Theoretical-Practical Theology - Volume 3: The Works of God and the Fall of Man
ISBN: 9781601788405Petrus van Mastricht's Theoretical-Practical Theology presents one of the most comprehensive methods of treating Christian doctrine. In it, Mastricht treats every theological topic according to a four-part approach: exegetical, dogmatic, elenctic, and practical. As a body of divinity, it combines a rigorous, scholastic treatment of doctrine with the pastoral aim of preparing people to live for God through Christ. Students and pastors will find it a valuable model for moving from the text of Scripture to doctrinal formulation that will edify the people of God.
Volume 3, The Works of God and the Fall of Man, is a book of origins-origins of the created order and of sin. Mastricht begins with a discussion of the decrees of God and how they establish His eternal purpose for everything. He then shows how the decrees are carried out in creation and in God's continual providence. The volume concludes with Mastricht's treatment of the apostacy of Adam from his original estate and the devastating effects of sin that followed. This is an important volume for learning how God governs all things, even the rebellious actions of those good things He created.
Table of Contents: Author: Petrus van Mastricht (1630-1706) was a Dutch theologian who studied at Utrecht under Gisbertus Voetius and Johannes Hoornbeeck. He pastored churches in the Netherlands and taught at the universities of Duisburg and Utrecht. His Theoretical-Practical Theology was praised by many as one of the great works of systematic theology and is noted for treating Christian doctrine comprehensively from its exegetical foundations to its practical use for one's soul. Translator: Todd M. Rester is an associate professor of church history at Westminster Theological Seminary. Editor: Joel R. Beeke is president and professor of systematic theology and homiletics at Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary, and a pastor of the Heritage Reformed Congregation in Grand Rapids, Michigan Endorsements: "The very title of this work, Theoretical-Practical Theology, indicates why, three centuries ago, Petrus van Mastricht's work appealed to Scottish ministers who studied under him or read his theology. Not least of these was his student James Hog, who would later famously republish The Marrow of Modern Divinity. In making van Mastricht's classic available in English for a new generation of students, pastors, and scholars, the Dutch Reformed Translation Society and Reformation Heritage Books are giving a great gift to the Christian church as a whole, and to students, pastors, and scholars in particular." "Mastricht's magnum opus is suited for the school (scholastic) in its definitions, divisions, brevity, and clarity; suited for wider instruction in its frequent recourse to catechetical interrogation and response; and especially suited for truth and godliness in its decidedly biblical-exegetical foundations and eminently spiritual applications. In his manual Mastricht holds together-and yet carefully distinguishes-what many before and after him are wont to separate. Developed when Reformed instruction for the ministry of the gospel was in full flower, the result is a deeply gratifying and wholistic account of Christian theology as 'the doctrine of living for God through Christ.' "
Part 1 Continued: Prolegomena and Faith
Book 3: The Works of God
1. The Actions and Decrees of God
2. Predestination
3. Election
4. Reprobation
5. Creation in General
6. The World and the Work of the Six Days
7. The Good Angels
8. The Evil Angels
9. Man and the Image of God
10. The General Providence of God
11. Special Providence
12. The Covenant of Nature
Book 4: Man's Apostasy from God
1. The Violation of the Covenant of Nature
2. Original Sin
3. Actual Sin
4. The Penalty and State of Sin
--Sinclair B. Ferguson, Chancellor's Professor of Systematic Theology, Reformed Theological Seminary; and teaching fellow, Ligonier Ministries
--Theodore G. Van Raalte, professor of ecclesiology and associate librarian at the Canadian Reformed Theological Seminary
Additional Information:
| Cover: | Hardcover |
| Number of Pages: | 672 |
| Publisher: | Reformation Heritage Books |
| Publication Date: | 2022 |