“A Golden Mine Opened”: The Role of Christ-Centered Preaching in the Sermons of Benjamin Keach

Abstract

This dissertation argues for the centrality of Christ-centered preaching in the sermons of Benjamin Keach through his Tropologia and Sin-Salvation methods. Chapter 1 introduces the thesis and Keach’s method. His Tropologia method was twofold. He used metaphors that conveyed parities (parallels) and/or disparities between the metaphor and Christ. Additionally, Keach used typology to highlight persons, events, or institutions that foreshadow Christ. His Sin-Salvation method revealed man’s sin and the solution found in Christ’s salvation. Chapter 2 sets Keach in his context by presenting an overview of his life and preaching. Keach’s preaching was based on Puritan godliness, influence, and application. This investigation sets the stage for considering Christ-centeredness in his preaching. Chapter 3, “Old Testament Sermons Part 1,” reviews three sermon series. The seminal series is Christ Alone the Way to Heaven, which sets the foundation for Keach’s Tropologia method. Chapter 4, “Old Testament Sermons Part 2,” considers Keach’s sermons on the covenants. He presented Christ as a mediator, surety, messenger, and testator through these sermons. Chapter 5, “New Testament Sermons Part 1,” investigates Keach’s parable sermons, highlighting Christ as the pearl of great price, the good Samaritan, and the true vine. Chapter 6, “New Testament Sermons Part 2,” evaluates Keach’s gospel and epistle sermons, extolling Christ as the good shepherd, the one who brings great salvation, and the one through whom believers are counted justified. Chapter 7 explores what it means to preach Christ today. This chapter presents a summary of Benjamin Keach’s Christ-centered preaching method, followed by an assessment of the contemporary Christotelic, Christiconic, and Christo-promise methods compared with Keach. Subsequently, the Christ-centered preaching methods of Bryan Chapell, Sidney Greidanus, and Edmund Clowney are analyzed and compared with Keach. The conclusion demonstrates that Benjamin Keach is a Christ-centered preacher worthy of emulation.