Dr. Edmund Fong (Singapore), Academic Dean at Trinity Theological College, joins Theo Global’s Michael Horton and Adam Smith to discuss the doctrines of Union with Christ and Justification. Dr. Fong unpacks Union with Christ as the summational theme that grounds justification, sanctification, and adoption. He describes as an architectural “house” containing various “rooms” like justification, sanctification, and adoption. He argues that while justification serves as the essential entrance or “living room” of salvation, it should not be conflated with the other transformative benefits of faith.
Drawing on pastoral implications and cultural dimensions, such as shame and honor, Dr. Fong highlights the ongoing relevance of these doctrines for the global church. Ultimately, the dialogue emphasizes that maintaining a precise definition of justification protects the church from the pastoral dangers of both legalism and antinomianism.
Rev. Dr. Edmund Fong is Academic Dean and Lecturer in Systematic Theology, Biblical Hermeneutics and Presbyterianism at Trinity Theological College, Singapore. He is also an ordained Presbyterian Minister with The Presbyterian Church in Singapore.
03:59 Discussion on justification and its frameworks
08:25 Understanding Union with Christ, for balanced pastoral care
10:07 Connecting justification, sanctification, and faith’s role
14:12 Guilt and shame
18:43 Balancing familiar spaces with new exploration
