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Covenant Theology

God's Master Plan to Give His Son Jesus Christ a Bride

Are you struggling to understand Covenant Theology and the Bible? Maybe you grew up dispensational and are looking to rediscover the power of God’s faithful promises? Maybe you are a Baptist or Presbyterian who needs a refresher on the covenants? Let’s make it EASY…Covenant Theology Made Easy by C. Matthew McMahon, Ph.D., Th.D. Get it in eBook or in a printed book.

Witsius’ Economy of the Covenants Online

Herman Witsius (1636-1708) was Professor of Divinity in the Universities of Franeker, Utrecht, and Leyden. A brilliant and devout student, he was fluent in Latin, Greek, and Hebrew by the age of fifteen, when he entered the University of Utrecht. He was ordained at twenty-one and served in several pastorates, filling both the pulpit and the academic chair over the course of his life.

This, his magnum opus, is a reflection of some of the most fruitful and mature thinking on federal theology during the seventeenth century, and still holds a preeminent place in our own day. If you are interested in Covenant Theology (which you should be if you love God’s word) then take some time to peruse this excellent work: The Economy of the Covenants Between God and Man.

 

Francis Robert’s The Mystery and Marrow of the Bible

Robert’s work, “The Mystery and Marrow of the Bible” is one of the best works on Covenant Theology in the history of the Christian Church. It remains unpublished, but available here in old English in its entirety. The work is enormous, and covers all the administrations of the covenant as God unfolded the history of redemption. His thesis is: That, The Mysterie and chief Matter of all the Covenants of Faith, whether Covenants of Promise or New Covenant, though for Accidents and Circumstances it be very variously repre­sented, yet for essence and Substance it is only one and the same, viz. The Recovery of lapsed Sinners from Sin and Death, to Righ­teousness and life by JESUS CHRIST alone through Faith.

 

Do You Believe God’s Promises?

“But with thee will I establish my covenant; and thou shalt come into the ark, thou, and thy sons, and thy wife, and thy sons’ wives with thee,” (Gen. 6:18).

” And he believed in the LORD; and he counted it to him for righteousness.” (Gen. 15:6).

“And I will make my covenant between me and thee, and will multiply thee exceedingly,” (Gen. 17:2).

“And I will establish my covenant between me and thee and thy seed after thee in their generations for an everlasting covenant, to be a God unto thee, and to thy seed after thee.” (Gen. 17:7).

“For the mountains shall depart, and the hills be removed; but my kindness shall not depart from thee, neither shall the covenant of my peace be removed, saith the LORD that hath mercy on thee.” (Isa. 54:10).

Covenant Theology describes and teaches the Biblical view of God’s master plan. God’s Covenant of Redemption is founded in eternity, made with His one and only Son, and demonstrates His will for the course of history, culminating in time in the Covenant of Grace for His elect church.

Covenant Theology is divided into two orthodox groups that consider a primary division between The Covenant of Redemption and The Covenant of Grace. Though there may be some small changes or nuances between John Owen and Francis Turretin, both theologians are in agreement on the substance and nature of the covenants. God has a single master plan  He has instituted to know Him, His will and His Son in a glorious light.

Following the Best in the Field

Following the Reformed Theology of the 1647 Westminster Confession, there is no real debate on how “covenants” work. Reformers, Puritans, and those that came after them, in the spirit of the Reformation, agreed on the basics; even among the early church fathers such as Irenaeus and Augustine. The Westminster Standards were drawn up after the birth of formal Reformed Theology during the Magisterial Reformation to set down in print those basic ideas (keep in mind that Augustinian theology was very much Reformed without using that term) for the future of the Church’s witness to the world. Though many people would read through the Westminster Standards and say that it is much more than “basic” – (anything but basic!) – they cannot deny the adherence of such a sublime unity in the manner that the Westminster Divines adhered to covenant theology.

