What do you think?
Rate this book
A History of the Work of Redeption
In 1739 Jonathan Edwards preached a series of thirty sermons in his church at Northampton, Massachusetts—sermons based on one scriptural passage, Isaiah 51:8. This is a book (based on those sermons) that everyone ought to read and make for a permanent place on their virtual bookshelf.. This book has become one of our all-time faviorite titles that traces God's work of redemption from the beginning to the end of history. A robust pronouncement of gospel triumph.
Whatever novelty the sermon series possesses is literary and theological. It partly consists in the rich skein of images Edwards uses to connect the events of redemption history. These include the model of a river and its tributaries, a tree and its branches, the construction of a building, the conduct of war, and “a wheel,” or “a machine composed of wheels” with its reminiscences both of Ezekiel's vision of the divine throne chariot and of clockwork (“Images of Divine Things,” no. 89; Edwards 1957–, vol. 11, 86). It also consists in Edwards' extension of typology, the practice of interpreting things, persons, or events (the “type”) as symbols or prefigurations of future realities (the “antitype”). Protestant divines had tended to restrict typology to figures, actions, and objects in the Old Testament which in their view shadowed forth Christ as their antitype. Edwards interprets the New Testament typologically as well, arguing that relevant passages prefigure events in the church's later history. Most radically, Edwards construes nature typologically. (Whether this constitutes a step towards Emerson and Thoreau, as some claim, is a moot point.) Finally, Edwards' emphasis on the objective side of God's act of redemption is comparatively rare in a Puritanism which tended to stress the redemption's application to individual souls.
Whatever novelty the sermon series possesses is literary and theological. It partly consists in the rich skein of images Edwards uses to connect the events of redemption history. These include the model of a river and its tributaries, a tree and its branches, the construction of a building, the conduct of war, and “a wheel,” or “a machine composed of wheels” with its reminiscences both of Ezekiel's vision of the divine throne chariot and of clockwork (“Images of Divine Things,” no. 89; Edwards 1957–, vol. 11, 86). It also consists in Edwards' extension of typology, the practice of interpreting things, persons, or events (the “type”) as symbols or prefigurations of future realities (the “antitype”). Protestant divines had tended to restrict typology to figures, actions, and objects in the Old Testament which in their view shadowed forth Christ as their antitype. Edwards interprets the New Testament typologically as well, arguing that relevant passages prefigure events in the church's later history. Most radically, Edwards construes nature typologically. (Whether this constitutes a step towards Emerson and Thoreau, as some claim, is a moot point.) Finally, Edwards' emphasis on the objective side of God's act of redemption is comparatively rare in a Puritanism which tended to stress the redemption's application to individual souls.
404 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 10, 1989
63 people are currently reading
288 people want to read
About the author
Jonathan Edwards
1,589 books522 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database named Jonathan Edwards.
Jonathan Edwards was the most eminent American philosopher-theologian of his time, and a key figure in what has come to be called the First Great Awakening of the 1730s and 1740s.
The only son in a family of eleven children, he entered Yale in September, 1716 when he was not yet thirteen and graduated four years later (1720) as valedictorian. He received his Masters three years later. As a youth, Edwards was unable to accept the Calvinist sovereignty of God. However, in 1721 he came to what he called a "delightful conviction" though meditation on 1 Timothy 1:17. From that point on, Edwards delighted in the sovereignty of God. Edwards later recognized this as his conversion to Christ.
In 1727 he was ordained minister at Northampton and assistant to his maternal grandfather, Solomon Stoddard. He was a student minister, not a visiting pastor, his rule being thirteen hours of study a day. In the same year, he married Sarah Pierpont, then age seventeen, daughter of Yale founder James Pierpont (1659–1714). In total, Jonathan and Sarah had eleven children.
Stoddard died on February 11th, 1729, leaving to his grandson the difficult task of the sole ministerial charge of one of the largest and wealthiest congregations in the colony. Throughout his time in Northampton his preaching brought remarkable religious revivals.
Yet, tensions flamed as Edwards would not continue his grandfather's practice of open communion. Stoddard believed that communion was a "converting ordinance." Surrounding congregations had been convinced of this, and as Edwards became more convinced that this was harmful, his public disagreement with the idea caused his dismissal in 1750.
Edwards then moved to Stockbridge, Massachusetts, then a frontier settlement, where he ministered to a small congregation and served as missionary to the Housatonic Indians. There, having more time for study and writing, he completed his celebrated work, The Freedom of the Will (1754).
Edwards was elected president of the College of New Jersey (later Princeton University) in early 1758. He was a popular choice, for he had been a friend of the College since its inception. He died of fever at the age of fifty-four following experimental inoculation for smallpox and was buried in the President's Lot in the Princeton cemetery beside his son-in-law, Aaron Burr.
Jonathan Edwards was the most eminent American philosopher-theologian of his time, and a key figure in what has come to be called the First Great Awakening of the 1730s and 1740s.
