The Grace of Law: A Study of Puritan Theology

In this study Ernest Kevan investigates the works of numerous seventeenth-century theologians to provide an overview of a Puritan understanding of the law in relationship to the life of the Christian. After describing the Puritans and the antinomian controversy that developed among them Kevan demonstrates how the orthodox view among the Puritans regarded the moral law as an expression of Gods majesty established as a guide for mans blessedness and a measure to expose sin. He then proceeds to show how the law relates to Gods people after the fall in the context of the covenant of grace. Great care is used to explain the relation of Christs work to the law the ongoing moral obligation Christians have to the law the idea of gospel obedience and the Christians freedom from the laws condemnation. Although the Puritans saw law and grace as opposing principles regarding ones justification they did teach about how God ultimately uses the law in the life of the believer for His gracious purposes. Table of Contents: Introduction: The Puritan Scene The Law of God for Man The Law and Sin The Place of Law in the Purpose of God The End of the Law The Continuance of Moral Obligation Christian Law-Keeping Perfect Freedom Conclusion: The Puritan Doctrine: An Assessment in the Light of Recent Critical Studies