Participating in Christ: Explorations in Paul's Theology and Spirituality

World-renowned scholar Michael Gorman examines the Pauline theme of participation in Christ, exploring its contemporary significance for Christian life and ministry. He emphasizes resurrectional cruciformity, which is living a life infused with the life of the resurrected Lord.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 320 pages
Publication date: 17 September 2019
Publisher: Baker Publishing Group

Michael Gorman, a renowned scholar, delves into the profound Pauline concept of participation in Christ, exploring its contemporary relevance for Christian life and ministry. In his exploration, Gorman introduces the concept of resurrectional cruciformity, which suggests that engaging in Christ involves a simultaneous dying and rising with him. This cross-shaped living, infused with the life of the resurrected Lord, is characterized as life-giving. Throughout the book, Gorman establishes the centrality of participation in Christ for Paul's theology and spirituality.

Gorman begins by examining the historical context in which Paul's understanding of participation in Christ emerged. He highlights the significance of the resurrection of Jesus Christ as the foundation for Paul's theology and the role of the Spirit in empowering believers to participate in Christ's death and resurrection. Gorman then explores the various aspects of participation in Christ, including the nature of the body, the role of the Spirit, and the relationship between Christ and the church.

One of the key themes Gorman explores is resurrectional cruciformity. He argues that participating in Christ involves a profound transformation of the believer's identity and nature. The believer is no longer defined by their sin but by their relationship with Christ, who has reconciled them to God. This transformation is expressed through a life of obedience and submission to the will of God, which is characterized by self-denial, love, and service.

Gorman also emphasizes the importance of the cross-shaped living that results from participation in Christ. He argues that this living is not merely a moral or ethical code but a way of life that is infused with the life of the resurrected Lord. The believer is called to live a life that is characterized by humility, compassion, and forgiveness, and to bear witness to the gospel of Jesus Christ to the world around them.

Throughout the book, Gorman demonstrates the centrality of participation in Christ for Paul's theology and spirituality. He highlights the ways in which Paul's understanding of the body, the Spirit, and the church are interconnected and how participation in Christ provides a framework for living a life that is pleasing to God. Gorman also provides practical examples and applications of the concept of participation in Christ for Christian life and ministry.

In conclusion, Michael Gorman's book "Participation in Christ" is a valuable resource for anyone seeking to understand the Pauline concept of participation in Christ and its contemporary significance for Christian life and ministry. Gorman's exploration of resurrectional cruciformity, the nature of the body, the role of the Spirit, and the relationship between Christ and the church provides a rich and comprehensive understanding of Paul's theology. Through his practical examples and applications, Gorman demonstrates the ways in which believers can live a life that is characterized by obedience, compassion, and witness to the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Weight: 430g
Dimension: 153 x 230 x 18 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781540960368