The only son in a family of eleven children, he entered Yale in September, 1716 when he was not yet thirteen and graduated four years later (1720) as valedictorian. He received his Masters three years later. As a youth, Edwards was unable to accept the Calvinist sovereignty of God. However, in 1721 he came to what he called a "delightful conviction" though meditation on 1 Timothy 1:17. From that point on, Edwards delighted in the sovereignty of God. Edwards later recognized this as his conversion to Christ.
In 1727 he was ordained minister at Northampton and assistant to his maternal grandfather, Solomon Stoddard. He was a student minister, not a visiting pastor, his rule being thirteen hours of study a day. In the same year, he married Sarah Pierpont, then age seventeen, daughter of Yale founder James Pierpont (1659–1714). In total, Jonathan and Sarah had eleven children.
Stoddard died on February 11th, 1729, leaving to his grandson the difficult task of the sole ministerial charge of one of the largest and wealthiest congregations in the colony. Throughout his time in Northampton his preaching brought remarkable religious revivals.
Yet, tensions flamed as Edwards would not continue his grandfather's practice of open communion. Stoddard believed that communion was a "converting ordinance." Surrounding congregations had been convinced of this, and as Edwards became more convinced that this was harmful, his public disagreement with the idea caused his dismissal in 1750.
Edwards then moved to Stockbridge, Massachusetts, then a frontier settlement, where he ministered to a small congregation and served as missionary to the Housatonic Indians. There, having more time for study and writing, he completed his celebrated work, The Freedom of the Will (1754).
Edwards was elected president of the College of New Jersey (later Princeton University) in early 1758. He was a popular choice, for he had been a friend of the College since its inception. He died of fever at the age of fifty-four following experimental inoculation for smallpox and was buried in the President's Lot in the Princeton cemetery beside his son-in-law, Aaron Burr.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
January 29, 2016
Rarely have I read a book and thought that it was a book that everyone, especially Christians, ought to read and have in their bookshelf. This one, however, quickly worked its way onto my list of all-time favorites. This is Edwards at his finest; thorough, logical flow, engaging, and above all else saturated with Christ. I can honestly say that this book is one of the most personally impacting books I've ever read, and I will likely be recommending it, and using it as a resource until my dying day.
I have always loved history, and I am so grateful for Edwards attempt to (in as concise a way as possible) outline God's redemptive purposes as they were carried on through history. If ever I were to teach a course on Christian History this would likely be textbook for the class.
Although some may differ with Edwards eschatological views, I still think that this book would be a rich blessing to every Christian. If nothing else it drives on to faithfully turn to the word of God as the guiding light (which is how the book concludes, with a rousing survey of how we can trace God's redemptive designs throughout history precisely because we have the Bible). I would give this 7 stars out of 5 . . . it is that good!
I have always loved history, and I am so grateful for Edwards attempt to (in as concise a way as possible) outline God's redemptive purposes as they were carried on through history. If ever I were to teach a course on Christian History this would likely be textbook for the class.
Although some may differ with Edwards eschatological views, I still think that this book would be a rich blessing to every Christian. If nothing else it drives on to faithfully turn to the word of God as the guiding light (which is how the book concludes, with a rousing survey of how we can trace God's redemptive designs throughout history precisely because we have the Bible). I would give this 7 stars out of 5 . . . it is that good!
June 10, 2025
My 100th book and what a way to reach that milestone!
This is probably the most exceptional theological book I've read to date! It triggered so many paradigm shifts and made me look at scripture for hours! It is a sumptuous feast all about Jesus displaying how all of the Old Testament points to his redemption, how redemption comes and what will lead up to redemption being fully accomplished at the day of judgement.
I would say it's a must-read. Edwards writes in a very easy to manage way with clear points. You may disagree with his eschatology and perhaps some of the Christophany claims Edwards makes but it is so worth the read regardless!
There is so much to be gleaned from it and so many points and quotations I've starred and underlined that I will hopefully add to this review. It has led me to rejoice in God more and sparked so much edifying thought and conversation that I am so grateful to dear Edwards!
Will have to revisit this book frequently and spend time making proper notes!
November 26, 2021
Probably the best book I read this year.
August 31, 2012
This series of thirty sermons traces God's work of redemption from eternity past through eternity future. The series is constructed historically, and will therefore in some ways remind readers of the kind of biblical theology that traces out progressive revelation and the progress of God's working in the world. But Edwards differs from biblical theology of this sort by being willing to systematically develop doctrines early on in this study. This work also differs from biblical theology by extending beyond the canon. Edwards interprets history from the close of the canon through to his present day by interpreting God's providential working in the world through the lens of a historicist understanding of the book of Revelation (aided by relevant portions of Daniel). The earlier parts of the series were full of exegetical insights. The later parts, by Edwards's own admission, were more open to debate, but I found his approach, especially his work with Revelation and Daniel interesting from a historical point of view. Because these were sermons, Edwards also maintains a devotional spirit throughout.
