An Historical Study of the Doctrine of Adoption in the Calvinistic

538 Pages·2011·44.07 MB·English

An Historical Study the Doctrine Adoption in the
of of
Calvinistic Tradition
Tim J. R. Trumper
Doctor Philosophy
of
University Edinburgh
of
2001
THESIS ABSTRACT
The main aim of the study is to narrate and critically analyse for the first time the
theological history of "the good news of adoption" in the Calvinistic tradition from John
-
Calvin to Scottish American Calvinism. The history
nineteenth-century and reveals not only
the importance for Calvin but its later
of adoption also overwhelming neglect among
Calvinists. Not only so, it also reveals that even when adoption was expounded by later
Calvinists their treatments by historical detachment
were characterised and methodological
from Calvin's biblical-theological
more approach.
In first in
the of two parts, the study establishes the evidence of adoption the annals
Reformed theology. In Section One the first there is the
of of part provided most substantive
treatment to date Calvin's theology Although it begins
of of adoption. not exhaustive, with
investigation into but in
the the the
an origin of reformer's use of motif, concentrates
two to four the features Calvin's the
chapters on salient of understanding, which embrace
from includes
to themes
entire scope of redemptive-history protology eschatology, and such
the Fatherhood God, Christ duplex the
as of predestination, covenant, union with and gratia,
Christian life the In Section Two there is investigation the
and church. an of other main
in the Calvinistic tradition, the Westminster Standards (ch. 5).
source of adoption namely,
While the Westminster differing to the doctrine,
acknowledging commissioners' approach
is taken the fact that the Westminster Confession Faith the first
notice nevertheless of of was
in the history to include distinct locus Moreover, the
confession church's a on adoption.
discontinuity in Standards
the the
methodological notwithstanding, statements on adoption
in fashion Calvin doctrine.
the
mirror embryonic much of what says of
In Part Two legacy Calvin by
the the the
study examines of and commissioners
first the decline then the in later Calvinism. The
uncovering and stillborn revival of adoption
for faded from discourse
the theological
sixth chapter accounts reasons why adoption among
Westminster Calvinists, how increasingly lopsided juridical
the
and emphasis of orthodox
Calvinism to the birth Calvinism in Scotland through the
eventually gave rise of revisionist
influence Thomas Erskine Linlathen John McLeod Campbell (ch. 7). Faced
of of and with
familial Robert S Candlish
the towards the
paradigm shift a more expression of gospel,
Victorian
to the tendencies
sought counter sentimental universalising characteristic of
liberalism by familial focus from framework Reformed
the the
addressing new within of
While ignored by the Broad Church he to
orthodoxy. movement was seeking rebuff,
Candlish ironically from his Calvinistic by Thomas
was challenged within own constituency
J Crawford took his Adam's in Eden the
who umbrage with positions on status and
between Christ's (ch. 8). While issues
connection adoptive sonship and sonship such were
left in Scotland, Atlantic by Southern
the they taken the
unresolved across were up
Presbyterians John L Girardeau Robert A Webb (ch. 9). Webb in fact
the
and remains only
Reformed doctrinal (Girardeau's
author of an explicitly monograph on adoption short
his Calvin "no
treatment that to
aside), yet claim made allusion whatever adoption"
history, demonstrating Calvin's
the thereby the to theology
concludes extent which rich of
had been left languish in
to that the
adoption unknown of even wing of post-Reformation
doctrine
that theological to the than
church gave greater consideration any other.
The thesis ends, therefore, not only with an appeal for the recovery of the doctrine in
the Calvinistic tradition, but discussion the implications its for
with a of of recovery
Westminster Calvinism, that the be by
and a suggestion retrieval of adoption shaped a
biblically historia (Calvin) (later Calvinism)
regulated synthesis of and ordo salutis
to the doctrine. In the that the doctrine is
approaches short, study claims of adoption crucial
Westminster Calvinism.
to the
constructive revamping of
To the God for the greater him
glory of and of enjoyment
And
In loving Myrddyn Lloyd Williams (1933-1999):
of memory
The in Christ, invisible immediately
the the
communion glory with which of members church enjoy
death, is, in in holiness, into highest
that their then the
after souls are made perfect and received
heavens, they behold the face God in light for the full their
where of glory, and waiting redemption of
bodies [the adoption], which even in death continue united to Christ, and rest in their graves as in
their beds, till the day last they be to their (The Larger Ans. Catechism 86)
at united again souls.
