the-freedom-of-self

The apostle Paul stands as the most influential figure in the development of Christian theology after Jesus himself, and his letters comprise nearly half of the New Testament canon. Originally known as Saul of Tarsus, he was a zealous Pharisee who persecuted early Christians before experiencing a dramatic conversion. This transformed him from Christianity’s chief opponent into its most effective advocate, leading to decades of missionary journeys throughout the Roman Empire and the establishment of churches across Asia Minor, Greece, and beyond. His epistles—written to these various congregations to address theological questions, pastoral concerns, and practical matters—became foundational texts for Christian doctrine and practice.

Keller and other Reformed theologians base their conception of salvation on the idea of justification by faith, the doctrine that human beings are made righteous before God not through adherence to the Mosaic law or through moral achievement, but through faith in Jesus Christ. This theology is based on Reformed theologians’ interpretations of some of Paul’s writing, especially his letters to the Romans and Galatians, in which Paul suggests that salvation comes as a gift of God’s grace rather than as a reward for human works. Keller believes that Paul’s own experience exemplifies this principle: Despite his impeccable credentials as a Pharisee and his zealous adherence to the law, he came to regard all his achievements as worthless compared to knowing Christ.