Theosis and Forgiveness in the Gospel of Matthew [Hardcover]

In this book, Kangil Kim reads the Matthean teaching of forgiveness through the framework of theosis. Kim argues that theosis provides a theological lens that brings into sharper focus the meaning of forgiveness, especially with respect to the dynamics of heaven and earth and of God and the human in Matthews Gospel. Forgiveness as an embodied way of life is more than following Jesus and imitating what Jesus does but one of theosis, the extension of Gods own power working itself out through Jesus in our lives.Kangil Kim is adjunct instructor of New Testament Greek at Fuller Theological Seminary.

Kangil Kim has challenged a fundamental assumption that governs much biblical interpretation today--that there is no overlap between divine action and human action. The result is a compelling interpretation of forgiveness in the Gospel of Matthew, one that draws on the rich tradition of theosis, is textually rigorous, and substantiates the thesis that God forgives human beings in the way they forgive one another. Attending to both the narrative theme of forgiveness and iconic passages that deal with it explicitly, Kim offers an insightful contribution to Matthew scholarship and to Christian readers who look to Matthew to guide their life. Tommy Givens, Fuller Theological Seminary

Kangil Kim invites us into heightened theological reflection on the Gospel of Matthew through his innovative reading of Matthews forgiveness motif. Matthews teaching is always at the fore, while Kims interpretive frame allows him to clarify and amplify the transformative dynamics of Matthews teaching for God-human relations. The result is a well-crafted and compelling study of this Matthean motif through the lens of a divinely empowered, transformative participation in Gods own life and action. Joel B. Green, Fuller Theological Seminary

The theme of theosis (transformative participation in the divine life) has recently reappeared as a significant aspect of Christian theol“c