Retrieving Eternal Generation

'In contemporary Trinitarian theology, conservative Christians have all too often been moving in one of two directions: either inadvertently undermining the full divinity of the Son---thereby turning Christianity into a unitarianism---or inadvertently distinguishing the divine persons in ways that are logically tritheistic. In response, Swain and Sanders have put together an important and profound volume whose timing simply could not be better.' * Matthew Levering, James N. and Mary D. Perry Jr. Chair of Theology, Mundelein Seminary * 'It is essential to our true understanding of the triune God that we be clear about the biblical and dogmatic basis for our confession. This book brings together an impressive array of world-class theologians whose Scholarship is matched by their godliness addressing one of the key components of that task; the basis of our knowledge of relations in God.' * Dr. Liam Goligher, senior minister, Tenth Presbyterian Church, Philadelphia, PA * 'Retrieval is an important part of the task systematic theology faces today. In Retrieving Eternal Generation, Scott Swain and Fred Sanders, along with their fellow contributors, render a great service to the church and theology. In the midst of a fierce and sometimes confused debate over the doctrine of the Trinity, this excellent collection of essays provides a careful biblical, historical, and conceptual analysis that helps uncover the profound richness of the classic understanding of the Sons eternal generation from the Father. Retrieving Eternal Generation brings together some of the best of biblical, patristic, and doctrinal theology in a convincing case for a doctrine that is unjustly accused of being overly metaphysical or Greek, among other deprecating terms. It shows that, to the contrary, this doctrine is vital for proper confession of the triune God.' * Dolf te Velde, assistant professor of systematic theology, Theological University Kampen * 'Retrieving Eternal Generation is a vital gift to evangelical theology. The various authors provide stimulating biblical exegesis, hermeneutical breadth, historical expertise, and theological depth. Respectfully but courageously engaging the challengers of this classic doctrine, they transcend polemics to contribute fresh dogmatic insight. I will be referring to several of these essays again and again.' * Daniel J. Treier, Knoedler Professor of Theology, Wheaton College Graduate School * 'The Christian teaching of the eternal generation of the Son has from the beginning engendered detailed scrutiny and fierce opposition, and again in the present, the doctrine is causing great controversy. By way of response, Swain and Sanders have gathered together for this volume a range of experts from the fields of biblical exegesis, church history, and systematic theology to consider this teaching in detail. The result is a powerful and dynamic defense of the doctrine, insisting vigorously upon its scriptural, traditional, and dogmatic importance. At a time of much doctrinal diversity and uncertainty, this book lucidly sets out a salutary and welcome account of this venerable teaching and of its central significance for faithful Christian belief.' * Paul T Nimmo, Kings Chair of Systematic Theology, University of Aberdeen * 'The creedal doctrine that the Son of God was begotten of the Father before all worlds is a notion that is often misunderstood or else maligned by many contemporary theologians. In this context, Swain and Sanders have brought together an impressive collection of essays from across the theological disciplines in order to elucidate and defend this linchpin Trinitarian doctrine. The books coherence lies not only in the sum of its parts but also in the synthetic nature of its individual chapters. This is retrieval theology at its best---careful in its treatment of the historical sources and relevant in its theological import.' * R. Lucas

Fred Sanders (PhD, Graduate Theological Union) is professor of theology in the Torrey Honors Institute at Biola University in La Mirada, California. He is author of numerous books including The Triune God in the New Studies in Dogmatics series; The Deep Things of God: How the Trinity Changes Everything; and Dr. Doctrines Christian Comix. He is coeditor of Jesus in Trinitarian Perspective: An Introductory Christology and Retrieving Eternal Generation. Fred is a core participant in the Theological Engagement with Californias Culture Project and a popular blogger at The Scriptorium Daily. Scott Swain is professor of Systematic Theology at Reformed Theological Seminary in Orlando, Florida. He is author of several books, including The God of the Gospel: The Trinitarian Theology of Robert Jenson, and Trinity, Revelation, and Reading: A Theological Introduction to the Bible and its Interpretation. He serves as general editor (with Michael Allen) for T&T Clarks International Theological Commentary and Zondervans New Studies in Dogmatics series.

Introduction: Fred Sanders and Scott Swain Part 1: Eternal Generation and Biblical Reasoning 1. 'The Radiance of the Father's Glory': Eternal Generation, the Divine Names, and Biblical Interpretation: Scott Swain 2. A Lexical Defense of the Eternal Generation of the 'Only Begotten' Son: Lee Irons 3. Hermeneutics and the Eternal Generation of the Son: The Role of Proverbs 8: Matthew Emerson 4. The Old Testament and Eternal Generation: Mark Gignilliat 5. John 5.26 and Eternal Generation: D. A. Carson 6. Hebrews 1, Prosoponic Exegesis, and Eternal Generation: Madison Pierce 7. The Tetragrammaton and Eternal Generation: Kendall Soulen Part 2: Eternal Generation in Historical Development 8. Patristic Exegesis (Origen of Alexandria): Lewis Ayres 9. Augustine: Keith L. Johnson 10. John Calvin: Brannon Ellis 11. Jonathan Edwards: Christi Larsen 12. Westminster Assembly: Chad Van Dixhoorn 13. Karl Barth: Michael Allen Part 3: Eternal Generation and Constructive Dogmatics 14. The Mystery and Coherence of Eternal Generation: Oliver Crisp 15. Eternal Generation and the Gospel: Fred Sanders 16. Dogmatic Summary and Eternal Generation: Josh Malone