I declare hereby thesis the that been has by
composed solely myself, and
is
therefore
my own work.
Signed:
1 "Abba, " Father Thee,
thus
we call
-
(Hallowed ) from day day;
to
name!
Tis Thy know Thee,
to
children's right
None but "Abba"
children say.
This high honor inherit,
we
Thy free through Jesu's blood;
gift,
God Spirit,
the
with our spirit,
Witnesseth God.
we're sons of
2 Abba's being
purpose gave us
When in Christ, in
that
vast plan,
Abba in Jesus
the
chose saints
Long before began;
the
world
O love Father bore
the
what us!
O how in his
precious sight!
When he Jesus!
the to
gave church
Jesus, His delight!
whole soul's
3 Though fall in Adam,
our nature's
Seemed to from God,
shut us out
Thus it His brought
was counsel us
Nearer Jesu's blood;
through
still,
For in Him found
we redemption,
Grace in the Son;
and glory
Oh height depth
the
and of mercy!
"Christ through "
and we, grace, are one.
(Hymns Little Flock (1881) No. 104)
the
of
CONTENTS
Acknowledgements
vi
Abbreviations
xi
Figures
xii
Introduction: The Theological History Adoption 1
of
Adoption in Church's Creeds Confessions 5
the
and
.1
Adoption in Church's Corpus 10
the
.2
Adoption in Church's Consciousness 26
the
.3
Part One
The Evidence Adoption in the Theological History Calvinism
of of
Section One: John Calvin "the Good News Adoption"
and of
38
Chapter 1 The Search for Adoption
1.1 Calvin: The Sources 38
1.2 Calvin: The Influences 54
Chapter 2 The Context Adoption '70
of
2.1 The Protological Context 70
2.2 The Relational Context 75
2.3 The Covenantal Context 84
Chapter 3 The Heart Adoption 107
of
3.1 The Wonderful Exchange 107
3.2 Union Christ 116
with
3.3 The Church 148
Chapter 4 The Outworking Adoption 155
of
4.1 Liberty 162
4.2 Prayer 165
4.3 Assurance 170
4.4 Providence 178
4.5 Obedience 190
4.6 Inheritance 203
210
Conclusion
iv
Section Two: The Westminster Standards "the Good News
and of
Adoption"
Chapter 5 The Confession Adoption 217
of
5.1 The Strength 223
5.2 The Content 229
5.3 The Weaknesses 238
Conclusion 247
Part Two
The Legacy Adoption in the Later Theological History Calvinism
of of
Chapter 6 The Neglect Adoption 250
of
6.1 The Influence Deism 254
of
6.2 The Influence Socinianism 264
ofArianism and
6.3 The Influence Arminianism 269
ofNeonomianism and
6.4 The Influence Wesley 274
of
Chapter 7 The Restoration "Adoption" 280
of
7.1 Thomas Erskine 294
7.2 John McLeod Campbell 311
Chapter 8 The Politicization Adoption 337
of
8.1 Robert S Candlish 346
8.2 Thomas J Crawford 371
Chapter 9 The "Development" Adoption 398
of
9.1 John L Girardeau 406
9.2 Robert A Webb 433
Chapter 10 The Concluding Implications Adoption 456
of
Bibliography 474
V
Acknowledgements
Every thesis has its this is Often, however, the
story, and one no exception.
details the lost to history. Being deemed
of origins of a work are neither relevant nor
interesting, they frequently die the Sometimes faint be
with author. clues can
discerned from but be Yet it is be better
the text, that the
may all. reader who may
discern importance influence behind
to the the
placed of underlying motive of, or a
Where but by,
there the to the
piece of work. are vaguest of clues go research
to together the background literary
required piece of a given endeavour can prove
frustrating. Certainly, has been Calvin. It is
this
most my experience of researching
fair however, factors The
to that to this.
only say, other may contribute progress of
for instance,
time, raises questions that an author of an earlier generation or era was
to
not concerned address.