May 3, 2019
From first reading: An overview of Edwards' view of the entire work of redemption. While I don't agree with all of Edwards' eschatology, this is a helpful work and shows Edwards' mastery of the text of Scripture.
Second reading: even more impressed with Edwards' comprehensive, Scripture-saturated vision of redemption.
Read Banner edition in October 2014. Yale edition, Apr-May 2019.
Second reading: even more impressed with Edwards' comprehensive, Scripture-saturated vision of redemption.
Read Banner edition in October 2014. Yale edition, Apr-May 2019.
May 3, 2019
An overview of Edwards' view of the entire work of redemption. While I don't agree with all of Edwards' eschatology, this is a helpful work and shows Edwards' mastery of the text of Scripture.
Read Banner edition in October 2014. Yale edition, Apr-May 2019.
Read Banner edition in October 2014. Yale edition, Apr-May 2019.
October 12, 2017
The first half of the book was truly incredible, showing Christ as revealed in the Old Testament, and walking through history and the Gospel account. The second half of the book was more mixed. I absolutely loved the historical approach to the church and its sufferings, and relating to the Gospel, but I was neutral on his eschatology. I have not studied enough to have my own strong view of eschatology, but I was not entirely convinced by his. Then again, I have rarely read anyone's view of eschatology that did not leave at least some things unclear or unexplained. It was a good introduction to postmillenialism, I suppose.
Edwards clearly had a mind for the ages, and how he walks through history and the Gospel account showing God's sovereignty and how He works all things towards His plan of redemption, is truly remarkable. I would recommend the book for that alone.
Edwards clearly had a mind for the ages, and how he walks through history and the Gospel account showing God's sovereignty and how He works all things towards His plan of redemption, is truly remarkable. I would recommend the book for that alone.
July 8, 2017
An amazing book! Edwards wrote this as a history of the world from creation to the end of the world. There are few books that convey such a massive and fitting (or simply correct) view of Almighty God as this book. It is breathtaking at times to consider the absolute sovereignty of God in carrying on all of history for the purposes of his great work of redemption. Though we may not agree with all of Edward's observations this book will nonetheless greatly profit all Christians. It will convict most American Christians of how small and wrong their views of God have been.
August 17, 2019
Loved it!
Well, it's Jonathan Edwards. You can't go wrong with him. He is one of God's ordained blessing to the church. This book is well done and a very accurate history of redemption. No wonder, this man is one of the most committed men to Sola Scriptura. Just read it. It is a good read for our growth in the area of dispensations and the convents of God with Adam, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Judah, and David.
Well, it's Jonathan Edwards. You can't go wrong with him. He is one of God's ordained blessing to the church. This book is well done and a very accurate history of redemption. No wonder, this man is one of the most committed men to Sola Scriptura. Just read it. It is a good read for our growth in the area of dispensations and the convents of God with Adam, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Judah, and David.
June 3, 2019
An excellent book concerning the reformed view of Schatology and redemption, a masterpiece by Jonathan Edwards.
August 21, 2019
An excellent understanding of our redemption starting in Eden.
December 29, 2023
One of my favorite books (possibly #1). Started getting worn out after 250 pages or so... Don't know if it was content or me, but would definitely reread the first 250 pages multiple times!
February 11, 2025
Excellent
April 7, 2008
Useful and interesting, and above all readable (not always a given with Edwards). Edwards' view of history as the story of God's joyful creation, man's sinful rebellion, and Christ's glorious redemption is a fascinating way to read Scripture and history. While I disagree with several of his conclusions (including his postmillenialism), the last two chapters alone make the book worthwhile. Edwards is always at his best when talking about heaven, and his descriptions of the joy and delight which God's people have to look forward to are the some of the best I've read outside of the Bible.
June 6, 2015
What a wonderful tour thru scripture, showing that all of scripture points to Jesus. Edwards does a nice job of showing how so much of scripture points to and is fulfilled in Jesus and does so without getting too allegorical or mystical. This book is ideal for anyone wanting a good summary of the Bible and God's work of redemption.
June 27, 2019
Starts off superbly. The entire section dealing with Biblical era events is fantastic. Slips somewhat when moving to motives and interpretations of post Biblical events and speculation on our future. Well worth absorbing as a major theme.
December 7, 2015
A powerful work whose prophecies fail in the process of time. Science did not lead us to a better understanding of or faith in the Scriptures. Human learning is not now subservient to the Scriptures as he said it would be. This is an important work for students of American religious history
August 27, 2016
Yet another formative book in my Christian walk. Amazing view of history and of God working to bring us Christ through it, including Christ's kingdom now on earth.
March 27, 2017
This was really good. I am a bit surprised that it hasn't received more play in area of Biblical Theology. It certainly is a Proto-biblical theology. helpful!
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews