The Ordering of Salvation The Ordering of Salvation Aspects Of Scripture And The Liturgical Year

Abstract

This chapter sets forth the hermeneutic principles that underlie the Bach cantatas and passions with particular reference to the concept of God's “Rath” or the “ordering of salvation” (Heilsordnung) and their relationship to the liturgical year. It introduces Johann Jacob Rambach's writings on God's “Rath” or oekonomia (economy), arguing that these sequential presentations of God's plan for the salvation of humanity (salvation history) underlie the many diverse theological themes that run through the Bach cantatas.