Glory in Romans and the Unified Purpose of God in Redemptive History

Eschatological glory is a significant motif in Romans that has failed to garner the attention it deserves. Donald Berry argues that glory lies at the heart of Paul's redemptive historical framework and is an integral part of the gospel Paul proclaims in Romans. For Paul, eschatological glory is the realization of God's purpose for Adam and for Israel to see and to show forth the glory of God. This divine purpose finds fulfillment in Christ and in the new humanity he creates, those who now have "hope of the glory of God" (Rom 5:2). Paul's letter to the Romans provides stunning glimpses into the nature of this eschatological glory and the hope that believers have in Christ. Through careful and compelling exegesis, Berry brings to light Paul's conception of glory and its place at the center of God's purposes in redemptive history. While providing crucial insights into Romans, this study also contributes more broadly to Pauline theology and to the field of biblical theology. It highlights Paul's understanding of a unified divine purpose that runs through creation and redemption--God's desire to display his nature and character in all of creation through image-bearers who share in and reflect his glory.