Rarely addressed throughout church history, the doctrine of adoption has seen fresh attention in recent years. Although valuable, contemporary studies have focused primarily on etymological, cultural, and pastoral considerations, giving little to no attention to vital systematic theological concerns.
In this groundbreaking work, Professor David Garner examines the function of adoption in Pauline thought: its relationship to the doctrines of Christ, the Holy Spirit, eschatology, and union with Christ, as well as its primary place among the other benefits of salvation.
Adoption frames Pauline soteriology, Garner argues, and defines the Trinitarian, familial context of redemption in Christ, the Son of God. Properly understood, adoption's paradigm-shifting implications extend deep and far.
Endorsements"This book is a gem: a precious mind-clearing, heartwarming achievement."
-J. I. Packer
"I'm convinced that Garner's book will be considered a theological classic of the Christian faith. . . . To say I absolutely loved it would be an understatement."
-Dan Cruver, President, Together for Adoption
"Reading Sons in the Son is like putting on a new set of glasses that enable the reader to see the glistening beauty of God's grace of adoption throughout the entirety of his salvation plan."
-Nancy Guthrie, Author, Seeing Jesus in the Old Testament series
"Garner's book may well reset the Reformed church's thinking about the relationship of its doctrine of salvation and its doctrine of Christ."
-Howard Griffith, Academic Dean, Reformed Theological Seminary, Washington, DC
"All future work on this subject that is so precious to the minds and hearts of Christians should reckon with this masterful treatment."
-Joel R. Beeke, President, Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary, Grand Rapids
Also endorsed by Richard B. Gaffin Jr., Russell Moore, Harry L. Reeder, and Guy Prentiss Waters.
About the Author :
David B. Garner (ThM, Dallas Theological Seminary; PhD, Westminster Theological Seminary) is associate professor of systematic theology at Westminster Theological Seminary.
Review :
"Dr. Garner's Sons in the Son is a fascinating read on the traditionally minimized doctrine of the believer's adoption in Christ. One does not need to agree with Garner at every point to recommend this profoundly theological and practical work. In terms of exegetical, biblical, systematic, historical, and experiential theology, Sons in the Son is a ground-breaking book that thoroughly mines the field of adoption from Scripture itself all the way to 21st-century treatments of the subject. All future work on this subject that is so precious to the minds and hearts of Christians should reckon with this masterful treatment."--Joel R. Beeke, President, Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary
