Great Exchange: Justification by Faith Alone

Rating:
Summary: An Underrated Book on a Very Important Subject
Review: This book is probably one of the most cogent books on the doctrine of justification written from a traditional Protestant perspective. Unfortunately, this book is not as well-known within evangelical circles compared to other books written on the same subject by faithful evangelicals (e.g., R. C. Sproul, James R. White, and John Piper). Eveson's book is neatly laid out in four main sections: 1) the biblical evidence of justification by faith alone; 2) the ecumenical debates surrounding this doctrine; 3) modern revisions on justification (i.e., the New Perspective); and 4) the true meaning of justification and its relationship to other doctrines. Eveson's presentation of the biblical basis of justification by faith alone is very good and gives ample scriptural support for the traditional Protestant perspective. He also gives a very insightful and scathing critique of ecumenical approaches to this doctrine. Also, Eveson provides a very good overview of the New Perspective understanding of law and justification (particularly Wright's view) and devastatingly crushes the arguments presented by Wright and those who follow him. Finally, Eveson tells us why the right doctrine of justification is essential for practical Christian living and correctness of other doctrines (i.e., sin, man, Christ, etc.). This is absolutely one of the most insightful books on this very important doctrine. The section on N. T. Wright's view of the law and justification is a gem (chapters 9 and 10). He convincingly critiques the idea that Paul was combatting Jewish nationalism rather than explicating individual sinfulness in Galatians and Romans. He also destroys the idea that justification is relational rather than judicial. Considering that many professing evangelicals today have compromised on this doctrine for the sake of unity and combatting alleged antinomian tendencies in Evangelical/Reformational/Protestant circles, Eveson's book is a spring of fresh water in a desert. Eveson writes in an irenic and humble tone, even though he does not pull back punches when the truth must be defended. In today's theological climate where many unorthodox "evangelical" ministers and theologians cry like babies because they think they are being "slandered" because more faithful ministers of the Word tell it like it is against them, books like these need to be more in circulation to get the message across on what justification really is. It is books like these that will bring the church back to the place it once had in society. Use this book as an evangelistic tool for an unbelieving friend or use it to deliver a fellow believer who is caught in the deadly trap of legalism and bondage. Every Christian interested in this very important doctrine must have a copy of this book.