Written Review
The atonement is vicarious because it is accomplished via imputation. Christ is the sin-bearer for his people, the Agnus Dei (Lamb of God) who takes away (expiates) our sin and satisfies (propitiates) the demands of God's justice. The cross displays both God's justice (in that he truly punishes sin) and his grace (because he punishes sin by providing a substitute for us). (p, 104).
Started reading May 16, 2024. Finished reading May 16, 2024... COULDN'T PUT IT DOWN!
AMAZING. Wow, this was so good. I am certainly in my "theological era" and I am enjoying reading theological books. This is a great one! R.C. Sproul is a great writer, and this book is my first written example of his work. It is smart, and very dense. There is so much Latin in this book that there is a Latin index in the back of the book. I never thought I'd ever read a book that had that.. neat! This is an example of what I BELIEVE. This was amazing. MUST READ!
Sproul goes pretty hard toward the Roman Catholics on their thoughts of Justification by faith and works through Christ. This book is basically a complete refutation towards that dogma. And this gets into the James V. Paul - Works V. Faith debate. Great. Really great stuff here! Also, an incredible amount of John Calvin's and Martin Luther's words. Something I've never read, and want to read so much more of now. WOW!
I highly recommend reading this book, as a seasoned Christian or even a new Christian. It is great to see the judicious aspect of our justification by faith alone.
To preface what I'm about to say, if you've never heard of Reformed Theology... you don't need to know what that is prior to reading this book. This goes in depth in the Reformed Theological perspective, and I love it! You may not call yourself "reformed" but you might be reformed. A lot of this book deals with what is called the "five solas". That is a Latin term "sola".
This is a Reformed Theological term, and here is a description of that:
The five solas were not exactly Reformation slogans, but they serve as a good summary of the Reformed faith. Neither Martin Luther nor John Calvin nor any other Protestant Reformer summarized his teachings in a tidy list including Scripture alone, Christ alone, faith alone, grace alone, to the glory of God alone. Taking flight in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, this fivefold summary became the shorthand version of what is known as Reformed theology. While this description of the Reformed faith came later, it still captures well the core of the gospel in all its graciousness and Christ-centeredness, just as it is revealed in the Scriptures. These five solas show the glory of God’s gracious way of salvation in a way that sets the tone for true theology, resounding in how we think and live in this world. (What Are the Five Solas?) [Ligonier Ministries]
Overview
"Faith Alone: The Evangelical Doctrine of Justification" by R.C. Sproul is a robust theological treatise that revisits the foundational Christian doctrine of justification by faith, a principle that was central to the Protestant Reformation. Sproul, a renowned theologian and founder of Ligonier Ministries, delivers a compelling argument in defense of this doctrine, addressing both historical and contemporary challenges.
Content Summary
The book is structured in a way that methodically examines the doctrine of justification by faith alone (sola fide), making it accessible for both theologians and lay readers interested in deepening their understanding of Reformation theology. Sproul begins with a historical overview, highlighting key figures like Martin Luther and John Calvin, who were instrumental in articulating and defending the doctrine against the Roman Catholic Church's teachings.
Sproul then delves into a biblical exposition of justification, meticulously analyzing relevant scriptural passages. He argues that justification is a forensic declaration by God, where sinners are declared righteous through their faith in Jesus Christ, not by their works. This section is rich with theological insights, showcasing Sproul's deep engagement with the Bible and Reformed theology.
In the latter part of the book, Sproul addresses contemporary debates and misconceptions about justification. He critiques modern theological movements that, in his view, undermine or obscure the doctrine of sola fide. Sproul defends the Reformed perspective against these challenges, reinforcing the necessity and sufficiency of faith for salvation.
Strengths
One of the book’s primary strengths is Sproul’s ability to present complex theological concepts in a clear and engaging manner. His writing is both scholarly and pastoral, making it accessible to a wide audience. Sproul's passion for the subject is evident throughout the book, and his arguments are well-supported by biblical references and historical context.
Another strength is the book's relevance. Even though it was published in 1995, the issues Sproul addresses remain pertinent as debates over justification continue within various Christian circles. Sproul’s defense of traditional Reformed theology provides a valuable resource for those seeking to understand or teach the doctrine of justification by faith alone.
Weaknesses
Some readers might find Sproul’s Reformed perspective to be limiting if they come from different theological backgrounds. His critiques of opposing views, particularly those of the Roman Catholic Church and certain modern theological trends, are rigorous and sometimes polemical, which could be off-putting to those who hold different beliefs.
Additionally, while the book is thorough in its treatment of justification, some readers might desire a more extensive exploration of how this doctrine intersects with other aspects of Christian living and practical theology. This is something I noticed, but really didn't hinder my enjoyment!
Conclusion
"Faith Alone: The Evangelical Doctrine of Justification" by R.C. Sproul is an essential read for anyone interested in Reformed theology and the doctrine of justification. Sproul's clear exposition, historical awareness, and passionate defense of sola fide make this book a significant contribution to evangelical scholarship. Whether you are a theologian, pastor, or layperson, this book offers valuable insights into one of Christianity's core doctrines.