The Economy of the Covenants between God and Man, vol. 1
Overview
The Economy of the Covenants between God and Man is considered Witsius’ most significant work. In a reflection on what is known as covenant theology, Witsius examines how the idea of covenant provides a unified theological framework for the Scriptures. He provides an overview of covenantal doctrine, examining its nature, stipulations, curses, and blessings, and contrasts the Old Testament covenant of works with the New Testament covenant of grace. Witsius discusses at length how Christ’s sacrifice satisfied the Law’s demands and opened the door for grace.
The Logos edition of The Economy of the Covenants between God and Man, vol. 1 integrates completely with your digital library. Scripture references link directly to your favorite English translation and your original-language texts, instantly connecting you to a wealth of resources. With networked passage guides, word studies, and commentaries, you’ll be able to delve into God’s Word like never before.
- Short biography of Herman Witsius
- More than 400 pages of theological insight
Top Highlights
“It is not left to man, to accept or reject at pleasure God’s covenant. Man is commanded to accept it, and to press after the attainment of the promises in the way pointed out by the covenant. Not to desire the promises, is to refuse the goodness of God. To reject the precepts, is to refuse the sovereignty and holiness of God. And not to submit to the sanction, is to deny God’s justice.” (Page 25)
“But properly, it signifies a mutual agreement between parties with respect to something.” (Page 21)
“Those sacred banquets, to which the covenanted were admitted before the Lord, especially that instituted by the Lord Jesus under the New Testament, do most effectually seal or ratify that intimate communion and fellowship there is between Christ and believers.” (Page 23)
“But when God, in the solemnities of his covenants with men, thought proper to use these or the like rites, the significancy was still more noble and divine. They who made covenant with God by sacrifice, not only submitted to punishment, if, impiously revolting from God, they slighted his covenant; but God likewise signified to them, that all the stability of the covenant of grace was founded on the sacrifice of Christ, and that the soul and body of Christ were one day to be violently separated asunder.” (Page 22)
“We begin with the consideration of the covenant of works, otherwise called, of the law and of nature; because prescribed by the law, requiring works as the condition, and founded upon and coeval with nature. This covenant is an agreement between God and Adam, formed after the image of God, as the head and root, or representative of the whole human race; by which God promised eternal life and happiness to him, if he yielded obedience to all his commands; threatening him with death if he failed but in the least point: and Adam accepted this condition. To this purpose are these two sentences, afterwards inculcated, on the repetition of the law, Lev. 18:5, and Deut. 27:26.” (Page 28)
Herman Witsius . . . was a masterful Dutch Reformed theologian, learned, wise, mighty in the Scriptures, practical . . . on paper he was calm, judicious, systematic.
A writer not only eminent for his great talents and particularly solid judgments, rich imagination, and elegance of composition, but for a deep, powerful, and evangelistic spirituality, and savor of godliness.
- Title: The Economy of the Covenants between God and Man, vol. 1
- Author: Herman Witsius
- Publisher: T. Tegg & Son
- Publication Date: 1837
- Pages: 416