Journal: Tyndale Bulletin
Volume: TYNBUL 69:2 (NA 2018)
Article: The "Pactum Salutis" A Scriptural Concept Or Scholastic Mythology?
Author: Paul R. Williamson

TynBull 69:2 (2018) p. 259

The Pactum Salutis
A Scriptural Concept Or Scholastic Mythology?

Paul R. Williamson

([email protected])

Summary

One of the three foundational covenants Reformed/Covenant theology is built upon is the Pactum Salutis or covenant of redemption. This refers to an intratrinitarian covenantal agreement, purportedly made before the creation of the world, to secure the salvation of God’s elect. The theological rationale and exegetical support for such a pre-temporal covenant is set out and examined, and it is argued that there are serious exegetical problems with the alleged biblical foundations for such a theological construct.1

1. Introduction

As well as divine covenants clearly set forth in Scripture, Reformed/Covenant theology is built around three others: a covenant of redemption, a covenant of works, and a covenant of grace. The covenant of redemption refers to a pre-temporal, intratrinitarian agreement to redeem the elect. The covenant of works refers to a probationary relationship between God and Adam which applied to the period between creation and the fall. The covenant of grace describes God’s post-fall assurance to fulfil his plan of salvation (Gen. 3:15) that is unpacked in the redemptive–historical covenants that followed.

Each of these three concepts has evoked debate. However, our focus is on the first of these more contentious ideas: an intratrinitarian pact

TynBull 69:2 (2018) p. 260

made before the creation of the world. While clearly significant in post-Reformation Covenant theology, its theological and exegetical basis has been negatively appraised by some, but staunchly defended by others. Therefore the following discussion aims to re-examine whether the ‘covenant of redemption’ is a biblical construct or whether it should be dismissed as scholastic ‘mythology’.2

2. The Definition And Significance Of The Pactum Salutis In Covenant Theology

Often referred to as the pactum salutis (agreement of salvation), the covenant of redemption is essentially understood as an agreement involving two or more members of the Godhead,3 established in eternity, and guaranteeing the salvation of the elect through the collaborative missions of the economic Trinity.

As this definition implies, even within Reformed theology debate persists over who exactly is involved in this divine pact and how it is best understood. Historically, most have formulated ...