For I have included here influences
these those
reasons such as an outline of
have helped The inclusion be interpreted
that to the to
mould present work. ought not
dissertation
that the
as a presumption on my own part will gain either a wide
be interest. After the history the doctrine
readership or of protracted all, of of
does lend itself to Nevertheless, the
adoption not such confidence. with modest
interest in doctrine history dissertation
growth of the a summary of the of this may
informative. For thing, this is the first full-length the theological
prove one study of
history Although has been the New
of adoption. adoption subject of a number of
Testament James Scott's, this is the first its kind.
studies, most recently study of
interest in dissertation is
Secondly, the the
while coinciding with growth of adoption
it. In it
also the product of confirming the essential correctness of these appeals,
seeks to advance the discussion beyond the realm of complaint. Although there is no
level interest is in long
saying that the current of sufficient to result the overdue
breakthrough for the doctrine, by to the New Testament treatments
adding available
has further for
the study the potential to significantly the prospects the recovery of
Should this transpire, there be interest, thirdly, in discovering the
adoption. may why
held by The
present work espouses certain principles not necessarily other appellants.
for history,
the thesis
reading of will explain much of my appreciation redemptive
be distinct
the
although, as noticeable will my rejection of conflation of models
by different biblical
employed authors.
My interest in dates back to the training I the
adoption ministerial received at
Free Church Scotland College, Edinburgh (1989-1993). As the
of part of study of
New Testament theology Principal Boyd introduced to Herman Ridderbos'
us
Paul: An Outline His Theology. Although the influence EP Sanders
volume of of
the Ridderbos's Paul, his to
and new perspective post-dates work on serious attempt
his
the thought terms the
understand apostle's on own warrants continued study of
his Thus, to "an
work. each class member was asked present outline of an outline of
Pauline In Ridderbos'
theology"!
some aspect of allotting me chapter on adoption,
Professor Boyd instigated fascination the doctrine that has
a with stayed with me
Part the for this is to the issues Ridderbos
ever since. of reason attributable raised.
These have helped define the doctrine to degree
my understanding of a never
the the In Ridderbos
anticipated at outset of assignment. studying whole vistas
These have determinative for
to
opened up view. since proved much of my approach
Scripture, itself.
to theology
and adoption
vi
First, Ridderbos in Geerhardus Vos'
confirmed me a profound appreciation of
Princetonian the importance biblical theology. In he
old emphasis on of particular,
how the discipline is for Paul. Especially
revealed significant an understanding of
his
the the
stimulating was consciousness of apostle's emphasis on unfolding of
God's
throughout the
plan of salvation consecutive eras of salvation-history.
Ridderbos' brief Paul's doctrine is based
exposition of of adoption upon an
this trajectory.
underlying appreciation of
This fresh (to least) intriguing in
perspective me at was and sent me search of
how had dealt doctrine. What
the
comparisons of others with expositions of adoption
I Ridderbos' Whereas he
treatment.
came across seemed markedly at odds with
from
thedevelopment the
makes much of of adoption more collective and minority
Israel individual
the to the
sonship of under old covenant more and majority sonship
few I found dealing little
the the the
under new, with adoption made or nothing of
God's Typically it
that
coming of age of son. speaking, seemed an exclusive
led flattening
the to the
appropriation of ordo salutis model a out of contours of
history. Accordingly, it filial development
that the
redemptive also appeared of
God's from the to had been in the
people old new covenant eradicated, especially
Puritan handling doctrine.
the
of
Secondly, Ridderbos introduced to the diversity
subtly me authorial of
Scripture. In he instilled in Pauline
the
particular, me an awareness of grandeur of
theology. By he demonstrated the the
example, possibility of capturing particular
direction distinctive Paul by to the theology
and meaning of refusing allow apostle's
be by drawn from biblical Thus, does find
to
coloured material other authors. one not
in Ridderbos the dilution the distortion from the
either or resulting accepted practice
Paul's Johannine to the
of embellishing comments on adoption with references new
birth.
