Thomas R. Schreiner is the James Buchanan Harrison Professor of New Testament Interpretation and associate dean of the School of Theology at the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. Follow Dr. Schreiner on Twitter here.

To purchase a copy of Justification: An Introduction, click here.

Q&A

Evan: What led to you writing this book?

Dr. Schreiner: I was attracted to this book because I have worked on justification from the beginning of my scholarly life. I wrote my dissertation on circumcision, which is what some Jews in Paul’s day required for salvation. Then I wrote a book on the law, commentaries on Romans and Galatians, and then a book on Faith Alone. So I have been, one could say, preoccupied with justification for years. This book was a wonderful opportunity to distill my thoughts in short form, and I am grateful to Oren Martin particularly (my next door neighbor at that time!) and Graham Cole for inviting me to contribute.

Evan: What do you hope readers take away from this work?

Dr. Schreiner: I hope readers are encouraged by the truth that our righteousness isn’t in ourselves but in the crucified and risen Christ. The fundamental truth in justification is that salvation is of the Lord, that it is Extra Nos. Certainly there is more to the Christian life than justification but there isn’t less. It must never be forgotten, and we easily forget it. We are prone to trust in ourselves and our own efforts and work instead of in Jesus Christ’s atoning work on the cross. Justification reminds us to look away from ourselves to Christ who took the curse we deserved, who out of his great love appeased the wrath of God for our sake and our salvation. Understanding justification, therefore, brings great joy and prompts us to give all the glory to God for our salvation!

Thank you Dr. Schreiner! May the Lord continue to bless you, your family, and ministry. I have greatly benefited from Dr. Schreiner’s work, his classes at Southern Seminary, and his encouragement. I am thankful to the Lord for him. Go get this book!

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Evan Knies is an elder of North Hills Church in West Monroe, LA. He is husband of Lauren and father to Maesyn. He is a graduate of Boyce College and Southern Seminary.