Receiving Back One’s Deeds

Receiving Back One’s Deeds
Author: Benjamin M. Dally
Publisher: Lexington Books
Total Pages: 281
Release: 2022-11-16
Genre: Religion
ISBN: 1978708742

This book investigates the relationship between justification by faith and final judgment according to works as found in Paul’s second epistle to the Corinthians within a Protestant theological framework. Benjamin M. Dally first demonstrates the diversity and breadth of mainstream Protestant soteriology and eschatology beginning at the time of the Reformation by examining the confessional standards of its four primary ecclesial/theological streams: Lutheran, Reformed, Anabaptist, and Anglican. The soteriological structure of each is assessed (i.e., how each construes the relationship between justification and final judgment), with particular attention given to how each speaks of the place of good works at the final judgment. This initial examination outlines the theological boundaries within which the exegesis of Second Corinthians can legitimately proceed, and illuminates language and conceptual matrices that will be drawn upon throughout the remainder of thebook. Then, drawing upon the narrative logic of Paul’s Early Jewish thought-world, Dally examines the text of Second Corinthians to discern its own soteriological framework, paying particular attention to both the meaning and rhetorical function of the “judgment according to works” motif as it is utilized throughout the letter. The book concludes by offering a Protestant synthesis of the relationship between justification and final judgment according to works in Second Corinthians, giving an explanation of the role of works at the final judgment that arguably alleviates a number of tensions often perceived in other readings devoted to this key aspect of Pauline exegesis and theology. Dally ultimately argues a three-fold thesis: (1) For the believer one’s earthly conduct, taken as a whole, is best spoken of in the language of inferior/secondary “cause” and/or “basis” as far as its import at the last judgment. (2) One’s earthly conduct, again taken as a whole, is soteriologically necessary (not solely, but secondarily nonetheless) and not simply of importance for the bestowal of non-soteriological, eschatological rewards. (3) There are crucial resources from within mainstream Protestantism to authorize such ways of speaking and to simultaneously affirm these contentions in conjunction with a robust, strictly forensic/imputational, “traditional” Protestant understanding of the doctrine of justification by faith alone.

Paul, Judaism, and Judgment According to Deeds

Paul, Judaism, and Judgment According to Deeds
Author: Kent L. Yinger
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Total Pages: 338
Release: 1999-04-22
Genre: Religion
ISBN: 9780521632430

Why does 'judgment according to deeds' produce no discernible theological tension for Paul, the apostle of justification by faith? For students of his writings, paradox, incoherence, or eschatological tension come more readily to mind. Paul felt no such theological tension because there was none - neither within his own soteriology, nor in that of the Judaism from which he learned to speak of 'judgment according to deeds'. For both, salvation is wholly by God's grace and the saved will be repaid (i.e. saved or condemned) in accordance with what they have done. Thus, Paul can promise eternal life to those who 'do good', while threatening wrath upon the disobedient (Rom 2:6-11), and without undermining justification by faith. This thorough 1999 examination of second temple and pauline texts interacts with discussions of 'covenantal nomism', justification, and the 'new perspective' on Paul to explore the Jewishness of the apostle's theology.

Paul's Line of Thought in 2 Corinthians 4:16-5:10

Paul's Line of Thought in 2 Corinthians 4:16-5:10
Author: Fredrik Lindgård
Publisher: Mohr Siebeck
Total Pages: 312
Release: 2005
Genre: Religion
ISBN: 9783161484445

Fredrik Lindgard analyzes verses 4:16-5:10 in 2 Corinthians, verses which have often been used to argue that Paul's eschatology developed over time or to ascertain whether or not Paul is an anthropological dualist. Paul's concern is how the Corinthians see him. His aim is to show them that he is frank and open to them and that his attitude to adversities confirms that he is a real apostle. He reveals his thoughts and emotions when facing suffering. The author shows that the section and its context do not support the view that Paul changed or developed his eschatology. Instead, the text displays the unsystematic character of Paul's eschatology. Concepts which Paul normally uses separately occur side by side without elaboration. Although Paul uses both dualistic and holistic language, the dominating feature is dualism. The analysis shows that a wide rhetorical approach can be useful when trying to understand Paul.

New Testament Study Guide, Pt. 2

New Testament Study Guide, Pt. 2
Author: Randal S. Chase
Publisher: Plain & Precious Publishing
Total Pages: 293
Release: 2010-12-01
Genre: Religion
ISBN: 1937901114

The second of three volumes on the New Testament discusses the final year of the Savior's ministry, his prophecies of the last days and the second coming, the Last Supper, and on through his 40-day ministry among the Apostles, and ascension into heaven. The third volume covers most of the Book of Acts, the New Testament epistles, and the Book of Revelation.

Sex and the Gospel

Sex and the Gospel
Author: Jason Tackett
Publisher: Wipf and Stock Publishers
Total Pages: 137
Release: 2024-05-06
Genre: Religion
ISBN:

This work is an attempt to lay the groundwork for how we talk about sex with those we love, in our churches and in the culture at large. It is a carefully structured attempt to build a comprehensive Christian worldview of sexuality. It strives to form a basic biblical understanding of what sex is, as a blessing created by God, and how God is Lord over it. The author strives to handle these topics in a way that avoids the spirit of the age while not ignoring how current culture has attempted to cast off Lordship in this matter. Above all, this work aims at a clear gospel presentation and attempts to administer grace to its readers. Sexual morality is only a peripheral goal of this book, its explicit goal is the preaching of Christ to the needy sinner.