Christ and the Christian Life: Two Essays from Christian Dogmatics

On its publication nearly 40 years ago, Christian Dogmatics, a two-volume survey of the twelve major loci of Christian doctrine, seemed destined to become a classic. It rapidly took its place among the top multi-volume theologies and became a foundational text for generations of theological and ministerial students.

Each loci, treated from the perspective of the Lutheran tradition and deeply examined in terms of its biblical foundations, historical tradition, and contemporary significance, was written by a scholar wise beyond their years. Each of the six authors went on to have influential and esteemed teaching and writing careers.

Here, presented together for the first time, are the two loci written by Gerhard Forde for the project. In The Work of Christ, Forde examines what God did in Jesus Christ , exploring the dominant doctrines, views, and motifs that undergird the chief article on which doctrines like the justification rest. In Christian Life, he undertakes justification and sanctification with a special focus on their relevance in contemporary life.

Helpful for students and scholars alike, this convenient assembly of Forde’s early work will broaden the impact of his thought for a new generation.