God's Grand Design: The Theological Vision of Jonathan Edwards

by Sean Michael Lucas

Publisher:

Crossway

, 2011

Jonathan Edwards was a preacher, pastor, revivalist, and theologian. This volume unpacks his magnificent theological vision, which starts with God's glory and ends with all creation returning to that glory. 

Sean Michael Lucas has converted his years of teaching on Edwards into this valuable work, which places Edwards's vision in an accessible, two-part framework. Part one focuses on Edwards's understanding of redemption history—God's cosmic, grand work from eternity past to eternity future, where all things are united in Christ. Part two examines Edwards's perspective on "redemption applied"—how that gracious, divine work unfolds in space and time to personally transform individuals, stirring their affections, illuminating their minds, and moving their wills to form new habits and practices.

This overview of Edwards's theology will prove to be a thought-provoking, encouraging guide to contemporary believers at every stage of their spiritual journey. 

Contents

Top Highlights

“Edwards’s larger purpose was to raise his congregation’s vision from its apparently mundane and petty daily concerns to find their affections engaged by the cosmic purpose that God has in his work of redemption. And God’s grand design in the work of redemption was nothing less than his own glory.” (source)

“Redemption is the grand design of God; creation is but the stage on which that drama plays.^{2” (source)}

“‘It is evident, by both Scripture and reason, that God is infinitely, eternally, unchangeably, and independently glorious and happy: that he stands in no need of, cannot be profited by, or receive anything from the creature.” (source)

“In other words, God’s own happiness is at the very center of who God is” (source)

“Roses and thorns signify ‘that all temporal sweets are mixed with bitter,’ but even more that ‘the crown of glory’ can come only ‘by bearing Christ’s cross by a life of mortification, self-denial, and labor, and bearing all things for Christ.’” (source)

Product Details

• Title : God's Grand Design: The Theological Vision of Jonathan Edwards
• Author: Lucas, Sean Michael
• Publisher: Crossway
• Publication Date: 2011
• ISBN: 9781433524455

About the Author

Sean Michael Lucas (PhD, Westminster Theological Seminary) is the senior minister at the First Presbyterian Church in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, and associate professor of church history at Reformed Theological Seminary in Jackson, Mississippi. He previously taught at Covenant Theological Seminary for five years, serving as the chief academic officer.