Life
in ChristLife
in Christ
Mark A. Garcia's Life
in Christ: Union with Christ and Twofold Grace in Calvin’s Theology
(Studies in Christian History and Thought;
Although I have not yet seen the book, I was able to read the doctoral
dissertation on which it is based shortly after its completion ("Life
in Christ : The Function
of Union with Christ in the Unio – Duplex Gratia Structure of Calvin’s Soteriology with Special
Reference to the Relationship of Justification and Sanctification in
Sixteenth-Century Context," the University of Edinburgh, 2004).
Based on that, I highly recommend the book as an excellent study on union with
Christ. It explores both Biblical (especially Romans and part of 1
Corinthians) and theological material. The work
is scholarly but clear. The revisions from
dissertation to book make the material suitable for the serious student of the
Bible, whether or not he has a theological education. It is not light
material, but a thoughtful reading will certainly be rewarding.
Please see the description on the flyer, which also includes the back cover commendations by David F. Wright (who contributed the foreword), Irena Backus, Richard B. Gaffin, Jr., and Anthony N. S. Lane. The recommendation by Richard B. Gaffin, Jr., Professor of Biblical and Systematic Theology at Westminster Theological Seminary reads: "Thoroughly researched and clearly written, this book makes an important contribution to Calvin studies. It explores in depth and often with unprecedented insight the central place of union with Christ in his applied soteriology and demonstrates convincingly, with significant implications, just how controlling is its basic union - twofold grace (of justification and sanctification) structure."
The relationship of justification and sanctification is an important issue in current discussions regarding Federal Vision and the New Perspective on Paul. Participants on more than one side of those debates would benefit from a careful reading of Life in Christ.
Obviously, not everyone will agree with his conclusions. But the work is thorough enough that it is a book that ought to be reckoned with
in scholarly discussions. Yet don't confuse scholarly work with obtuseness. Mark
Garcia writes clearly and carefully.
I found his treatment of Calvin's sacramentology a helpful corrective to what one might call a functional Zwinglianism that is too common today.
And his development of the double grace of justification and sanctification is
one which, I as a pastor have found very useful, since I have the responsibility both of exhorting people to trust in Christ alone and of
encouraging God's people to sanctity in their daily lives.
Yes, the book is expensive, even with the 25% pre-publication discount. But I believe is a most worthwhile investment. I ordered my own copy within moments of receiving a copy of the flyer. There are few books whose release I have anticipated with more eagerness. The author's e-mail address is on the flyer, should you have questions. He can receive PayPal payments for orders (sign in on PayPal, click on the "Send Funds" tab, and send to his e-mail address, which is on the flyer).
The author, a minister in the Orthodox Presbyterian Church, serves as the pastor of Immanuel Orthodox Presbyterian Church in Oakdale, Pennsylvania. He received his seminary theological education at Westminster Theological Seminary, Philadelphia, and earned his Ph.D. in 2004 from the University of Edinburgh.
Should any readers of this page wish to comment here on the book, a section for
(moderated) comments is included below. Submit to: comment@ this domain
name (mahaffynet.net). No anonymous submissions, please. May the
reading and discussion of this book strengthen our understanding of what it
means for Christ to be our Savior. Soli Deo gloria.
John W. Mahaffy
Newberg, Oregon
December 27, 2007 (updated Jan. 7, 2008)
Garcia to speak at Lynnwood OPC, Lynnwood, WA
A representative of the Lynnwood congregation writes:
This year we have invited the Rev. Mark. A. Garcia, Ph.D, the pastor of Immanuel OPC in West Allegheny, Pennsylvania. He has recently published his doctoral dissertation (submitted to the University of Edinburgh), entitled Life in Christ: Union with Christ and Twofold Grace in Calvin's Theology, in which he provides a thorough study of Calvin's teaching on the doctrine of Union with Christ. A chapter of his dissertation was published in the Westminster Journal in 2006. To read this article, as well as other writings by Dr. Garcia, check the following link:On the basis of this work, Rev. Garcia will be presenting four lectures on the subject "Life in Christ: Calvin, Union with Christ, and the Struggle for Reformed Theology":1. "Against Drive-by Theology" (Fri., March 28, 7:00 p.m)2. "Calvin on Union with Christ: Overview of a Great Idea" (Sat., March 28, 9:00-10:15 am)3. "The End Matters: Union With Christ, Good Works, and Eternal Life" (Sat., March 29, 10:30-11:45 am)4. "Reformed Theology of Justification: Calvin vs. Osiander" (Sat., March 29, 1:00-2:15)There will be some refreshments after the Friday evening session, breakfast snacks on Saturday morning, and a complementary lunch at noon. Dr. Garcia will also be conducting our morning and evening worship services on Sunday, March 30, and preaching on texts of Scripture related to the conference material. Dr. Garcia has also promised to bring along several copies of his book which will be for sale at the conference booktable.The Conference will be held on March 28-30, 2008 at Lynnwood OPC. There is no registration fee required for attendance at the conference. Only a free will offering will be taken. Furthermore, there is a limited amount of free lodging available on a first come, first serve basis for those traveling from "far off lands" (like Oregon, Idaho, Montana, and the outer reaches of Washington :) ). Nursery is also provided for small children during all sessions.As you all know, the doctrine of "Union with Christ" is at the heart of the Bible's teaching concerning our salvation. But it is also a much debated topic in our present day. I would encourage all of you to come and hear Dr. Garcia, as he has provided us with a careful study of a very important Reformer's teaching on this subject.If you are planning to come, please let us know. It will give us a good idea of how many mouths we need to feed!Also, if there is anyone else you know of who may be interested in attending the conference, we would be greatly obliged if you could forward this email to them. We also hope to have conference details posted at our church website in the near future (www.lynnwoodopc.org).Your fellow-servant in Christ,Benji SwinburnsonIntern, Lynnwood, OPCbencrit at yahoo.com
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