Abstract
This book is one of several recent publications on the topic of union with Christ. Johnson, Associate Professor of Theology at Moody Bible Institute, offers a systematic theology of salvation, placing union with Christ at the center of his discussion. Johnson believes that for many years, evangelical writers have either ignored union with Christ or relegated it to a subtopic under the doctrine of justification. Johnson’s study of the writings of John Calvin alerted him the need to restore union with Christ to its rightful place at the head of the soteriological table.
The book is divided into eight chapters, beginning with an effort to define union with Christ. Johnson then moves a discussion of sin and the incarnation, arguing that sin and salvation cannot be understood apart from one another. More pointedly, the author claims that union with Christ is the key to understanding original sin in Adam and that the Incarnation provides the theological grounding for union with Christ. Chapters 3–6 treat justification, sanctification, adoption, preservation, and glorification. The primary aim of these chapters is to show that each of these aspects of applied soteriology is intimately related to union with Christ. Indeed, Johnson believes that each of these benefits is received via the believer’s real, personal union with the risen Christ. Methodologically, the topics covered in these chapters are examined in light of biblical teaching and in relation to historical theology, particularly drawing on Calvin, Luther, and a few other reformed writers. Johnson is careful to show that his arguments are in line with historically orthodox Protestant (evangelical) teaching.
The final two chapters focus on ecclesiology. Chapter 7 deals with the nature of the church, arguing that ecclesiology is an important aspect of the mystery of the gospel and that the church must be defined as real body of Christ. Finally, chapter 8 argues for a stronger evangelical theology of the sacraments. The way forward, according to Johnson, is to understand baptism and the Lord’s Supper in relation to union with Christ. In so doing, he is arguing for the real spiritual presence of Christ in the sacraments, which are visible signs of union with Christ.
One in Christ is intended for students of theology, but is written in a lucid, concise style that makes it accessible for those with little or no previous study. The succinct definitions that open the chapters will be particularly helpful. The book could have benefited from more engagement with biblical theology, especially regarding the place of union with Christ within the storyline of Scripture. In addition, the book focuses primarily on individual salvation, with little direct attention given to the corporate nature of union with Christ. Despite these drawbacks, this book makes a valuable contribution to the ongoing conversation surrounding union with Christ and stands as the most systematic contemporary treatment of the topic.