The concept of justification carries eternity on its shoulders as many endeavor to understand, explain and experience the nature of salvation and how we need it. Justification is a term one would assume that scholars and theologians would strive to agree upon for the good of the global community. However, in spite of ecumenical efforts that include The Joint Declaration, the concept of justification remains unsettled in scholarship. In an attempt to examine justification, James K. Beilby and Paul Rhodes Eddy, editors of Justification: Five Views, serve the Christian community by wisely drawing on six scholars to present and analyze the five primary justification views. The list of scholars and views includes Michael F. Bird, the Progressive Reformed View; James D.G. Dunn, the New Perspective View; Michael S. Horton, the Traditional Reformed View; Veli-Matti Kärkkäinen, the Deification View; and Gerald O’Collins and Oliver Rafferty, the Roman Catholic View. Each scholar offers their position on justification and provides summary responses to each of the other views. While ecumenical resolution on justification may not have been the end goal, this book can serve as another conversation piece in the grand ecumenical dialogue. A well-organized text featuring a scholarly and respectful tone, Justification offers thought-provoking debate to an issue that is made possible by the redemptive work of Jesus Christ so that we may discuss the nature and need for salvation.

Setting the context for a debate to understand what is at stake and how this debate came about can either intensify or diminish the reader’s interest in the topic. Thankfully, Beilby and Eddy heighten the reader’s awareness of not only the history and contemporary components of the justification debate but also their significance. The first two chapters set the tone for the weighty conversation that is to come. Some of the topics discussed include justification and imputation, the teaching of final judgment in light of justification, pistis Christou (i.e. faith in Christ vs. faith/faithfulness of Christ), and the forensic nature of justification. For The Pneuma Review reader, it is noteworthy that while the role of the Spirit is initially highlighted by Beilby and Eddy, the significance of the Holy Spirit in the justification conversation warranted more attention.

As I read the text, a few thoughts consistently came to mind that may have enriched Justification. The first thought asks, what do these five views actually agree upon in the grand understanding of justification? A final, concluding chapter that brings the five authors together to produce the three or four tenets and/or terms that each of the five agree upon might have assisted in the ecumenical component for the reader. The extensive debate causes one to wonder whether a resolution is possible, and Horton quotes N.T. Wright stating, “If Christians could only get this [doctrine of justification] right, they would find that not only would they be believing the gospel, they would be practicing it; and this is the best basis for proclaiming it” (p. 106). Being able to read a final chapter that indicates there are some components the five views agree are “right” could have been beneficial. Speaking of N.T. Wright, the second thought involves the ghost-like involvement of this prominent scholar. His presence seems to permeate the text and direct contribution by Wright might have enhanced the conversation. The concluding thought asks whether an agreed upon definition of justification could have occurred. For the pastoral side of me, it is very difficult to walk away from an important text like this without having a definition for justification that all five authors could agree on.

Scandals pop up everywhere. Type into a Google search, “Scandals of 2012,” and one finds about 81 million results. Are scandals really scandalous in this day and age or is the use of the term “scandalous” simply utilized to gain attention? Admittedly, the title captured me because I sense excitement about the prospect of understanding further how the first century observer of the cross and resurrection might have seen these components of the life of the Christ as scandalous. After reading the thoughtful and insightful text, I was surprised by the direction D.A. Carson took as he guided the reader through ironies, miracles, doubts and unexpected components of the cross and resurrection.

D.A. Carson’s text, Scandalous: The Cross and Resurrection of Jesus, contains addresses given at the 2008 Resurgence Conference. He indicates the purpose of this book is “to provide an introductory explanation of the cross and resurrection. I do this by unpacking what some of the earliest witnesses of Jesus’ death and resurrection wrote” (p. 11).

Carson’s text examines Matt 27:27-51a, Rom 3:21-26, Rev 12, John 11:1-53 and John 20:24-31. Expository in nature, Carson provides practical illustrations for readers to have another way of looking at the centrality of the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Carson utilizes Matt 27:27-51a to effectively highlight four ironies that occur at the cross. With increased doubt and skepticism in the world today, Carson reveals that on the cross, Jesus not only cries out in despair but ironically trusts God. Carson borrows from Martin Luther’s idea that Rom 3:21-26 serves as the “center” of the entire Bible (p. 39) and expounds upon Paul’s words to the Romans reinforcing Luther’s claim. The examination of Rev 12 reveals the slaughtered lamb will reign. John 11:1-53 reveals the surprising nature of the miracle of raising Lazarus from the dead, and the book abruptly ends with investigating the doubt of Thomas in John 20:24-31. Carson’s insights may prove useful for personal study and reflection or for the pastor or layperson about to teach or encounter these texts.

