In Your Light We See Light: A Reformed Theology of Divine Illumination
Digital Logos Edition
A Reformed perspective on the doctrine of illumination
“And this is eternal life, that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent.” —John 17:3
In Your Light We See Light: A Reformed Theology of Divine Illumination argues that the doctrine of illumination is Trinitarian and participatory. We cannot know God apart from God. The Triune God transfers us from darkness to light, so we may see him, ourselves, and the world anew. Illumination is not merely cognitive; it turns a heart of stone into a heart of flesh. It involves life with God—hearing and being transformed by God’s word.
Paul C. Uyen begins with Scripture before retrieving the doctrine of illumination from Orthodox, Roman Catholic, and Reformed traditions, and revealing their areas of tension. Uyen articulates a Reformed perspective in conversation with other traditions.
Praise for In Your Light We See Light
As this carefully researched and well-argued work exhibits, union with Christ is inseparable from illumination from the Father, in the Son, by the Spirit. Joining the great conversation across Christian traditions and eras, Uyen pushes us into the deep end to reawaken our interest in this crucial reality. It’s not only intellectually stimulating but spiritually edifying—indeed, illuminating!
—Michael Horton, professor, Westminster Seminary California
Here is an exercise in Reformed catholicity that stretches mind and heart, a work of theological retrieval that revives the soul.
—Justin Ariel Bailey, dean of chapel and professor of theology, Dordt University, Iowa
What a rich historical and theological treatment of illumination. Through both a creative employment of participation and by being genuinely Trinitarian in orientation—and not relegating illumination merely to the Spirit—Paul C. Uyen has offered us a real treat in this volume.
—Kelly M. Kapic, professor of theological studies, Covenant College, Georgia
Paul Uyen’s thorough study of the economy of illumination pulses with joy. He enriches evangelical understanding by connecting illumination more organically to inseparable Trinitarian operations, to participation in Christ, to varied traditions and practices—and ultimately to the heart and the body along with the mind.
—Daniel J. Treier, Knoedler Professor of Theology, Wheaton College, Illinois
A truly valuable overview of the doctrine and an innovative study of its relevance to Christian life and thought today.
—Lydia Schumacher, professor of historical and philosophical theology, King’s College London
Studies in Historical and Systematic Theology
Studies in Historical and Systematic Theology is a peer-reviewed series of contemporary monographs exploring key figures, themes, and issues in historical and systematic theology from an evangelical perspective.
Learn more about the other titles in this series.
- Foreword by Kevin Vanhoozer
- Introduction
- Part 1: Economy of Illumination: A Biblical Account
- The Reason and Purpose of Illumination
- The Biblical Concept of Illumination
- Part 2: Economy of Illumination: A Retrieval Account
- Economy of Illumination in the Ante-Nicene Fathers
- Economy of Illumination in Orthodox Tradition
- Economy of Illumination in Roman Catholic Tradition
- Economy of Illumination in the Reformed Tradition
- Part 3: Economy of Illumination: A Dogmatic Account
- Communion with God
- The Economy of Illumination: Being in Triune Light Ad Extra
- Being Transformed from Glory to Glory
- Conclusion
- Afterword by Matthew Levering
- Title: In Your Light We See Light: A Reformed Theology of Divine Illumination
- Author: Paul C. Uyen
- Series: Studies in Historical and Systematic Theology
- Publisher: Lexham Press
- Publication Date: 2025
- Pages: 448
- Format: Logos Digital, Paperback
- Trim Size: 6x9
- ISBN: 9781683598329