The Trinity and the
Covenant of Redemption (Review)
J.V.
Fesko has done the Lord’s church a big favour by writing this book. In a clear
and concise manner, Fesko shows from Scripture how and when the triune God
planned in eternity the salvation of His elect in time. It is such a shame that
the mere mention of that word “elect” will have already put off many of those
readers who sadly have been inoculated against covenant theology and anything
Reformed. More’s the pity!
In
an easy-to-follow way, Fesko exegetes and applies the Scriptures that reveal
what the Westminster divines referred to as, “the Covenant of Redemption, made
and agreed upon between God the Father and God the Son, in the council of the
Trinity, before the world began.”[1]
Though a
little academic in places, the reader with a general knowledge of theology should
not have too much trouble following the flow and discussion of this book. The
overall position of the covenant of redemption is clearly stated, while its
detractors of it and any of its component parts, are discussed and refuted. E.g.,
the novel views of N.T. Wright against the orthodox understanding of the
doctrine of imputation are refuted as is Karl Barth’s denials and
misunderstandings of the covenant of redemption.
Fesko
presents a solid case for the covenant of redemption. My hope is that this book
will in no small way serve to popularise covenant theology. Says Fesko,
“Reformed Orthodoxy and
classic covenant theology still have much to offer. The threefold covenant
scheme (redemption, works, and grace) offers the best explanation of the
biblical data.”[2]
p. 141.
[1]
The
Confession of Faith, The Larger and Shorter Catechisms, with the Scripture
Proofs at Large: together with The Sum of saving Knowledge, Free Presbyterian Publication,
Glasgow, Fourth reprint 1985, 324.
[2] Fesko, JV, The Trinity and the Covenant of Redemption, Mentor Imprint by Christian Focus Publications Ltd., Geanies House, Fearn, Ross-shire, 2016, 141.
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