Glory in Romans and the Unified Purpose of God in Redemptive History

Eschatological glory is a significant motif in Romans that has failed to garner the attention it deserves. Donald Berry argues that glory lies at the heart of Paul’s redemptive historical framework and is an integral part of the gospel Paul proclaims in Romans. For Paul, eschatological glory is the realization of God’s purpose for Adam and for Israel to see and to show forth the glory of God. This divine purpose finds fulfillment in Christ and in the new humanity he creates, those who now have ''hope of the glory of God'' (Rom 5:2). Paul’s letter to the Romans provides stunning glimpses into the nature of this eschatological glory and the hope that believers have in Christ. Through careful and compelling exegesis, Berry brings to light Paul’s conception of glory and its place at the center of God’s purposes in redemptive history. While providing crucial insights into Romans, this study also contributes more broadly to Pauline theology and to the field of biblical theology. It highlights Paul’s understanding of a unified divine purpose that runs through creation and redemption--God’s desire to display his nature and character in all of creation through image-bearers who share in and reflect his glory.''Donald Berry’s work fills a gap in Pauline studies by bringing to the forefront Paul’s conception of eschatological glory in Romans. While many Pauline theologies touch briefly on ’glory’ as an eschatological category, Berry’s work is unparalleled in its detailed exegesis and redemptive-historical emphasis. Pauline scholars cannot afford to ignore this work; it is an indispensable contribution to the prolific field of Pauline studies.'' --Daniel H. Fletcher, Associate Professor of New Testament, Turner School of Theology, Amridge University ''Donald Berry’s study of glory in Romans represents biblical theology at its best. Berry considers the role glory plays in the storyline of scripture but also leads readers through what Romans teaches about glory. Even those who don’t agree with everything Berry says will find his study to be challenging and illuminating. A book on glory in Romans needed to be written, and we can be grateful for Berry’s insightful and theologically rich contribution.''--Thomas R. Schreiner, James Buchanan Harrison Professor of New Testament Interpretation, Associate Dean, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary''Nothing is more central in Paul’s theology, especially in Romans, than the theme of the glory of God revealed in Christ and his glorification. Berry ably explores that theme in helpful ways that show how for believers, sharing in Christ’s glory is at the heart of their salvation in union with him.''--Richard B. Gaffin, Emeritus Professor of Biblical and Systematic Theology, Westminster Theological SeminaryDonald L. Berry (PhD, Amridge University) is a husband, father, and a pastor at Christian Fellowship in Columbia, Missouri. In addition to a PhD in New Testament from Amridge, he also holds degrees from the University of Missouri (BS) and The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary (MDiv).