The doctrine of the pactum salutis (covenant of redemption) offers the idea of a covenant between the very persons of the Trinity for the redemption of humanity. The doctrine received most of its attention in seventeenth-century Reformed theology, and has been criticized and almost totally forgotten in dogmatics since the eighteenth century. Most recent Reformed dogmatics tend to ignore the doctrine or disparage it from biblical, trinitarian, christological, pneumatological, and soteriological perspectives-namely, the doctrine lacks scriptural basis; it is tritheistic; it leads to subordination of the Son; it omits the role of the Holy Spirit; and it applies a deterministic idea for the Christian life. The theologies of Witsius, Owen, Dickson, Goodwin, and Cocceius portray a very robust form of the doctrine. Witsius argues with the help of a peculiar methodology of cross-referencing and collation of related scriptural texts that the doctrine is firmly based on biblical exegesis that was passed on from the patristic era. The doctrine formulated by Owen endorses the doctrines of inseparable operations and terminus operationis so as to give deep insight into the Trinity. In Dickson's doctrine, the Son's voluntary consent and obedience to the will of the Father are highly emphasized. Likewise, Goodwin's depiction of the Holy Spirit secures the divinity of the Spirit as well as his indispensable role for the transaction and accomplishment of the pactum. The doctrine in the theology of Cocceius sheds much light on the vibrant dynamic of the Christian life in accordance with the ordo salutis. The doctrine of the pactum salutis of the five Reformed theologians clearly shows that the doctrine is both promised and promising for theology and the life of faith.

A compelling case for reparations based on powerful, first-person accounts detailing both the horrors of slavery and past promises made to its survivors. Katherine Franke makes a powerful case for reparations for Black Americans by amplifying the stories of formerly enslaved people and calling for repair of the damage caused by the legacy of American slavery. Repair invites readers to explore the historical context for reparations, offering a detailed account of the circumstances that surrounded the emancipation of enslaved Black people in two unique contexts, the Sea Islands of South Carolina and Davis Bend, Mississippi, Jefferson Davis’s former plantation. Through these two critical historical examples, Franke unpacks intergenerational, systemic racism and white privilege at the heart of American society and argues that reparations for slavery are necessary, overdue and possible. Praise for Repair “Essential . . . Franke engages the original debates concerning the conditions upon which newly freed Black people would rebuild their lives after slavery. Franke powerfully illustrates the repercussions of the unfilled promise of land redistribution and other broken promises that consigned African Americans to another one hundred years of second-class citizenship. Franke passionately argues that the continuation of those vast disparities between Black and white people in U.S. society—a product of slavery itself—means that the struggle for reparations remains a relevant demand in the current movements for racial justice.” —Keeanga-Yamahtta Taylor, author of From #BlackLivesMatter to Black Liberation “Repair revisits the revolutionary era of Reconstruction . . . when the redistribution of land and wealth as recompense for unrequited toil could have secured genuine freedom for Black people rather than a future of racial inequality, exploitation, marginalization, and precarity . . . . Franke makes a persuasive case for reparations as at least a first step toward creating the conditions for genuine freedom and justice, not only for African Americans but for all of us.” —Robin D. G. Kelley, author of Freedom Dreams: The Black Radical Imagination “Katherine Franke argues for a type of Black freedom that is material and felt—freedom that is more than a poetic nod to claims of American moral comeuppance. Repair . . . is a critical text for our times that demands an honest reckoning with the consequences, and afterlife, of the sin that was chattel enslavement. It is bold call for reparations and costly atonement.” —Darnell L. Moore, author of No Ashes in the Fire: Coming of Age Black & Free in America “Katherine Franke is consistently one of the sharpest, most conscientious thinkers in progressive politics. In a time defined by crisis and conflict, Katherine is among that small number of thinkers whom I find indispensable.” —Jelani Cobb, New Yorker columnist and author of The Substance of Hope

