A Book Summary from Books At a Glance
About the Author:
Craig Biehl holds a Ph.D. in Systematic Theology from Westminster Theological Seminary and has published several books.
Introduction
This book carefully expounds Jonathan Edwards’ view of Christ’s merit and earned righteousness as the second Adam. It focuses on God’s design to display and communicate his glory through the full obedience of Christ as the mediator of the covenant of redemption. Christ saves the elect not only through his death but also through the imputation of the positive righteousness that he gained by voluntarily submitting himself to the Father’s rule of righteousness and fully satisfying all of God’s standards. Christ’s life and death are of infinite value, and thus God is infinitely honored and glorified through what Christ has done. Those who are united with Christ by faith receive the rewards that were purchased for them by Christ. Every person of the Trinity is glorified in this covenant, and the human race is given blessings that far surpass anything that Adam could have earned as their covenant head. At the consummation Christ is married to his elect bride, and she is welcomed into her heavenly home to enjoy the most intimate relationship with God that is possible for created beings.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Chapter 1
God’s Ultimate Purpose Is To Display And Communicate His Glory Through Christ’s Perfect Obedience To God’s Rule Of Righteousness
Chapter 2
Christ Accomplishes God’s Ultimate Purpose According To The Terms Of The Pre-Temporal Covenant Of Redemption
Chapter 3
God’s Rule Of Righteousness Requires Perfect Obedience For Eternal Life And Death For Disobedience
Chapter 4
Adam’s Sin Makes Christ’s Perfect Obedience The Only Basis Of Salvation
Chapter 5
Christ Infinitely Satisfies God’s Unalterable Rule Of Righteousness On Behalf Of The Elect
Conclusion
Summary
Chapter 1
God’s Ultimate Purpose Is To Display And Communicate His Glory Through Christ’s Perfect Obedience To God’s Rule Of Righteousness
At the heart of Jonathan Edwards’ theology is Christ’s work of redemption that is accomplished through his complete obedience to the Father’s perfect standard of righteousness and which displays and communicates the glory of the Triune God. In redemption God reveals his glory through the salvation of sinners who are purchased to participate in the rich, overflowing love and glory of the Trinity.
The glory of God is the overflowing emanation of his blessedness and goodness. In his glory all of God’s perfections shine out. The world was created as a place where creatures could see God’s internal glory on external display. When his creatures see this display and are brought to delight in it; they are truly made happy and blessed. People are called to share in the Trinitarian glory of God by participating and delighting in the Holy Spirit. Christ’s work of redemption purchased the gift of the Spirit for the redeemed, and the Spirit produces holy love and joy in God.
The reason God created the world was to reveal his glory and to make his creatures happy. These two goals are really one goal, and they are achieved in the same way — creatures find ultimate happiness and satisfaction in delighting in God’s glory. God is infinitely perfect and thus is not lacking anything. As a result he does not need to create something in order to be perfectly blessed, yet he does delight in creation’s delight in him….
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