By Faith, Not by Sight

How, according to the teachings of Paul, does the individual receive salvation? That is the focal question behind this book. Gaffin argues against some recent scholars that it is both a meaningful and an appropriate question to ask. So what does the application of salvation to sinners involve for Paul? Does he distinguish between salvation accomplished (historia salutis) and salvation applied (ordo salutis) and, if so, how? And how important is the latter for him? What exactly is the place of justification in his theology? Gaffin argues that, “No matter how close justification is to the heart of Paul’s gospel, in our salvation, as he sees it, there is... a reality, that is deeper, more fundamental, more decisive, more crucial: Christ and our union with him, the crucified and resurrected, the exalted Christ. Union with Christ by faith—that is the essence of Paul’s ordo salutis.”