Synopsis: The recent attack on the imputation of Christ’s righteousness to the sinner, by those who espouse a “New Perspective” on Paul’s doctrine of justification, demands of the Christian a solid grounding in the biblical witness of Christ, who is revealed to us in Jeremiah’s prophecy as “the Lord our righteousness”. This timely reprint of Obadiah Grew’s classic treatment is a most welcome contribution to that end.

There are few biblical doctrines which have as vital an impact on the nature of the gospel, and on the certainty of the sinner’s plea for acceptance with God, as the doctrine of the imputation of Christ’s righteousness. And yet this very doctrine has lately been called into question by conservative scholars. The need for a rigorously biblical perspective is therefore most pressing. So what is it about this Puritan reprint that would qualify it for such an office? I would note three things.

1. It is brief and succinct.

Obadiah Grew was initially against the publication of this work, but finally conceded on the observation that many fully adequate treatments of the subject were, “too large for every reader’s purse and time.” His desire to see available a defense of the doctrine which should not at all be intimidating by virtue of length is most suitably answered in this volume. It is a mere one hundred pages, brief enough for the most unambitious reader, and yet thorough enough to be irrefutable in its argument.

2. It is eminently scriptural.

When perusing this work, one immediately comes away with the impression that it is only a collation and simple explanation of a vast assortment of biblical treatments of the topic, with very few of Obadiah’s own thoughts or reasonings permitted to find a place. It is evident that this is nothing but the biblical teaching of imputed righteousness, and certainly not Obadiah Grew’s speculation on the subject; which has the effect of leaving the reader with a foundation as certain as the immutable word of God.

3. It is heartfelt and devotional.

The old Puritan ideal of biblical reflection being marked by both light and heat is admirably exemplified in this brief study. Obadiah not only uncovers the truth – he revels in it. He not only expounds doctrine – he applies it tenderly and applicationally to the reader’s soul. This is the kind of book which one comes away from not merely knowing more, but rejoicing in more.

To anyone who is pressed by time, and who nevertheless desires an adequate foundation for knowing and delighting in the imputed righteousness of Christ, this volume is highly recommended.

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