The podcast East of Eden: The Biblical and Systematic Theology of Jonathan Edwards inaugurates the series with a close reading of the sermon “East of Eden” which Edwards preached in the summer of 1731 to his congregation in Northampton, MA. In this sermon Edwards expounds on Adam, the covenant of works, and the Fall. Here we see Edwards the covenant and biblical theologian at his best. Notable is the clear presence of the idea, later expressed by Geerhardus Vos, that “eschatology precedes soteriology.” God offered to Adam a glorious Sabbath rest of confirmed righteousness if only he would be obedient to God’s command that he and Eve not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. Especially memorable is the conclusion that the only way back into paradise with God would be for the second Adam to pass under the flaming sword God set to bar the way of the first Adam from gaining access to the tree of life.
Participants: Craig Biehl, David Filson, Jeff Waddington, Nick Batzig
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Great first episode. I’m looking forward to episode two!
What a great show with helpful theological insights, not to mention wonderful illumination on the man Edwards and what he believed and taught! Thanks guys!
I enjoyed this show very much. Thank you for producing it!
It is interesting how Edwards understood Adam’s opportunity to be rewarded under the covenant of works in Eden if he had not sinned. It certainly does help to see the cross in perspective, where Jesus redeems sinners from the covenant of works by hanging on a tree. Did Christ become the fruit of life for us at the cross? I don’t know if that is a connection that can be made or not.
It is awesome to think of what the Lord has done!
Christ is certainly the firstfruits of a resurrection harvest of which we are. Although the death and resurrection of Christ are distinct they are inseparable. The fruits of the Spirit are a result of being a resurrection people (harvest).
Rev. Waddington turned me onto this earlier today. Good job gentleman!
Thank you very much for this discussion. I read the sermon “East of Eden” and was thoroughly impressed at how “Vossian” it was, and over 50 years befor Gabler and almost 200 years before Vos.
Thanks guys for the discussion, but even more so for point me to this wonderful sermon.
I could feel barriers falling as Edwards painted great imagery in my mind as I read.
How abominable was our fall and what a majestic Savoir we have in Christ!
I listened to this again this morning on my way in to work. In additon to the dictum “eschatology preceeds soteriology” it also reminded me of the Vossian/Vantilian antithesis and creator-creature distinctions. Would it not be correct to say that the epistemological / ethical antheses between the believer and unbeliever or seed of the woman and seed of the serpent are a result of the ultimate antithesis between fallen Adam and an infinitely holy God? The only man who can bridge that gap is the 2nd Adam, Jesus Christ our Lord who transfers us from the kingdom of darkness into His kingdom.
All I can say is awesome guys… East of Eden is a great starting point! the Adam / Christ parallel is almost non existent in modern Christology and most importantly in Gospel presentation and teaching in the church today… Listened with heart leaping today!
The jonathanedwards.com website has been down for 4 years and is coming back soon. Will have a section with comments and link to your podcast if you allow… what a way to prepare for worship tomorrow. On cloud nine!!!!
Your Friend and Brother
Mark
Mark
Please feel free to link to East of Eden. Glad to hear the website will be back up and running.
I finally got around to listening to the first episode yesterday. It was excellent and gave me much to think about. In fact I need to listen again.