"Redemption's Promise: A Deep Dive into Atonement and Forgiveness in Hebrews" is a spiritually enriching journey that delves into the profound themes of atonement and forgiveness found in the book of Hebrews. This 12-chapter exploration takes readers on a guided tour through the heart of Christian theology, offering both depth and clarity. The journey begins with an introduction to the book of Hebrews and the significance of its historical context. It quickly delves into the nature of sin, its origins, and the dire need for redemption and forgiveness in the face of human frailty. Readers will gain a deep appreciation for the preeminence of Christ as the High Priest and mediator, understanding how Jesus' unique role is central to the concept of atonement. The book unpacks the idea of covenants in the Bible and the profound implications of the new covenant in relation to forgiveness. The symbolism of sacrificial offerings is carefully examined, with Jesus' sacrifice presented as the ultimate atonement for sin. Throughout this journey, the role of faith in achieving forgiveness and reconciliation is highlighted, offering insights into the intertwining of faith, atonement, and forgiveness. The sermon draws from Hebrews 11, showcasing the remarkable faith of biblical figures and illustrating how their stories relate to atonement and forgiveness. Readers gain a deeper understanding of Jesus as the mediator and intercessor between God and humanity. The significance of blood in the Old Testament and its connection to atonement is explored, ultimately leading to a profound interpretation of Jesus' blood as the source of forgiveness for sins. Practical guidance on living a life of forgiveness and reconciliation is offered, emphasizing the transformative power of these concepts in everyday life. The theme of perseverance is also addressed, encouraging readers to endure in their faith journey. As the journey concludes, readers are left with a profound sense of enduring hope found in the promises of redemption and forgiveness presented in Hebrews. "Redemption's Promise" serves as an illuminating and empowering guide for individuals seeking a deeper understanding of their faith, offering a comprehensive exploration of atonement and forgiveness in the context of Hebrews.

After man disobeyed God in the Garden of Eden, God gave his promise that he would provide a redeemer. That redeemer was his Son. But when Jesus came to the earth, he was so hated by the religious leaders that they murdered him. Jesus told his disciples he would return in that same generation. But many critics have said that Jesus was wrong. Some have even called him a false prophet. But is that true? If it is, how can we be sure that any of these promises are true? This book shows how Jesus kept every one of his promises, and fulfilled all of his prophecies. It shows why we can put our complete trust in him, and that God's promise of redemption is undeniable.

In the early modern period, England radically expanded its participation in an economy that itself was becoming increasingly global. Yet less than twenty years after the highly profitable English East India Company made its first voyage, England was suffering from an economic depression, blamed largely on the shortage of coin necessary to exploit those very same profitable routes. How could there be profit in the face of so much loss, and loss in the face of so much profit? In Tragicomic Redemptions, Valerie Forman contends that three seemingly unrelated domains—the development of new economic theories and practices, especially those related to global trade; the discourses of Christian redemption; and the rise of tragicomedy as the stage's most popular genre—were together crucial to the formulation of a new and paradoxical way of thinking about loss and profit in relationship to one another. Forman reads plays—including Shakespeare's Twelfth Night, The Merchant of Venice, Pericles, and The Winter's Tale, Fletcher's The Island Princess, Massinger's The Renegado, and Webster's The Devil's Law-Case—alongside a range of historical materials that provide a fuller picture of England's participation in a global economy: the writings of the country's earliest economic theorists, narrative accounts of merchants and captives in the Spice Islands and the Ottoman Empire, and documents that detail the development of the English East India Company, the Levant Company, and even the very idea of the joint-stock company. Unique in its dual focus on literary form and economic practices, Tragicomic Redemptions both shows how concepts fundamental to capitalism's existence, such as "free trade," and "investment," develop within a global context and reveals the exceptional place of dramatic form as a participant in the newly emerging, public discourse of economic theory.

After 17 years of praying to the Gods Jack begins his long journey home. However, Jack is not aware of the test the Gods have for him before he can truly go home. First he must realize he is the long ago profecied Chosen One, then he must survive the test before he can try to go home and attempt to fulfill his promise to Linnie.