Christ and the Decree: Christology and Predestination in Reformed Theology from Calvin to Perkins

by Richard Muller

Publisher:

Baker Academic

, 2008

Overview

This seminal work on the relationship between Calvin and the Calvinists includes a contextualizing preface by the author. It offers a succinct introduction to the early development of Calvinism/Reformation thought.

In the Logos edition, this volume is enhanced by amazing functionality. Scripture citations link directly to English translations, and important terms link to dictionaries, encyclopedias, and a wealth of other resources in your digital library. Perform powerful searches to find exactly what you’re looking for. Take the discussion with you using tablet and mobile apps. With Logos Bible Software, the most efficient and comprehensive research tools are in one place, so you get the most out of your study.

Key Features

• Unpacks the early developments of Calvinism and Reformation thought
• Provides an exposition of early Reformed theologians
• Offers insight into Reformed orthodoxy and the debate over Calvin and the Calvinists

Contents

• Part I: Reformed Theology in Its First Codification: The Systems of Calvin, Bullinger, Musculus and Vermigli
  • Predestination and Christology in the Thought of Calvin
  • The Systems of Calvin’s Contemporaries
• Part II: The Formulation of Orthodox System: Reformed Theology in Its Second Codifcation
  • Predestination and Christology in the Thought of Theodore Beza
  • Reformed Theology in Heidelberg: Zacharias Ursinus and Jerome Zanchi
  • Calvinism at the Close of the Sixteenth Century: Polanus and Perkins
  • Christ and the Decree in the Development of Early Orthodoxy: Retrospect and Prospect

Top Highlights

“Calvin gravitated toward an understanding of predestination as the focal point of soteriology” (Page 23)

“reprobation could not be viewed simply as a passive act of God” (Pages 24–25)

Praise for the Print Edition

[Muller] has undertaken a massive exposition of the teachings of Reformed theologians extending from Calvin through William Perkins . . . concerning predestination and Christology. . . . Anyone who wishes to refute Muller’s conclusions will necessarily have to spend many long hours with the Latin tomes which constitute the basis for his thorough study. Meanwhile, those who interpret ‘Calvin and Calvinism’ would be well advised to give heed to Muller’s conclusions.

—Fides et Historia

Richard Muller does his homework. His is one of few books in recent memory to address seriously the systematic-theological issues inherent in the debate concerning the relationship of predestination and Christology in the thought of Calvin and his successors. This study is a welcome addition to the secondary sources in the field. Students—whether they finally agree or disagree with Professor Muller’s views—will want to read thoroughly his carefully researched arguments. . . . One will . . . find a wealth of valuable research and trenchant observations in an area of Reformed thought which often is neglected, and even more often treated only with superficial scholarship. . . . This book is worthy of reflection and argument.

—Scottish Journal of Theology

It is rare nowadays to read a scholarly analysis of the Reformation and post-Reformation literature which renders a faithful interpretation of the theology of the Reformers. Richard A. Muller’s masterful study . . . provides a welcome breath of fresh air. . . . The author has achieved a notable contribution to the study of the doctrine of Christ in decretive theology.

—Westminster Theological Journal

It is a witness to his work that Muller’s conclusions remain pertinent to contemporary Reformed studies. . . . Muller’s text is a worthy read and serves to illustrate the author’s staggering insight in this area.

—Theological Book Review

This reprinting is accompanied by a new preface from the author in which Muller provides his readers with insights as to how he would write the book differently today, including employing a different methodology, though his conclusions would be essentially the same. . . . This lucidly argued, densely end-noted volume should be quite helpful reading for anyone seeking to understand more clearly the development of Reformed orthodoxy and the debate over Calvin and the Calvinists.

—Religious Studies Review

Product Details

• Title: Christ and the Decree: Christology and Predestination in Reformed Theology from Calvin to Perkins
• Author: Richard Muller
• Publisher: Baker Academic
• Print Publication Date: 2008
• Logos Release Date: 2013
• Pages: 256
• Language: English
• Resources: 1
• Format: Digital › Logos Research Edition
• Subjects: Jesus Christ › History of doctrines--16th century; Predestination › History of doctrines--16th century; Reformed Church › Doctrines--History--16th century
• ISBNs: 9781441253835, 9780801036101, 1441253831, 0801036100
• Resource ID: LLS:CHRSTDCRCHRSTLG
• Resource Type: Monograph
• Metadata Last Updated: 2022-09-29T22:40:18Z

About Richard Muller

Richard A. Muller is the P.J. Zondervan Professor of Historical Theology at Calvin Theological Seminary in Grand Rapids, Michigan.