Title:
A History of the Work of Redemption
Author:
Jonathan Edwards
Publisher: The Banner of Truth Trust
First Copyright: 1774
First
Banner of Truth Trust Copyright: 2003
Type of Book: Hardback
General
Subject Matter: Redemptive work of God in history
Price: $29.00
ISBN: 0-85151-844-3
The purpose of this book comes from rational
deduction. Although the body of work is attributed to Jonathan Edwards, and the
chapters are actually sermons preached by Jonathan Edwards, he did not write
this “book.” This “book” is a composition of thirty (30) sermons preached by
Edwards to his Northampton congregation in 1739. Edwards desired to write a
book on the redemptive work of God in history from the fall of man to the consummation
of all things by God. Unfortunately Edwards died before he could achieve his
goal. Jonathan Edwards, Jr. in 1773
helped see these sermons brought together in a single publication.
Edward’s original purpose, deduced from the sermons
which serve as an outline for the book he did not write was to give a clear and
concise working of God through this atoning work. Edwards purposed to give a
clear rendition of God’s work from the fall of man until the beginning of
eternity and beyond.
It was Edward’s contention that everything that
every transpired in human history was totally subservient to God’s work of
redemption. He also contended that nothing could ever thwart that work of God
and regardless of any instance referenced actually furthered the work of God.
The theme
of this book is the redemptive work of God in this world throughout history.
The thesis
of this book is that the righteousness of God is tied to his faithfulness in
fulfilling his covenantal promises to his church and his faithfulness towards
his church in bestowing the covenants of grace upon his people.
Edwards develops his thesis by the way of
exposition. He supplies analysis of both the topic and the scripture to support
his topic and uses explanation to
clarify his ideas. Edwards explains scripture in an effort to support his
thesis.
This is the hardest review this reviewer has ever
written. I love Jonathan Edwards and I have learned much from him. However, I
have always been able to separate his error of being a covenant theologian from
his exegesis on subjects other than those which are related to covenant
theology. This time I cannot. He addresses his topic “straight on” with his
theology.
The next step in a book review is to evaluate the
book on interest, accuracy, objectivity, importance, thoroughness and
usefulness to its intended audience. At this point the review responds to the author’s
opinions.
As much as I am whole-heartedly committed to the
doctrines of grace I do not and cannot equate covenant theology with biblical
doctrines. I found myself unable to enjoy this book and forced myself to read
it in order to satisfy the agreement that I have with Banner of Truth Trust to
read and review books that they provide me free of charge.
I found this book uninteresting. More importantly I
cannot suggest that Edwards was accurate and objective in his exposition. Edwards
intended to present in this sermon series and his future book the history of
God’s redemption throughout history beginning with the fall of man. Had he
stuck to that as his thesis and dealt with it objectively and accurately he
might have written something that would be useful to his readers.
Edwards did not do that. In accordance with his commitment
to “covenant theology” he ascribed the history of salvation or redemption as
the history of the church. Edwards, as most covenant theologians confused God’s
remnant of Israel with the church. He “read” the church into place and role of
God’s chosen people and the Jewish nation.
Fortunately Edwards has written on a vast myriad of
subjects. He has written accurately of the glorious nature of our majestic God
for example. Edwards has much to offer both the church and individual
believers. Unfortunately this book has nothing to offer the church or the
people of God.
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I received this book free with no other consideration for this review. The opinions in this review are mine and I was not required to give a positive or negative.
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Happy 38th Birthday to my oldest daughter, Shannon A. Metcalf of Vancouver, WA!