Although I have dealt this issue length in two SBET
with at some my articles
"The Metaphorical Import Adoption: A Plea for Realisation", let it be
entitled of
briefly here for First,
that there the the
re-stated are solid reasons opposing practice.
that God has his While there
conflation assumes mixed metaphors. are certainly
in biblical literature,
together
countless occasions where metaphors run
in biblical in fact
they
systematicians are only warranted conflating metaphors where
have been in Scripture. It is by that
mixed no means certain metaphors or models
by different biblical in fact be because,
to their
used authors are conflated secondly,
distinctive form humanness Scripture. As
the the
structures rich expressions of of
thesis to that the Scriptures by human
seeks clarify, acknowledgement were written
is intended deny divineness. Nonetheless,
to their' theologians
authors not systematic
be to to the humanness Scripture
will only able continue paying scant attention of at
the expense of the reputation of the discipline. Thirdly, the conflation of John and
Paul Paul's
compromises redemptive-historical perspective on adoption.
Thirdly, Ridderbos' that is "an important in
realisation adoption concept"
Pauline doctrine
the the
soteriology contrasted markedly with substantive neglect of
in the tradition. Thus, for Ridderbos' help, the
uncovered much of all wider search
that his left the impression the lacuna
work stimulated me with overwhelming of
by the Research began, therefore,
created almost normative oversight of adoption.
but handful drawn from That
the the tradition.
with a of useful references annals of a
vi'
dissertation has from is due help
emerged such an unpromising start to the and
interest
of a number of people.
Naturally, there to thank. To Dr Gary Badcock I
are my supervisors am
indebted for his financial Especially
all round vocational, and academic advice.
the freedom he to distinctive
valuable was allowed me maintain a emphasis on
More his helped
than that, to the the
adoption. suggestions mould shape of
dissertation. With little to it Dr Badcock
very go on was who suggested an
investigatory Calvin, look led! Certainly Calvin
that the
essay on and where study of
Ridderbos's
the
provided confirmation of viability of approach.
Again, the interest Professor David Wright
prolonged and all round support of
has been has his
most welcome, as precious experience as a scholar and editor.
Digesting his has been in itself. Like Dr Badcock he
comments an education was
he
I Ridderbos. More than that,
patient with me early on when was overly reliant on
by dissertation direction
the
stood at a point when confidence and could so easily
have been lost.
Secondly, is due to the libraries Worthy
gratitude staffs of various consulted.
is the New College Library, Norma Henderson,
of special note staff of especially
Paul Coombes Eileen Dickson. Their friendliness kindness
time,
and patience, and
have been Many thanks to the Senate the Free Church
outstanding. also go of
College for free library facilities. Especially beneficial has
the
and unlimited use of
been the to the Senate Professor Donald Macleod, "is the
access room, which, claims
to heaven". To the library Reformed Theological Seminary,
closest place staff at
Jackson, Mississippi, Rev. Ken Elliott Rev. Don Malin, Chris
namely and as well as
Cullnane Belinda Wooley I indebted for Southern kindness during
their
and am my
in September 1996. Such benefit from the Blackburn Collection
visit extensive could
have been the help Stephen Berry, the It helped that
not obtained without of archivist.
he had interest in in Southern Presbyterian is
theology
also an adoption as
demonstrated in his insightful Girardeau. My faculty
thanks to the
essay on also go at
Jackson (especially Dr Mrs Derek Thomas Dr Mrs Duncan
the
campus and and and
Rankin) for their hospitality, for to the
as well as permission photocopy many of
from Blackburn Collection.
the
relevant manuscripts
Thirdly, to those the Evangelisches Stift, Tübingen,
gratitude goes of who
helped during the 1994-95. Of the kind
enrich my stay academic year many students
be Peter Mätz. On front, it
the to
mention must made of academic was a privilege
help from Professor Emeritus Jürgen Moltmann, Professor Peter
receive
Stuhlmacher. Most I benefited from the Professor Emeritus
of all encouragement of
Otto Betz the Kolloquium für Graduerte, to the
who, at gave me confidence express
differences between Johannine Pauline theology.
and
Fourthly, late I be indebted late Alfred Austin
to the
as a applicant will ever
London for fees. Many
the tuition the
of payment of of maintenance costs were met
by the Whitefield Institute, Oxford. More than that, thanks to Dr Mark Elliott
goes
Director, Dr David Cook for feedback from
the the
and received grantee seminars.
