By the author's frank admission, there is nothing new in this book. He picks no fight with the Reformed tradition and he senses no burden to redefine justification for our age. And therein lies the value of this remarkable study. Fesko surveys the historical development of the doctrine of justification with careful attention to primary sources. He demonstrates the exegetical basis for the doctrine and its rich connection with the unfolding of redemptive history, and he defends key elements of justification - such as the instrumentality of faith alone and the imputation of Christ's active obedience - from contemporary efforts to dilute or modify them. The result is an encyclopedic treatment of what Calvin called the "main hinge on which religion turned," and an indispensable resource for the defense of the Reformed faith in our time.--John R. Muether, Professor of Church History, Dean of Libraries, Assistant D.Min. Director