Cornelis P. Venema

Venema has done a masterful job. This book arrived three days ago, and I haven't been able to put down since. The author has done fine job of responding to N.T. Wright and others espousing new perspectives on Paul and the meaning of justification. Venema concludes, "The carelessness with which writers of the new perspective speak of a final justification on the basis of works threatens the heart of Paul's gospel, which teaches that the acceptance and standing of believers before God rests on the work of Christ alone. An unqualified doctrine of final justification, which is suspended upon the works of believers, is tantammount to 'another gospel' and merits the Paul's apostolic 'anathema' of Galatians 1:8-9.

Venema suggests that "At no time since the Reformation of the sixteenth century has justification taken centre stage as it has done in the biblical and theological discussions of the last ten years." Once again the truch church must "hold firm to the trustworthy word as taught, so that...[we] may be able to give instruction in sound doctrine and also to rebuke those who contradict it (Titus 1:9)." Indeed, we must stand ready to part ways with those who will teach any other gospel.

Since "the doctrine of justification by grace alone on account of Christ alone through faith alone... was [and is] the article of the standing or the falling of the church" the present discussion is an urgent one and one that cannot be avoided. The present debate is not one of mere scholastic interest. As Venema notes, "Whatever the gap between academy and pew, ideas tend to have legs that will eventually carry them into the church. Seminary students who are taught by professors sympathetic to the new perspective will likely allow the seeds to germinate and produce fruit in their own ministries."

This book comes as a gift to the cfhurch. May God help us fight the good fight of faith that we may one day say, with Paul, "to them we did not yield in submission even for a moment, so that the truth of the gospel might be preserved for you."… (mais)