Essays on Works and Grace in the Mosaic Covenant
Binding: PaperbackPage Count: 368Publisher: P&R PublishingISBN#: 9781596381001
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Description: Is the Mosaic covenant in some sense a republication of the covenant of works? What is the nature of its demand for obedience, since sinful man is unable to obey as God requires? How in turn was the law to drive Israel to Jesus? This book explores these issues pertaining to the doctrine of republication—once a staple in Reformed theology—a doctrine with far-reaching implications for Paul’s theology, our relationship to Old Testament law, justification, and more.
"This anthology argues that the Mosaic covenant in some sense replicates the original covenant with Adam in the garden, and that this notion is neither novel to nor optional for Reformed theology. The authors locate it within the fabric of federal theology in its Reformation and post-Reformation development, and more importantly, they demonstrate how it is firmly embedded in the flow of redemptive history. Finally, they explain why a thin and merely soteric Calvinism, without the support of federal theology, cannot withstand the challenges to Reformed orthodoxy today. While varying among themselves in their expression of this “republication thesis,” these authors together make a compelling and coherent argument with rich historical, exegetical, and theological insights."
-- John Muether
"Here is a serious and compelling summons to realign ourselves with both Scripture and, as it turns out, the Christianity of the Reformation, on an issue central to the church's current struggle over the meaning of justification by grace alone through faith alone. I commend this fine book for its courage, insight, wisdom, and biblical faithfulness."
-- David F. Wells
"This provocative volume makes a historical and biblical-theological case for understanding the Mosaic administration in the covenant of grace as in some sense a 'republished' covenant of works, which teaches that only perfect obedience to the requirements of the law is sufficient to secure the covenant promise of life in communion with God. The authors ably refute recent attacks upon the classis Reformed understanding of the grace of free justification on the basis of the entire obedience and sacrifice of Christ alone. Though I am not persuaded by every formulation here, this volume deserves the careful attention of anyone who prizes the biblical teaching that the believer's justification rests not on any works of his own, but soley on the full obedience of Christ"
-- Cornelis Venema
