Judgment According to Works in Romans: The Meaning and Function of Divine Judgment in Paul's Most Important Letter

Cover

Rethinking the role of works in Paul’s thought— Judgment according to Works in Romans McFadden Religion / New Testament Giving careful exegetical attention to Paul’s letter to the Romans, Kevin W. McFadden shows that Paul wrote the letter to remind Roman Christians of his gospel because of his vocation as apostle to the Gentiles. The letter simultaneously demonstrates the guilt of the world and calls Paul’s audience to live out the implications of the gospel. The theme of judgment thus appears in two distinct ways. Paul opposes justification by works of law, but simultaneously affirms—as did most of the early Christian movement, McFadden argues—a final judgment according to works. These are not contradictory observations but belong together in a cohesive understanding of Paul’s theology and of his purpose in the letter. Praise for Judgment according to Works in Romans “This book, which is carefully written and carefully argued, reminds us of the complexity of Paul’s theology of salvation and all aspects of it, including justification. Justification does not nullify the reality of God’s judgment on sin. Kevin McFadden deals with this controverted area and its secondary literature with precision, skill, and evenhandedness.” Frank W. Hughes | Diocesan School of Theology Episcopal Diocese of Western Louisiana “The topic of judgment according to works is a vital but often neglected aspect of Paul’s theology. Kevin McFadden’s study of this theme in Romans usefully assesses current options and argues an exegetically informed and theologically sensitive proposal.” Douglas J. Moo | Wheaton College “Looking for a thorough update to the seemingly never-ending debate over Paul’s puzzling combination of judgment according to works and justification by faith alone apart from works? Look no further. This is it. McFadden takes on the host of ‘new,’ ‘fresh,’ and other perspectives on Paul’s soteriology, and argues forcefully that the ‘old’ ways are more than worthy of another hearing, though with a few new twists of his own.” Kent L. Yinger | George Fox Evangelical Seminary Kevin W. McFadden is assistant professor of New Testament at Cairn University. This is a revision of his dissertation completed at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary under the direction of Tom Schreiner, with guidance from Mark A. Seifrid. e m e r g i n g s c h o l a r s Judgment according to Works in Romans The Meaning and Function of Divine Judgment in Paul’s Most Important Letter Kevin W. McFadden ...