Union with Christ: Reframing Theology and Ministry for the Church

Christianity Today 2012 Book Award Winner
Named a 2011 Book of the Year, Christianbook.com's Academic Blog
"An important book on an important topic. Billings brings his expertise regarding Calvin to bear not only on misconceptions about the great Reformer but also on contemporary misconceptions of Christ and Christian ministry. He offers an accessible and rewarding study, demonstrating that the centrality of union with Christ can solve many theological problems in a way that has direct practical significance for today."--George Hunsinger, Princeton Theological Seminary
Accomplished theologian J. Todd Billings recovers the biblical theme of union with Christ for today's church, making a fresh contribution to the theological discussion with important applications for theology and ministry. Drawing on Scripture and the thought of figures such as Augustine, Calvin, Bavinck, and Barth, Billings shows how a theology of union with Christ can change the way believers approach worship, justice, mission, and the Christian life. He illuminates how union with Christ can change the theological conversation about thorny topics such as total depravity and the mystery of God. Billings also provides a critique and alternative to the widely accepted paradigm of incarnational ministry and explores a gospel-centered approach to social justice. Throughout, he offers a unique and lively exploration of what is so amazing about being united to the living Christ.
Contents
Introduction
1. Salvation as Adoption in Christ: An Antidote to Today's Distant yet Convenient Deity
2. Total Depravity in Sin, Total Communion in Christ: How the Bondage of the Will Mirrors a Theology of Salvation as Communion
3. Encountering a Mystery in Union with Christ: On Communion with the Incomprehensible God
4. The Gospel and Justice: Union with Christ, the Law of Love, and the Lord's Supper
5. Ministry in Union with Christ: A Constructive Critique of Incarnational Ministry
Conclusion