Comprehending A Complete Body of Divinity
Binding: Hardcover
Page Count: ---
Publisher: Distributed by P&R
ISBN#: 875528708
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Description:
The Economy of the Covenants Between God and
Man, first published from Utrecht in 1677. Witsius is an excellent example of a
classic covenant theologian. In a prefatory statement to
The Economy of the
Covenants, written to William III, Witsius, in explaining the impetus for his
writing, emphasized the importance of a proper understanding of the threefold
covenant arrangement between God and man. He wrote, "Forasmuch as the doctrine
of the covenant of grace, by which the manner of the reconciliation of sinners
to God is shewn, and the manifold dispensation of that covenant, have been the
unhappy object of controversy in the Netherlands, so that whatever points are
now disputed upon… I have thought this subject in the first place deserving my
notice… I have found it absolutely necessary to oppose different opinions;
either those of the public adversaries of the reformed churches, amongst whom I
reckon first the Socinians and the Remonstrants, who, by their daring comments
have defiled the doctrines of God's covenants; or those of some of our brethren,
who have taken it into their heads to form new hypotheses and thereby almost
root out all true divinity."
The Economy of the Covenants Between God and Man carries forth the
covenant or federal theology tracable to Calvin, Ames, Cocceius, Owen, and the
Westminster Confession. It is that theological framework which best accounts for
the biblical teachings on God's role and man's in salvation, divine sovereignty
and human responsibility, the relationship between law and grace, and the unity
of Scripture.
"...learned, wise, mighty in the Scriptures, practical and
experimental' (to use the Puritan label for that which furthers
heart-religion)...[Witsius] was a man whose work stands comparison for substance
and thrust with that of his younger British contemporary John Owen, and this
writer, for one, knows no praise higher than that!"
- James I.
Packer
"...a source of personal and theological enrichment. The depth of
insight and precision of expression which mark his treatment of the vast and
vital subject of God's covenants cause his book to be of lasting value to the
church."
- Thomas K . Ascol
"But I esteem much more dangerous the opinions of some men, in
other respects very learned, who deny that a covenant of works was made with
Adam; and will scarce allow that by the death with which he was threatened, in
case he sinned, a corporeal death is to be understood; and deny that spiritual
and heavenly blessings, such as we now obtain through Christ, were promised to
Adam on condition of perfect obedience."
