This post will address chapter 4, sections II-IV of the report. Section II outlines some thoughts on the typology of merit. The main point appears to be that typology is inexact. They use the phrase “incomplete correspondence” between type and antitype. The other main point they make is that the WS are reluctant to spell out a lot of issues. Caution is needed, then, when making claims that the WS either offer a republication view, or banish all forms of republication from consideration.
The second section deals with two main issues: the “core commonality” that the various administrations of the covenant of grace have with each other, as well as the fact that the Mosaic covenant is not given preferential treatment in the WS.
This leads to the third section, in which 7 preliminary conclusions are stated. The material point is stated in conclusion 6: “the stated doctrinal system of the confession is not a natural host to the idea of a works principle in substance, rather than administration.” The encouragement is present to qualify one’s terms if a substantial republication is advocated.
In evaluating these sections, it does not seem like much comment is needed. There is nothing muddy about these sections, nor is there much that has not already been said in the earlier parts of the report. The upshot is that substantial republication is seen as inconsistent with the system of doctrine, though even this statement is made very cautiously.
David Gadbois
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Ron Henzel
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