Gerald R. McDermott’s A New History of Redemption: The Work of Jesus the Messiah through the Millennia offers a comprehensive exploration of the Messiah’s redemptive work from creation to the eschaton. Inspired by Jonathan Edwards’s unfinished History of the Work of Redemption, McDermott traces the progress of redemption throughout biblical and church history, emphasizing the continuous and active role of Jesus as Messiah. 

The book is structured into six parts:

1. From Eternity to the Dispersal of the Nations: Discusses redemption planned from eternity and its unfolding after Eden.
2. From Abraham to Moses: Examines the roles of Abraham and the patriarchs.
3. From Moses to the Incarnation: Covers the period from Moses to David, the captivity, and the anticipation of the Messiah.
4. The Incarnation: Focuses on the coming of the Messiah and His work.
5. From Christ’s Resurrection to the End of the World: Details the resurrection, the kingdom of God, the church’s mission, and significant historical events influencing Christianity.
6.The Eschaton: Contemplates the Messiah’s return, final judgment, and the new heavens and new earth.

McDermott connects themes surrounding Israel, redemption by the Jewish Messiah, secular and sacred history, world religions, and Jewish-Christian worship through liturgy and sacraments. He contends that a historical examination of the Messiah’s redemption amid the world’s turmoil and the worship of His people best reveals God’s beauty. 

Personal Review

As someone deeply interested in the unfolding narrative of redemption, I found A New History of Redemption to be an enlightening and comprehensive read. McDermott’s approach, inspired by Jonathan Edwards, offers a panoramic view of the Messiah’s work from creation through history and into the eschaton. The structure of the book allows for a thorough understanding of each epoch’s contribution to the overarching theme of redemption.