Restored to Our Destiny: Eschatology & the Image of God in Herman Bavinck's Reformed Dogmatics (Studies in Reformed Theology, 21)

Book info: Restored to Our Destiny: Eschatology & the Image of God in Herman Bavinck's Reformed Dogmatics (Studies in Reformed Theology, 21) (Hardcover, 272 pages) – Brill, 2011. Language: English.

A close conceptual analysis of Herman Bavinck’s (1854-1921) four-volume Reformed Dogmatics, this book explores what is broadly understood as the central motif of his work, the “organic” relationship between nature and grace, and highlights an overlooked aspect to this motif. Bavinck’s view of nature and grace is not only rooted in his Trinitarian theology, but, more importantly, in his covenant theology. Exploring Bavinck’s link between the doctrine of the imago Dei to an eschatology uniquely provided by Reformed covenant theology, this book serves to illumine the rationale behind his signature dogma that “grace restores and perfects nature.” Given the link between the nature/grace motif and covenant theology, this book raises the question whether the one can stand without the other. Editorial Reviews Review "This book is an excellent contribution to Brill’s Studies in Reformed Theology series. I highly commend it, most especially to those with an historical-theological interest in Bavinck’s work, or to those like myself whose interest is systematic-theological." - Jonathan King, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, Deerfield, Illinois, USA
"Mattson's study is a proof of the fruitfulness of the newer Bavinck study in English speaking countries. His rediscovery of the meaning of the covenant of works in Bavinck and in Reformed theology in general is particularly important. The discussion about the status integritatis is a lasting one and is again stimulated by that other discussion on the relation of creation and evolution. It would be good if the Reformed contribution through the doctrine of the covenant of works were taken into account in such discussions. Mattson's book can be very helpful in this." - Barend Kamphuis, Kampen Theological University, The Netherlands About the Author Brian G. Mattson, Ph.D. (2008) in Systematic Theology, University of Aberdeen, serves as Senior Fellow of Theology and Culture for the Center For Cultural Leadership. He resides in Billings, Montana (USA).