History of the Work of Redemption Vol I of the Works - Edwards - XI - Period III commenced

Required readingHistory of the Work of Redemption in Vol I of the Works by Jonathan Edwards (Available from Amazon or free here) - Read Sections I to IV of Period III.

My summary.

Today Edwards begins Period III of the history of the work of redemption: From Christ's resurrection to the end of the world.

Firstly he outlines Scriptural representations of this period, e.g. 'latter days', 'end of the world'.

Secondly Edwards shows how Christ was capacitated for effecting his purpose of redeeming us by his resurrection and ascension.

Thirdly Edwards considers the dispensations of providence by which the means of this success were established after Christ's resurrection.

Fourthly, Edwards shows how the success was carried out under great persecution.

What grabbed me

I enjoyed this comment about the resurrection of Jesus: 'This resurrection of Christ is the most joyful event that ever came to pass; because hereby Christ rested from the great and difficult work of purchasing redemption, and received God's testimony, that it was finished. The death of Christ was the greatest and most wonderful event that ever came to pass; but that has a great deal in it that is sorrowful. But by the resurrection of Christ, that sorrow is turned into joy. The Head of the church, in that great event, enters on the possession of eternal life; and the whole church is, as it were, begotten again to a lively hope, 1 Pet. i. 3. Weeping had continued for a night, but now joy cometh in the morning. This is the day of his reigning, as the head of the church, and all the church reigns with him. This day was worthy to be commemorated with the greatest joy. Ps. cxviii. 24. "This is the day which the Lord hath made, we will rejoice and be glad in it." And therefore this, above all other days, is appointed to the end of the world, to be weekly sanctified, as a day of holy rest and joy, that the church therein may rest and rejoice with her Head. And as the 3rd chapter of Genesis is the most sorrowful chapter in the Bible; so those chapters in the evangelist, that give an account of the resurrection of Christ, may be looked upon as the most joyful. These give an account of the finishing of the purchase of redemption, and the beginning of the glory of the Head of the church, as the greatest seal and earnest of the eternal glory of all the members.'

The most joyful event that ever came to pass!

Next week's reading

Read Part I of Period III.

Now it's your turn
Please post your own notes and thoughts in the comments section below.