Unfolding Redemption: Exploring the History and Order of Salvation

Camden M. Bucey and Lane G. Tipton

Reviewed by: Tyler Jackson

Unfolding Redemption: Exploring the History and Order of Salvation, by Camden M. Bucey and Lane G. Tipton. Reformed Forum, 2023. Paperback, 52 pages, 10-pack for $49.99. Reviewed by OP pastor Tyler Jackson.

Imagine a short, single, easily digestible resource that brings together and advances

the biblical theology of Vos, the clear distinctions between the historia salutis and the ordo salutis of Ridderbos, the penetrating analysis of redemption accomplished and applied in the vein of Murray, and the way redemption accomplished connects to redemption applied as expounded by Gaffin—and you will come close to imagining the booklet under review. Drs. Camden M. Bucey and Lane G. Tipton have done a great service by giving the church this booklet.

In the first section, the authors lay out the distinction between redemption accomplished and redemption applied, helping the reader break free from the “personal and subjective lens” that so often plagues the Christian church. When one only considers their personal salvation or justification, the glory of the unfolding drama of redemption goes unexplored. Yet, the authors desire far more for us. They draw our attention to the importance of the history of salvation primarily because “the beauty of centering the historia salutis is that it focuses the theology of the church on what has been once and for all accomplished by Jesus.” To use the words of Robert Murray M’Cheyne, for every look we take at self we ought to take ten looks at Christ.

In the second section, the authors lay out the progressive and unfolding history of redemption that climaxes in the historical life, death, resurrection, and ascension of Christ, which is then followed by the pouring out of his Spirit on the church. They use Pentecost as a case in point, showing how often Pentecost is considered from an ordo salutis perspective instead of viewing this great eschatological event as a climactic fulfillment in the historia salutis. With pastoral sensibilities they show us that these categorical distinctions have far reaching effects: viewing Pentecost through the ordo lens leads to the expectation that Pentecost will be repeated in every saved saint (speaking in tongues, etc.). And, what is the result when this doesn’t occur? “Turmoil and self-doubt.” These categories, therefore, are indispensable tools in a pastor’s toolbox.

In section three, the authors connect redemption accomplished to redemption applied, showing how redemptive history and the finished work of Christ is the solid rock under the application of redemption to all who are united to Christ, those partaking of all the benefits that are in Christ (justification, adoption, etc.). In this section, reminiscent of Gaffin, they show the connection between Christ’s justification, adoption, sanctification, and glorification—and ours. Again, with pastoral sensibilities they keep the deeper Protestant conception in mind, understanding that all this “serve[s] the development of covenantal fellowship with Jesus Christ.”

I thoroughly enjoyed this booklet and highly recommend it for use in an adult Sunday school class or even for personal devotional purposes. What warms our hearts more as Christians than focusing on Christ and all that he is, has done, and will do for us for his own glory? Tolle Lege.