The
scope of A HISTORY OF THE WORK OF REDEMPTION is vast. From a deep
and extensive knowledge of Scripture, Jonathan Edwards sets out
to survey the whole of the redemptive work of God in history, from
the Fall of man to the consummation of all things.
A thrilling conclusion emerges: Everything in human history from
start to finish is subservient to Christ's work of redemption.
Not only can nothing thwart that work, but in the wisdom of God,
all that comes to pass actually serves to advance it.
In a series of thirty sermons preached in Northampton, New England,
in 1739, Edwards sought to establish his congregation in this mighty
truth. Later in his ministry he hoped to write a book expounding
the same theme, and was even reluctant to accept the presidency
of Princeton College for fear this project would be hindered.
Although he did not live to carry out his intention, we can see
the substance of what the intended book would have contained in
this new edition of the sermons of 1739. Here readers can catch
Edwards' vision of the mighty advance of the cause of Christ in
the world, and gain encouragement for all gospel labours from the
certainty of its triumph. |