Overview
In this volume, a top scholar in the world of evangelical theology addresses the key soteriological theme of union with Christ. The book provides substantive engagement with the doctrine of participatory union, including sections on the creeds, Scripture, the history of the doctrine, constructive dogmatics, and Christian praxis. Its biblical point of access is Paul's theology of life "in Christ," understood as an invitation to a theological reading of the four Gospels. Special attention is given to the trinitarian structure of union with Christ.
This book shows students how to integrate theology into the life of faith and demonstrates how the practices of Christian worship influence theological thinking. A devotional interlude directing readers to a classic hymn, poem, or liturgy follows each chapter.
The Soteriology and Doxology series consists of introductory textbooks that cover key topics in soteriology, providing substantive treatments of doctrine while pointing to the setting of theology in doxology. Series editors are Kent Eilers and Kyle C. Strobel.
This book shows students how to integrate theology into the life of faith and demonstrates how the practices of Christian worship influence theological thinking. A devotional interlude directing readers to a classic hymn, poem, or liturgy follows each chapter.
The Soteriology and Doxology series consists of introductory textbooks that cover key topics in soteriology, providing substantive treatments of doctrine while pointing to the setting of theology in doxology. Series editors are Kent Eilers and Kyle C. Strobel.
Table of Contents
Series Preface
Preface
Doxological Prelude: Anima Christi
1. The Creed in Christ
Doxological Interlude: Ephesians 2:4-7
2. Scripture in Christ
Doxological Interlude: Three Mysteries (Saphir)
3. Variations on a Soteriological Theme
Doxological Interlude: Three Unions (Polhill)
4. Union with Christ as Trinitarian Soteriology
Doxological Interlude: "I Cannot Nearer Be" (Bonar)
5. Union with Christ and the Christian Life
Doxological Postlude: "Thou Hidden Source" (Wesley)
Indexes
Preface
Doxological Prelude: Anima Christi
1. The Creed in Christ
Doxological Interlude: Ephesians 2:4-7
2. Scripture in Christ
Doxological Interlude: Three Mysteries (Saphir)
3. Variations on a Soteriological Theme
Doxological Interlude: Three Unions (Polhill)
4. Union with Christ as Trinitarian Soteriology
Doxological Interlude: "I Cannot Nearer Be" (Bonar)
5. Union with Christ and the Christian Life
Doxological Postlude: "Thou Hidden Source" (Wesley)
Indexes
Endorsements
“Those who know Fred Sanders’s writing will know he is a master of clarity, concision, and theological wisdom. This book exemplifies these virtues to the full. It would be hard to imagine a better introduction to union with Christ than this.”
Jeremy Begbie, Duke University
“There are riches packed into this slim volume! As well as being a scriptural, historical, and doctrinal primer on union with Christ by the Spirit, it makes a compelling case for seeing this concept as the controlling center of soteriology. Drawing on devotional as well as theological works down the centuries, Sanders helps us see how a strongly trinitarian account of union with Christ informs pastoral wisdom and shapes our understanding of the Christian life.”
Suzanne McDonald, professor of systematic and historical theology, Western Theological Seminary
“Fred Sanders makes as compelling a biblical, historical, and theological case for viewing union with Christ as the beating heart of salvation and the Christian life as I have come across. What does it mean to have a personal relationship with Jesus? It means being in Christ. Here is theology that informs and inspires, taking us into the deep things of the gospel, showing us how wondrous is the room in the christological ‘in.’”
Kevin J. Vanhoozer, research professor of systematic theology, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School
“Moving smoothly from hymns to creeds, from exegetical observations to drawing from a wide variety of Christian thinkers through the ages, this is vintage Fred Sanders: clear in communication, generously catholic in spirit, biblically saturated, and pastorally sensitive. Yet again we have another helpful gem of a book from a trusted theologian.”
Kelly M. Kapic, professor of theology, Covenant College
Author
Fred Sanders
Fred Sanders (PhD, Graduate Theological Union) is professor of theology in the Torrey Honors College at Biola University in La Mirada, California, where he has taught since 1999. He is the author of numerous books, including The Deep Things of God: How the Trinity Changes Everything, The Triune God, The Holy Spirit: An Introduction, and Fountain of Salvation: Trinity and Soteriology.