The Covenant Theology of Jonathan Edwards: Law Gospel and Evangelical Obedience

As a theologian in the Reformed tradition covenant theology was for Jonathan Edwards the internal scaffolding that gave shape to the biblical story of redemption. The establishment of the eternal rule of righteousness as the basis of the believers communion with God and eternal happiness is a central theme beginning with the Covenant of Works grounded in the eternal Covenant of Redemption and culminating in the Covenant of Grace. It is the basis for the law-gospel distinction in Edwards and the early architects of federal theology. For the God intoxicated New England Puritan preacher this was no dry academic exercise. Rather it was a joyous and affectionate discovery and embrace of what God had ordained in eternity what Christ accomplished in history on the cross and what the Holy Spirit is doing and will complete in the church. This study grew out of current discussions in Reformed scholarship questioning aspects of traditional covenant theology. As a key transitional figure in the history of Reformed theology Edwardss thinking is still relevant. The richness and depth of Edwardss vision of redemptive history provides a clear and comprehensive understanding of his Reformed soteriology and the role of evangelical obedience in justification.