Union with Christ: Reframing Theology and Ministry for the Church

An accomplished theologian recovers the biblical theme of union with Christ, showing how it affects current theological and ministry issues.

Biographical Note:
J. Todd Billings (ThD, Harvard University Divinity School) is Gordon H. Girod Professor of Reformed Theology at Western Theological Seminary in Holland, Michigan, and an ordained minister in the Reformed Church in America. He is the author of numerous articles and two award-winning books, including Calvin, Participation, and the Gift: The Activity of Believers in Union with Christ, which received a 2009 John Templeton Award for Theological Promise.

Jacket Description/Back:
"This is 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. Drawing on rich personal experiences, 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

"If Reformed theology is going to make the comeback that many of us have been praying for, this marvelous book offers the kind of careful thinking that will make it happen. Todd Billings illuminates concepts such as adoption, divine incomprehensibility, and incarnation in a way that has profound implications for ministry in the twenty-first century."
-- Richard J. Mouw, Fuller Theological Seminary

"J. Todd Billings has a wonderful grasp of theological reflection, old and new, brought into conversation with contemporary issues. He has written a breathtaking book that theologians and pastors will find provocative and instructive."
-- Andrew Purves, Pittsburgh Theological Seminary

"This meditation on union with Christ is a beautiful example of how careful study of the Bible, history, and theology work together to support faithful and vital ministry and life. Featuring both brief and lucid explanations of key concepts and provocative descriptions of the countercultural implications of this scriptural theme, this volume will be useful to both beginning students of theology and ministry as well as seasoned veterans."
-- John D. Witvliet, Calvin Institute of Christian Worship; Calvin College and Calvin Theological Seminary

"With a keen sense of contemporary Christianity, a deep love of Scripture, and an exceptional theological mind, Billings has written a book that retrieves the past, engages the present, and helps us to more faithfully face the future in light of the reality of our communion with Christ."
-- Kristen Deede Johnson, Western Theological Seminary, Holland, Michigan

Marc Notes:
Includes bibliographical references and index.

Table of 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

Publisher Marketing:
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.

Review Citations:

• Christianity Today 11/01/2011 pg. 74 (EAN 9780801039348, Paperback)

Contributor Bio:Billings, J Todd
J. Todd Billings (ThD, Harvard University Divinity School) is the Gordon H. Girod Research Professor of Reformed Theology at Western Theological Seminary in Holland, Michigan, and an ordained minister in the Reformed Church in America. He is the author of several books, including Rejoicing in Lament: Wrestling with Incurable Cancer and Life in Christ, Union with Christ (winner of a Christianity Today Book Award), and Calvin, Participation, and the Gift (winner of a 2009 John Templeton Award for Theological Promise). His articles have appeared in Christianity Today, the Christian Century, and Relevant. Visit his website at www.jtoddbillings.com.