Theoretical-Practical Theology, Volume 4: Redemption in Christ

by 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 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 4, Redemption in Christ, examines God’s great work of obtaining redemption in the Mediator, Jesus Christ. Mastricht sets the stage with a discussion about the covenant of grace as God’s eternal purpose of restoration and restitution for the elect of fallen humanity. From that vantage point, he uses the remainder of the volume to address the glorious procurer of this covenantal grace. Mastricht walks us through the dignity, names, person, offices, states, and redemptive accomplishment of Jesus Christ. This volume helps us learn the significance of the One who secured so great a redemption for the people of God.

Genres: Theology, Reference

1140 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 7, 2023

Reviews

[Zachary Horn · Rating 5 out of 5]

A triumph of Reformed Christology. Mastricht on the hypostatic union is gold.

[Derrick Kenyon · Rating 5 out of 5]

In volume 4, van Mastricht provides wonderful reflections on the person and work of Christ. It might be me getting used to Mastricht but I felt like Mastricht really hit his stride in this volume with his practical sections (lengthier in this volume). They were rich and heart stirring. Again, making me convinced that van Mastricht is one of the best systematics for pastors. He doesn’t just deal with the life of the mind, he constantly makes connections to the life of the soul as well.

Overall, the organization of this volume is excellent. Van Mastricht is easy to follow and provides rich reflections on Christ’s person and work. Especially strong is his focus on Christ as the middle man.

“There is the Mediator who is in the middle: (1) between the offended persons; (2) between the disputing parties, God and man, as Immanuel, bearing the natures of both equally, as the God-man, God revealed in the flesh, the middle ladder, joining heaven and earth; (3) by office, pleading the cause of each with the other, first of God with man, and in turn of man with God, satisfying and interceding for him” (61).

[Johanna Keister · Rating 3 out of 5]

I mainly finished this book because I promised my professor I would. (We graded ourselves based on the percentage of weekly reading we completed- and I told him I mixed up some chapters and left some of the final portions unread). He kindly told me he’d count my homework grade as an A anyways and just assume I’d complete the last leg of reading (at some point eventually….)

As for the book itself: this is part of a very recently translated four volume set written by a genius named Petrus van Maastricht (he was one of John Calvin’s very favorite theologians). Some of it was really difficult to follow (especially late at night before class at 9am) - whereas some parts actually made me gasp, laugh, and close the book with a heart full of gratitude to God. The book is full of proof texts between nearly every sentence (super helpful) - and its entire aim is to reveal Christ to its reader.

(And yeah- he’s actually hilarious. Just trust me).

[Andrew Meredith · Rating 5 out of 5]

An entire volume on Christ. His threefold office, His propitiatory death, and how both are necessary for the salvation of His elect. Wonderful as to be expected from Mastricht.

[Josh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Like the previous PVM volumes, exceedingly learned, at times tedious, at times brilliant, and overall worth the effort.