In Scandalous: The Cross and Resurrection of Jesus, Carson employs poignant phrases that expose and explode pre-suppositions that may negatively impact one’s ability to process the significance of the cross and resurrection of Jesus. One example is the accusation that we are somehow guilty of what Carson calls the “de-godding of God” (p. 68), which appears to be idolatry. Is it idolatry when we worship God for who we want him to be and not who he has revealed himself to be? For example, is it possible that we are guilty of de-godding God when we mention only the love of God on the cross and not the justice of God? Do we strive to teach the revealed nature of God even when it may appear scandalous? Carson undoubtedly gives the reader much to ponder regarding the cross and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Reviewed by Matthew Jones

Preview Scandalous: https://www.google.com/books/edition/Scandalous/ZaCzO7l4jeUC

Darrell L. Bock, Recovering the Real Lost Gospel: Reclaiming the Gospel as Good News (Nashville: B & H Academic, 2010), 146 pages, ISBN 9780805464658.

In a postmodern era engaged in endless speculation and thought provoking possibilities, Dr. Darrell Bock, Senior Research Professor of New Testament Studies at Dallas Theological Seminary (DTS), offers a return to the basics of the Gospel. Bock accurately perceives that the message of the Gospel has, at best, become “cloudy.” The messages of promised prosperity, political progress, personal protection or providential piety cloud the clarity of the good news. The purpose of the good news becomes lost in the midst of a world clamoring for something opposed to what they observe on a regular basis. Consequently, Bock attempts to clear the murky waters that have diminished the power of the good news and diluted the message of the Gospel. The author recovers what has been lost in regard to the Gospel so that the reader can experience the transformation available by the act and grace of God through the cross and made possible by the Holy Spirit so that one might know the presence of God.

Experiencing the presence of God involves more than the pneumatic fervor associated with Holy Spirit baptism. Bock, while initiating the discussion of the promise of a relationship with the Holy Spirit, effectively addresses other components essential to experiencing God’s presence. For the primary audience of The Pneuma Review, Bock’s text may not sufficiently emphasize the charismatic nature of the relationship between the Holy Spirit and the believer. In spite of this, Recovering the Real Lost Gospel deserves attention from all ministers of the Gospel. The Gospel serves as the core of not only what we are communicating to those willing to hear but also the foundation by which we build upon our relationship with God so we might experience his presence. Bock’s text might further benefit from a greater emphasis upon the charismatic component of experiencing the presence of God. In spite of this, his text acknowledges the significance of the Holy Spirit in relationship to the Gospel.

Methodically utilizing practical and usable illustrations throughout the text, Bock addresses the Gospel and the import of the sacraments, the cross, and the gift of God’s grace. Thankfully, Bock’s text also addresses the reality of sin. He reminds the reader that sin still exists but the beauty of the Gospel woos the follower of Jesus Christ to live in right relationship with God and his creation. Acknowledging and addressing this vital component of the Gospel, Bock jogs the memory of his readers regarding the power of God’s salvation. The Gospel paves the way for repentance, faith, reconciliation and restoration whereby each individual possesses the potential to experience a relationship with God through the Holy Spirit. While Bock acknowledges the believer’s relationship with the Holy Spirit, he indicates that recovering the lost Gospel embraces a much more comprehensive understanding of the presence of God.

As a former pastor, I read this text with the pastor and lay leader in mind. I can confidently say that Bock’s text accomplishes its goal to assist in rescuing the Gospel as good news. Even though his emphasis is not upon the charismatic component consequent to the spread of the Gospel, he acknowledges the value and role of the Holy Spirit in experiencing the presence of God. In spite of this lack of emphasis upon the pneumatic nature of our experience with God, reading this text can cause its reader to consider whether the Gospel needs reclamation in one’s personal life and in the life of her or his congregation. I agree that the message of the Gospel has been lost, and thankfully, Darrell Bock helps his readers to reclaim the beauty of the Gospel so that those who lead, teach or interact with this text can assist in rediscovering the beauty of the Gospel.

Reviewed by Matthew Jones

Preview: http://books.google.com/books?id=UwG9bK4-RekC

About the Author
Matthew Jones, Th.M., is currently pursuing a Ph.D. through Regent University in Renewal Studies with a concentration in Biblical Studies while serving as an Advisor and Affiliate Professor at Colorado Christian University. Matt is married to Cathy Jones and loves hanging out with his three children, Hannah, Tyler and Kenzie.