James Buchanan's 'Doctrine of Justification' is THE classic work on this cardinal doctrine by which a church stands or falls. There is no doubt that this is still the best text-book on its subject, from the standpoint of the classic covenant theology, that the student can find. And his (Buchanan's) preacher's style imparts a warmth to his writing which we do not find in (say) the lawyer-like Cunningham, and which is very refreshing.

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,' states Packer in his 'Introductory Essay.'įurthermore, he writes, 'It is doubtful whether a better exposition of it (justification) exists. 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 light of justification by faith. 'The doctrine of justification by faith is like Atlas: it bears a world on its shoulders, the entire evangelical knowledge of saving grace. This book contains an outline of the history of this doctrine in the church (from the Old Testament to the author's day), as well as a lengthy exposition of it from Scripture.

Hard Fall by James Buchanan