Theoretical Practical Theology Vol. 3: The Works of God and the Fall of Man

by Petrus Van Mastricht, Petrus Van Mastricht, Joel R. Beeke (Editor)

Petrus 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. Read Sample Pages Table of Contents: Part 1 Continued: Prolegomena and Faith Book 3: The Works of God Book 4: Man’s Apostasy from God

978 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 27, 2023

Reviews

[Josh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another excellent volume. Looking forward to #4.

[Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

As the subtitle suggests, this third volume of the work of the famed post-Reformation Reformed theologian covers a some significant topics. His approach to each doctrine under consideration is four-fold: (1) exegesis; (2) dogmatic theology; (3) elenctic; and (4) practical. With the first approach, he selects a key text and exposits it, drawing out penitent theological information as he goes. The second approach walks through key dogmatic formulations. The third approach is polemical (hence, elenctic), refuting objections to the exposition in the second part and the fourth offers helpful practical implications of the doctrine on view. I would recommend this to anyone desiring a thorough yet clearly written exposition of God's work of election, providence, and creation and the doctrine of sin (original, actual and the consequences thereof) from a classic Reformed perspective.

[Andrew Meredith · Rating 5 out of 5]

The standard Reformed understandings of Creation, Anthropology, and Harmartiology delivered as only Mastricht can.