The Economy of the Covenants between God and Man: Comprehending a Complete Body of Divinity, Vol. 1

by Herman Witsius, William Crookshank (Translator)

This is the first volume of what is considered to be Witsius’ most significant work. Ascribing to what is known as covenant theology, Witsius lays out the doctrinal value of covenant throughout the Scriptures in The Economy of the Covenants Between God and Man, Vol. 1. He discusses at length the covenant of works in the Old Testament, providing valuable commentary on the significance of the laws. Witsius then presents the covenant of grace as described in the New Testament. He compares and contrasts it with the Old Testament emphasis on works, showing how Christ’s sacrifice satisfied the demands of Old Testament law.

Genres: Theology

416 pages, Logos

Published January 1, 1837

About the author

Hermann Witsius (Herman Wits or in Latin Hermannus Witsius) was a Dutch theologian.

Life

He was born at Enkhuizen. He studied at the University of Groningen, Leiden, and Utrecht. He was ordained in the ministry, becoming the pastor of Westwoud in 1656 and afterwards at Wormer, Goes, and Leeuwarden. He became professor of divinity successively at the University of Franeker in 1675 and at the University of Utrecht in 1680. In 1698 he was appointed to the University of Leiden as the successor of the younger Friedrich Spanheim. He died in Leiden.

Views

While in his theology Witsius aimed at a reconciliation between the reigning orthodoxy and Covenant Theology (also known as federalism), he was first of all a Biblical theologian, his principal field being systematic theology. His chief work is entitled The Economy of the Covenants between God and Man (originally published in Latin: De oeconomia foderum Dei cum hominibus, Leeuwarden, 1677). He was induced to publish this work by his grief at the controversies between Voetians and Cocceians. Although himself a member of the federalistic school, he was in no way blind to the value of the scholastically established dogmatic system of the Church. In the end, he did not succeed in pleasing either party.

Reviews

[Daniel · Rating 4 out of 5]

The discussion of the covenant of works is very strong. He makes a good case for the reward of the first covenant being eternal heavenly life, which is the most biblical view.

[Cbarrett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Classic work on Covenant Theology. Important in the development of CT. Excellent reflection upon the work of God in Christ in accomplishing salvation for a fallen people.

[Fred Fiterz]

Anyone who actually reads has to agree that the old guys were much more clear and concise in their writing than most modern theologians (with a few exceptions, of course). The title of the book pretty much says it all, agreeing with my last statement. Witsius starts of with the Covenants and explains the bible in terms of it's parts. It's really great and informative read. Be careful of which copy you get. I accidentally ordered the one that is a copy of the original print (old English letters and all).

[Benjamin Thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Witsius work is truly magisterial, it masterfully covers a broad array of theological topics and Witsius argues thoroughly and with powerful reasoning each point he makes. This volume is a powerful demonstration of Covenant Theology as a synthesis of Biblical and Systematic Theology. Any serious student of reformed theology or reformation history must read this work.