Adoption, Promise, Redemption

bernard-of-clairvaux
Bernard of Claivaux

Johann Gerhard (1582-1637) was a brilliant German Theologian. His massive Loci Theologici, is currently being translated into English. The following quote is taken from one of the already published volumes.

The very beautiful passage of Bernard belongs here (Sermon 3 de fragm. 7. mis.) : “I consider three things on which my entire hope stands: the charity of adoption, the truth of promise, the power of redemption. Let my thoughts murmur as they will, saying: ‘Who are you? How great is that glory? With what merits do you hope to obtain it?’ And I shall confidently answer: ‘I know whom I have believed, and I am sure that He has adopted me out of His great love, that He is trustworthy in His promise, that He is powerful in accomplishing it.’” Those are Barnard’s words.

Gerhard, Johann On Creation and Predestination Concordia Publish House (2013) 223