Professor Gaffin has written a book on justification:

Publisher’s Description:
How, according to the teachings of Paul, does the individual receive salvation?
That is the focal question behind this book. Against some recent scholars Gaffin argues that it is both a meaningful and an appropriate question to ask. So what does the application of salvation to sinners involve for Paul? Does he distinguish between salvation accomplished (historia salutis) and salvation applied (ordo salutis) and, if so, how, and how important is the latter for him? And what exactly is the place of justification in his theology? Gaffin argues that:

“The central soteriological reality is union with the exalted Christ by Spirit-created faith. That is the nub, the essence, of the way or order of salvation for Paul. The center of Paul’s soteriology…is neither justification by faith nor sanctification, neither the imputation of Christ’s righteousness nor the renewing work of the Spirit. To draw that conclusion, however, is not to de-center” justification (or sanctification), as if justification is somehow less important for Paul than the Reformation claims. Justification is supremely important, it is absolutely crucial in Paul’s ‘gospel of salvation’ (cf. Eph. 1:13). Deny or distort his teaching on justification and that gospel ceases to be gospel; there is no longer saving ‘good news’ for sinners. But no matter how close justification is to the heart of Paul’s gospel, in our salvation, as he sees it, there is an antecedent consideration, a reality, that is deeper, more fundamental, more decisive, more crucial: Christ and our union with him, the crucified and resurrected, the exalted, Christ. Union with Christ by faith-that is the essence of Paul’s ordo salutis.”

I find his writing a little hard to understand but I’m still getting the book, though I won’t have much time to read it. Looking at justification by faith from the aspect of our union with Christ is so important and yet not too many people are looking at it from that perspective. This is exactly how Calvin viewed it (this was really stressed by Tipton in my Doctrine of Salvation II class).
Also, Tremper Longman III has written a new commentary on Proverbs and D. A. Carson has written a new book about suffering and evil. And this one looks interesting, it’s on the clarity of Scripture. Ok, I guess you all have your Christmas list ready for your loved ones 🙂
I think I’m asking for a gift card from the Westminster Bookstore for my birthday!
BTW, guess what I bought yesterday? Two new Bibles!!! Sarah is allowed to use the NIV this year and she wanted a small one to carry in her messenger bag. Now, how could I make her carry her Life Application Study Bible? That would be cruel. And then Samantha needed the KJV and she only had the NKJV, so she got a small one she could carry in her backpack. I think they were necessary 🙂