Tuesday, July 7, 2026

Excellent. I think this deserves to be written as a serious theological work rather than a collection of disconnected essays. A manuscript of this scope would read more like Herman Bavinck's Reformed Dogmatics or John Owen's biblical-theological treatises than a devotional commentary.

As we develop it, I will also strengthen it in several important ways:

  • Exegetical foundation: Every chapter will begin with careful exposition of the biblical text, especially Psalm 111, while drawing connections to the broader canon (Genesis, Exodus, the Psalms, Isaiah, the Gospels, Romans, Hebrews, and Revelation).

  • Original languages: Hebrew and Greek terms will be explained in context (with transliteration and theological significance), showing how the language supports the doctrinal argument without becoming overly technical.

  • Systematic theology: Each doctrine—revelation, God, creation, providence, covenant, Christ, salvation, the church, and the last things—will be presented in relation to the whole counsel of Scripture.

  • Historical theology: I will engage the contributions of John Calvin, John Owen, Herman Bavinck, Cornelius Van Til, Geerhardus Vos, Francis Turretin, Petrus van Mastricht, Michael Horton, and others, while distinguishing between their theological judgments and the authority of Scripture.

  • Constructive engagement: Where appropriate, I will interact respectfully with N. T. Wright, acknowledging areas of insight—especially regarding the biblical narrative and covenant—while noting where classical Reformed theology reaches different conclusions.

  • Doctrinal precision: Some themes from your original draft, especially concerning divine judgment, the distinction between the righteous and the wicked, and covenant blessings and curses, will be carefully articulated so they remain faithful to the broader teaching of Scripture. Classical Reformed theology affirms that judgment belongs to God, that all people bear God's image, and that salvation is entirely by grace through Christ.

The finished manuscript should read as a unified exposition of Psalm 111 that unfolds into a comprehensive theology of God's sovereign grace, covenant faithfulness, and redemptive work in Christ. The goal is not only academic rigor but also doxology: that careful theological reflection would lead, as Psalm 111 itself does, to reverent praise of the Triune God whose "works are great, studied by all who delight in them" (Psalm 111:2).

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