The Doctrine of Justification
An outline of its history in the Church and of its exposition from Scripture
| Weight | 1.64 lbs |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 8.75 × 5.6 × 1.25 in |
| ISBN | 9781848716933 |
| Binding | Cloth-bound, eBook (ePub & Mobi), Cloth-bound & eBook (ePub & Mobi) |
| Topic | Justification, Theology |
| Original Pub Date | 1867 |
| Banner Pub Date | Aug 4, 2016 |
| Page Count | 520 |
| Format | Book |
EndorsementsRead More ↓
From the Introductory Essay
‘The doctrine of Justification by faith is like Atlas: it bears a world: it bears a world on its shoulders, the entire evangelical knowledge of saving grace. The doctrines of election, of effectual calling, regeneration, and repentance, of adoption, of prayer, of the church, the ministry, and the sacraments, have all to be interpreted and understood in the light of justification by faith. When justification falls, all true knowledge of the grace of God in human life falls with it, and then as Luther said, the church itself falls.
The value of Buchanan’s book today is that it will help us to understand this message better, and so to preach it in the full and comprehensive way in which the modern world needs to hear it.’ — J.I. PACKER
‘There is a reason why James Buchanan’s treatment of the Doctrine of Justification is a Christian classic. It puts to rest forever the notion that the magisterial reformers of the 16th Century introduced a novelty in their declaration that justification is by faith alone. Buchanan’s careful and comprehensive survey of church history shows clearly that the doctrine is the historic and Biblical doctrine.’ — R.C. SPROUL
‘James Buchanan on Justification is as wise and profound in its biblical, historical, and theological analyses today as it was 150 years ago. Indeed it may be more valuable and necessary for Christians and churches now than even it was then.’– ROBERT GODFREY
‘Buchanan’s treatment of justification is the classic nineteenth century statement of the Reformed doctrine that lies at the heart of the Protestant understanding of the gospel. It lays out clearly all of the key concepts: the covenant of works and of grace; the imputation of Christ’s righteousness; and the instrumentality of faith. It is an excellent distillation of the Reformed faith’s wisdom on the topic.’– CARL TRUEMAN
‘James Buchanan was a distinguished member of one of the greatest faculties of theology ever assembled in the English-speaking world. In keeping with that this work is a classic treatment of a doctrine which, as Calvin noted, is “the main hinge on which religion turns.” Justification is an absolute must read, especially for students and ministers of the gospel.’– SINCLAIR FERGUSON
‘Let no one say that the doctrine of justification is a trifle of divisive theological debate. On the contrary, justification by faith in Christ alone is the bread and honey of our souls. Buchanan’s classic work on justification is a honeycomb of sweet doctrine gathered from the fair flowers of Reformation theology that sprang from the Word of Christ. Like Jonathan’s staff, this book brightens the eyes and strengthens weary souls in our spiritual combat against the accuser of the brethren.’– JOEL BEEKE
‘This masterful work by James Buchanan, The Doctrine of Justification, is the gold standard on the doctrine of justification. Towering over the centuries, this treatise has earned its rightful place in the pantheon of defenses of this cardinal doctrine. Here is the definitive treatment of this cornerstone truth at every level: historically, biblically, theologically, and polemically.’– STEVE LAWSON
‘James Buchanan’s The Doctrine of Justification remains the single most important work on justification by faith alone since the Reformation itself. Now, 150 years after the great work was first published, it remains the essential text on the central evangelical doctrine. I am very thankful for this new edition and I encourage a new generation of Christians to read this book, study it carefully, and teach its truth boldly.’– AL MOHLER
‘For an “old” and in my mind, biblical perspective on Justification, the gold standard is the work of James Buchanan (complete with the almost ubiquitous introductory essay by J. I. Packer). It ought to rank as compulsory reading and re-reading on an annual basis.’– DEREK THOMAS
Book Description
From the Author’s Introduction
‘It may be thought by some that the subject of justification is trite and exhausted; that, as one of the ‘commonplaces’ of theology, it was conclusively determined and settled at the era of the Reformation; and that nothing new or interesting can now be introduced into the discussion of it.
But … may it not be said that, to a large class of minds in the present age, nothing could well be more new than the old theology of the Reformation? The gospel is older than Luther; but to every succeeding generation it is still new—good news from God—as fresh now as when it first sprung from the fountain of Inspiration.
