Merit in Puritan Theology
Monday, 16. January 2006, 12:03:50
Andrew Moody has made available his research paper on the subject. I post below the link to the paper along with his conclusions. I am doing so because I claimed in my response to Norman Shepherd that imputation and the associated concept of merit has been the reformed consensus, and this paper presents research which helps demonstrate that assertion.
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A variety of views has been seen among those in the Puritan tradition. Most of those surveyed affirmed the language of merit as long as it be within the covenant of works. However, Watson and Charnock are examples of diversity within the Puritan tradition. They did not believe Adam could merit anything from God, even within the bounds of the covenant of works. It is the language of voluntary condescension that is repeated over and over by the Puritans which provides the context of this covenant. Those today who disagree with Adam’s possibility to merit life have historical precedent in the Puritan tradition, even if it be in the minority. However, none of the Puritans surveyed would ever deny the merit of Christ’s righteousness. For them, to do so would be outrageous. Moreover, confessional Presbyterians must seriously struggle with this issue in that the Westminster Confession clearly refers to Christ’s merit, and sets forth the covenant of works with Adam although failing to use the term merit in that instance. Granted, the value of such a broad historical survey on a narrow topic is of limited value. It lacks the authority that an exegetically based study would carry. However our theology is never formed in a vacuum. It is always influenced by a history of interpretation of which we are a part. May the theologians of today continue to wrestle with these issues with both eyes on God’s Word while ever having an ear attentive to the voices of the past who have wrestled with these same issues long ago. May wisdom be prayed for and granted for God’s glory in all things. May we all keep trusting in Christ’s meritorious work on behalf of his bride whom he saved from sure damnation in the death merited by Adam.
http://www.reformationart.com/Puritan_Concept_of_Merit.doc
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A variety of views has been seen among those in the Puritan tradition. Most of those surveyed affirmed the language of merit as long as it be within the covenant of works. However, Watson and Charnock are examples of diversity within the Puritan tradition. They did not believe Adam could merit anything from God, even within the bounds of the covenant of works. It is the language of voluntary condescension that is repeated over and over by the Puritans which provides the context of this covenant. Those today who disagree with Adam’s possibility to merit life have historical precedent in the Puritan tradition, even if it be in the minority. However, none of the Puritans surveyed would ever deny the merit of Christ’s righteousness. For them, to do so would be outrageous. Moreover, confessional Presbyterians must seriously struggle with this issue in that the Westminster Confession clearly refers to Christ’s merit, and sets forth the covenant of works with Adam although failing to use the term merit in that instance. Granted, the value of such a broad historical survey on a narrow topic is of limited value. It lacks the authority that an exegetically based study would carry. However our theology is never formed in a vacuum. It is always influenced by a history of interpretation of which we are a part. May the theologians of today continue to wrestle with these issues with both eyes on God’s Word while ever having an ear attentive to the voices of the past who have wrestled with these same issues long ago. May wisdom be prayed for and granted for God’s glory in all things. May we all keep trusting in Christ’s meritorious work on behalf of his bride whom he saved from sure damnation in the death merited by Adam.
http://www.reformationart.com/Puritan_Concept_of_Merit.doc
WIDGETIZE