Merit and Moses (Part 1)

Meredith Kline, former professor of Old Testament at Westminster Theological Seminary.

David Murray, professor of Old Testament at Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary, has reviewed the recent book Merit and Moses: A Critique of the Klinean Doctrine of Republication by OPC pastors Andrew Elam, Robert Van Kooten, and Randall Berquist. The book is a direct response to The Law Is Not of Faith: Essays on Works and Grace in the Mosaic Covenant, written by faculty members of Westminster Seminary California.

In part 1 of his review, Murray gives the historical background for the book, summarizing the controversy surrounding the views of Westminster Seminary professors John Murray, Meredith Kline, and Norman Shepherd. Although the differences between these theologians are quite numerous, the main point of contention on which Merit and Moses focuses is the doctrine of republication: is the Mosaic Covenant in some sense a republication of the Covenant of Works? And if so, in what sense?

In short, the authors of Merit and Moses (as well as David Murray) follow John Murray, while the authors of The Law Is Not of Faith follow Meredith Kline. But both books are careful to distance themselves from the teachings of Shepherd.

For my own thoughts on republication, see my earlier post here.