanation and undergirds each conclusion.

The glory of Christ is the most precious reality in the universe, and it is obscured when the doctrine of justification is lost or blurred for the people of God and the mission of the church. — John Piper

You may also want to consider Piper’s book titled The Future of Justification.

Posted in Book, Book Review, Books, Church History, Crossway, Desiring God, Doctrine, Justification