S. Lewis Johnson - Discovering Romans: Spiritual Revival for the Soul

ENDORSEMENTS FOR DISCOVERING ROMANS

Those who had the privilege of meeting Dr. S. Lewis Johnson Jr. knew they were in the presence of a scholar and a gentleman. He had clearly absorbed Pauls letter to the Romans into his soul and shared Luthers view that it is the purest gospel. Todays commentaries sometimes seem to tell us more than the biblical authors themselves could have known and are in danger of losing the reader in a forest of technicalities. Here, by contrast, is an exposition of beautiful clarity and simplicity by a master craftsman who knew scholarship intimately but wore it lightly. Discovering Romans leads us carefully through the text and is a delight to read. Anyone who loves Romanswhich we all shouldwill love this!

SINCLAIR B. FERGUSON, Professor of Systematic Theology, Redeemer Seminary, Dallas

S. Lewis Johnson was a premiere theologian and careful expositor of Gods Word whose influence was widespread in the late twentieth century. His work on Romans is another example of the gift this man was to the church of the Lord Jesus Christ. You will find this book to be a valuable addition to your library.

DANNY AKIN, President, Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, Wake Forest, North Carolina

As I read the words of this commentary, I cant help but hear in my head the voice of S. Lewis Johnson Jr. I count it as an immeasurable blessing to have sat in the presence and under his influence as he preached through Pauls greatest epistle. His remarkable exegetical and theological insights, combined with a pastors heart and a love for Gods people, made that a genuinely life-changing experience. I am indescribably grateful for the efforts of Mike Abendroth in making this volume available. No one should undertake a study of Romans without Johnson at his side. Highly recommended!

SAM STORMS, PhD, Pastor, Bridgeway Church, Oklahoma City

S. Lewis Johnson is one of the great unsung theologians of the twentieth century. He had a brilliant mind and laid out a banquet of wit and wisdom in all his messages, both at Believers Chapel and Dallas Theological Seminary. As a professor at Dallas Seminary, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, and other institutes, he taught Hebrew, Greek, and systematic theologya true Renaissance man! His sermons were models that students at Dallas Seminary were required to listen toan enjoyable homework assignment if ever there was one! Johnson was Reformed to the core. He was a perfectionist, not wishing to publish until he reached maturity in his views. Because of this, most of his sermons and class notesall typed and in polished formhave never been published. I am delighted to see that Mike Abendroth has gotten permission from Johnsons heirs to publish this commentary. Just as Galatians was Luthers Katie von Bora, so Romans was Johnsons great love. In this commentary you will find clear, rich exposition of the greatest letter ever written. As Augustine was prompted to read Romans when he heard a child say, Tolle lege!, so too I commend you to take up and read this devotional yet scholarly commentary on Pauls letter to the Romans.

DANIEL B. WALLACE, Professor of New Testament Studies, Dallas Theological Seminary

Anyone who sat in Dr. Johnsons classes or heard him preach knows that he brought to his teaching a dedication to understanding Scripture and honoring God. The opportunity for those who never had that privilege to get a glimpse of this in a book as significant as Discovering Romans is most precious. Here is a man of God handling Gods Word with reverence and care. It is a wonderful combination as the power of Gods message through Paul is explained by someone who walked through the Greek text and through life with listening ears.

DARRELL BOCK, Professor of New Testament Studies, Dallas Theological Seminary

Having personally sat under the preaching of S. Lewis Johnson for five years at Believers Chapel, I can strongly attest that he was a master of Scripture, a Prince of Expositors. Few men have been so preeminent in the pulpit, so strongly committed to the biblical text, and so deeply steeped in sound doctrine. In my estimation, he is the least-known highly proficient and biblical preacher of the last half-century. All who love the truth will want to read the rich teaching of this gifted servant of the Lord.

STEVEN J. LAWSON, Senior Pastor, Christ Fellowship Baptist Church, Mobile, Alabama; Teaching Fellow, Ligonier Ministries

S. Lewis Johnson possessed a superb theological mind and exquisite teaching gifts. He loved Scripture and was committed to its truth. His preaching was always powerful and profound, yet lucid and easily accessible. Bible teachers of his caliber are exceedingly rare, and his manner of blending biblical exposition with rich theological instruction is fast becoming a lost art. Discovering Romans will have a prominent place on my bookshelves.

PHIL JOHNSON, Executive Director, Grace To You

I am grateful that the writings of Dr. S. Lewis Johnson are being preserved and passed into the next generation. Dr. Johnson was committed to the exegetical and expositional preaching and teaching of Gods inerrant Word. I am glad to recommend the project undertaken by my friend Mike Abendroth and am pleased that Dr. Johnsons family has encouraged this pursuit. May this commentary on Romans expand minds and hearts for God through the study of his Word.

MARK BAILEY, President, Dallas Theological Seminary

Dr. Johnson is at the top of my list of favorite expositors, and he is at his best in Romans. Reading this book offers a unique privilege to sit at the feet of a master teacher and theologian who exalts the sovereignty and glory of God. This book will fill your head for sure, but it will also fill your heart and your hands to gratefully serve the One who died for the many.

DR. MARK HITCHCOCK, Senior Pastor, Faith Bible Church, Edmond, Oklahoma

S. Lewis Johnson Jr., my mentor and friend, was a gracious Christian gentleman, humble scholar, and lover of Gods Word. His fondness for Romans was most evident in his teaching and preaching on the doctrine of imputationthe basis for substitutionary atonement; indeed for salvation itself! Much could be said about his sound, contextual exegesis, but I want to emphasize the clarion call he continued to trumpet for the vitally important doctrine of imputation, especially on the meaning of the final clause of Romans 5:12, because all sinned. As Johnson has said, that single phrase has been one of the major battlegrounds of the systems of theology. There are so many important truths pertaining to the representative headship of the first and last Adam and of Gods justice, love, mercy, and grace in the messages propounded in this book that I can only say, Read it! Ponder it! And embrace the truth! It is doctrinally sound, heart-warming, and spiritually nourishing.

GARY D. LONG, ThD, Faculty President, Providence Theological Seminary, Colorado Springs

I am one of those privileged to have some history with Dr. S. Lewis Johnson. It began when I was a student at Dallas Seminary as well as a member of Believers Chapel, where he preached for many years. Later, I was blessed to be able to preach alongside him, under the giant shadow he cast. When we left Believers Chapel to start a new work (with the encouragement and assistance of the elders) our daughters were still young, so they never got to know Dr. Johnson. Years later, our whole family returned to Believers Chapel for the funeral of a good friend. As Dr. Johnson was delivering the message, one of my daughters leaned over and whispered in my ear, I dont know who this guy is, but hes good! I couldnt agree more. Like my daughter, you might not have been privileged to get to know Dr. Johnson personally, but as you read his brilliant treatment of Romans, Im certain that you will agree that he is a marvelous teacher of the Word. And even more, Im convinced that his teaching will fix your eyes on Jesus, who is infinitely better.