… The doctrine of justification, by grace, through faith in Christ, is the old doctrine of the Reformation, and the still older doctrine of the gospel; yet the vivid apprehension of its meaning and the cordial reception of its truth must be a new thing in the experience of everyone when he is first enabled to realize and to believe it.’
Book Review
Table of Contents Expand ↓
| Introductory Essay by J I Packer | vii | |
| Short Account of the Author | xvii | |
| Introduction | 1 | |
| PART I | ||
| HISTORY OF THE DOCTRINE OF JUSTIFICATION | ||
| 1 | History of the Doctrine in the Old Testament | 17 |
| 2 | History of the Doctrine in the Apostolic Age | 45 |
| 3 | History of the Doctrine in the Times of the Fathers and Scholastic Divines | 73 |
| 4 | History of the Doctrine at the Era of the Reformation | 95 |
| 5 | History of the Doctrine in the Romish Church after the Reformation | 119 |
| 6 | History of the Doctrine as a Subject of Controversy among Protestants | 141 |
| 7 | History of the Doctrine in the Church of England | 179 |
| PART II | ||
| EXPOSITION OF THE DOCTRINE OF JUSTIFICATION | ||
| Introduction | 207 | |
| 8 | Justification: the Scriptural Meaning of the Term | 211 |
| 9 | Justification: the Proper Nature of the Blessing | 233 |
| 10 | Justification: Its Relation to the Law and Justice of God | 249 |
| 11 | Justification: Its Relation to the Mediatorial Work of Christ | 271 |
| 12 | Justification: Its Immediate and Only Ground,— the Imputed Righteousness of Christ | 291 |
| 13 | Justification: Its Relation to Grace and Works | 315 |
| 14 | Justification: the Nature and Reason of Its Connection with Faith | 339 |
| 15 | Justification: Its Relation to the Work of the Holy Spirit | 359 |
| Conclusion | 375 | |
| Appendix of Notes to Each Lecture | 383 | |
| Index to the Lectures | 489 |
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Marc Daniel Rivera (KristiyaKnow) –
How has the doctrine of justification developed throughout church history? What is the biblical and theological meaning of justification?
In The Doctrine of Justification, James Buchanan provides us with an insightful examination of the doctrine’s historical development and its scriptural foundations. Originally published over a century ago, this clothbound and fully re-typeset edition from Banner of Truth is a significant contribution to the study of this important doctrine. Featuring a thoughtful introductory essay by J.I. Packer, this spiritual classic presents both a scholarly analysis and a deep spiritual reflection that continues to hold significance for the church today.
Buchanan’s work addresses the biblical and historical underpinnings of justification by faith, which Martin Luther famously referred to as the “article of faith that determines whether the church stands or falls.” His study is methodical and precise, divided into two major parts: the history of the doctrine and its exposition through Scripture.
The first part of the book traces the development of justification across various epochs, beginning with its foundational role in the Old Testament, continuing through the early church fathers and scholastic theology, and culminating in the Reformation. Buchanan does not merely present a chronological account; rather, he engages with the theological shifts that accompanied these developments, illustrating how each stage contributed to the church’s understanding of justification.
The second part of the book takes a deep dive into the scriptural meaning of justification. Buchanan examines its relation to the law, the justice of God, and the mediatorial work of Christ. In his exposition, he underscores that justification is not based on human merit or effort but is a gracious act of God, grounded solely in the imputed righteousness of Christ.
Buchanan addresses the relationship between justification and works, offering a balanced perspective on the necessity of good works in the Christian life. He clarifies that while good works are a fruit of genuine faith, they do not contribute to the believer’s justification. The nature of justification as God’s unmerited grace ensures that it remains free and entirely separate from human effort. Buchanan is careful to articulate that justification is immediate and complete at the moment of faith, dismissing any notion of progressive or partial justification.
A particularly compelling feature of Buchanan’s work is his treatment of the practical implications of justification. He highlights how a true understanding of justification not only safeguards against errors like legalism or antinomianism but also provides profound peace to the believer.
Furthermore, J. I. Packer’s introductory essay, included in this edition, rightly frames Buchanan’s work as a much-needed corrective for our time. In our age marked by compromise and moral confusion, Buchanan calls the church back to the clarity and centrality of the gospel.
Final thoughts:
James Buchanan’s The Doctrine of Justification is a must-read. This volume provides us with a clear and compelling historical and scriptural foundation for this important doctrine. Buchanan’s work is a timely reminder of the power, purity, and beauty of the gospel message of Christ and his finished work.