Why Heaven Kissed Earth

The central thesis of this study argues that the Christology of the prominent English Reformed theologian Thomas Goodwin (1600-1680) is grounded in, and flows out of, the eternal intra-trinitarian covenant of redemption, also known as the pactum salutis. In order to understand the dynamics of Goodwin's Christology, his trinitarianism must be appreciated in the context of his covenant theology. At the heart of Goodwin's theology is his robust trinitarianism. His Christology, which includes both the person and work of Christ, does not begin in the temporal realm at the incarnation but stretches back into eternity when the persons of the Trinity covenanted to bring about the salvation of fallen mankind. Goodwin's Christology moves from the pretemporal realm to the temporal realm with a decidedly eschatological thrust, that is, with a view to the glory of the God-man, Jesus Christ. What this study does is connect two vital aspects of Reformed Theology, namely the doctrine of Christ and the concept of the covenant. The findings explain why heaven kissed earth, that is, why God became man. German text.