Others have New College during
also given generously. provided a substantial grant
the first The Erasmus the in Tübingen. The
summer. scholarship covered year spent
to Durham Presbyterian Church (1995-
opportunity serve as ministerial assistant at
viii
1997) helpful in did the the Gilchrist
also proved a number of ways, as generosity of
Educational Trust, London. Most has been
touching the
extraordinary generosity and
friendship folk. Without depreciating help
the
of a number of of many others mention
be Mrs Dorothy Lewis Holywell, Clwyd. For
the
must made of of prayerful
kindnesses friends in Swansea, Belfast, Edinburgh,
encouragement and of many
London Philadelphia is due.
thanks
and much
Fifthly, dissertation benefit derived from
the the the
reveals obvious work of
Professor Brian A Gerrish, Dr Sinclair Ferguson (Minister St. George's Tron,
of
Glasgow), Dr Douglas Kelly (Professor Systematic Theology Reformed
and of at
Theological Seminary, Charlotte, North Carolina). At different benefit has been
times
from Drs Ferguson Kelly,
gained personal correspondence with and as also with
Revs Errol Hulse Iain H Murray, Dr John McIntyre, Professor Emeritus
and and of
New College. Credit belongs to Mr Murray Linton Guildford, Surrey, for
of
discovering in Introduction, Alex Staton,
the the to
a number of references as also my
former Free Church College, for his
classmate at the the use of unpublished essay on
John McLeod Campbell. Numerous have kindly
others on occasion suggested
including from
references or comments, those the various congregations and
United Kingdom, Zambia America have listened
the
audiences around and who
Special has been
to the
attentively aspects of work. encouragement gained more
from Westminster Theological
recently working alongside my senior colleague at
Seminary, Philadelphia, Dr Richard B Gaffin Jr, Professor Biblical Systematic
of and
Theology. No has done in the English-speaking to the
one more world advance
insights Herman Ridderbos Geerhardus Vos. Through Dr Gaffm's influence I
of and
in the in Ridderbos Vos had first taught in
was confirmed new world what and me
the Also beneficial has been the interaction David
old. and worthy of note with
Garner, doctoral the forthcoming dissertation is
a student at seminary, whose own
also on adoption.
Sixthly, to those friends New College, North
gratitude goes at whether
American, African British for the time together. In the
or we shared particular,
fellowship throughout Martin Dotterweich to
with gave valuable continuity my
New College. The Buccleuch Greyfriars Free
connection with congregation at and
Church Scotland in during
the
of provided much stability all my nomadic wanderings
In the fellowship Eric Moira Mackay, Christina
research. particular, of and
Cummings (nee Murray), William Lytle, Jon Balserak Elizabeth
and especially
MacLeod (soon to be Ferguson) has been More the interest
most valued. recently of
faculty, Westminster Theological Seminary, Philadelphia, in
the
staff and students of
has been That
this the
seeing project completed a welcome comfort and challenge.
dissertation has from honest to the history Calvinism,
arisen an attempt understand of
fmdings in line
the
and yet arrives at with seminary's sympathetic-critical approach
Reformed has
to the tradition the that the
revealed essentially constructive stance
has its inception in 1929.
taken
seminary since
Finally, family for love, kindnesses,
to their
gratitude goes my all practical
interest. Although family life has been decades by
and our shaped over recent my
father's illness, his has honed focus
the
multiple sclerosis undoubtedly my on
the the body (Rom. 8: 22-23). It is that
adoption, redemption of said we choose our
friends but families. God family. He kindly.
not our chose my chose most
ix