Even after the Westminster Standards were bound together in one book with all their subordinate documents, we find the Sum of Saving Knowledge, by James Durham, also bound in that volume. This document mimics the nature of the Westminster Confession and depicts the threefold designation of classic Covenant Theology – The Covenant of Redemption, The Covenant of Life (or Works) and The Covenant of Grace. Some do not like the designation of the Covenant of Redemption (such as Francis Turretin) but those theologians must take a much longer time to EXPLAIN their views and, like Turretin, agree that the Covenant of Grace is simply divided into two sections. These two sections would, in this writers opinion, simply be easier to follow if one did NOT say, “The Covenant of Grace is divided into two parts – the decreed eternal counsel of God and then the counsel of God seen in time with sinners.” Here we see, as in Turretin’s view, two aspects of one covenant. However, it is much more logically coherent to say The Covenant of Redemption (all that the Father does to decree and save sinners in Christ before the foundation of the world) and the working out of that covenant in time – which would be the Covenant of God’s grace with sinners, are two covenants – one with Christ and one with elect sinners. Either way, both parties wind up in the same place. Some of us, though, are just a bit more theologically tidy in the way we lay it out using a threefold designation instead of a twofold.

A word must be said about the controversy with our dispensationalist friends – the baptists. As much as they hate to admit it or hear it, Baptists of every flavor continue to deal with dispensational ideas and cannot escape that designation until they become Presbyterians. (Sorry friends.) Having been a “baptist”, “southern Baptist”, “founders baptist” and a “reformed” baptist, I can say that my theology was absolutely wrong due to the regular meal of dispensationalism we heard in church Sunday after Sunday from the pulpit – not to mention we read dispensational ideas in many of the works that Baptists have published – like William Sherriff’s “Lectures on Baptism”, or the “Evils of Infant Baptism,” and the like. Baptists continue to say they are “covenantal” (which is fine to a point) but they can never be “Covenant Theologians” as church history and historical theology vividly demonstrates.

Regularly I receive many emails about, “Baptism and Infant Baptism”. But this is NOT the crux of ANY issue. Rather, baptism and infant baptism, which are covenant signs, are simply the last 5 minutes on a 10 hour discussion on covenant theology. Think through that.

So, what do we make of it all? Is the sacrament of baptism a sign and seal of regeneration? Is circumcision a sign and seal of regeneration? Is the covenant sign something we should administer to our children? Did Abraham administer the covenant sign to his children? How does baptism fulfill the promise made to Abraham? Is Abraham the father of our faith? Or is Paul?

Find answers to these questions in the articles of this section of the site to the right, or from some of the off site articles (below).

I would counsel the inquirer of such biblical studies to walk down a five-fold path. First, read the bible from cover to cover. Second, read the 1647 Westminster Confession of Faith. Third, read my introductory work, “A Simple Overview of Covenant Theology.” Fourth, read my intermediary work, “Covenant Theology Made Easy.” Fifth, read Herman Witsius’ book, “The Economy of the Covenants Between God and Man.” That is a hearty and solid set of books and works. Anyone who masters that information will be light years, biblically speaking, away from most churches in today’s contemporary amalgamation of theological confusion on this subject.

Also consider this article as the end of your study in covenant theology. In other words, after you study the terms and ideas around the biblical teachings on covenant, and after reading the aforementioned books, then read this article.

Check Out these Books on Covenant Theology

Presumptive Regeneration, or, the Baptismal Regeneration of Elect Infants by Cornelius Burges (1589-1665)
A Discourse on Covenant Theology and Infant Baptism by Cuthbert Sydenham (1622-1654)
Infant Baptism of Christ’s Appointment by Samuel Petto (1624-1711)
Covenant Holiness and Infant Baptism by Thomas Blake (1597-1657)
The Manifold Wisdom of God Seen in Covenant Theology by George Walker (1581-1651)
The Covenant of God by Thomas Blake (1597-1657)
A Chain of Theological Principles by John Arrowsmith (1602-1659)
The Covenant of Life Opened by Samuel Rutherford (1600-1661)
The Covenant of Grace Opened by Thomas Hooker (1586-1647)
The Covenant of Redemption by Samuel Willard (1640-1707)
The Covenant of Works and the Covenant of Grace by Edmund Calamy (1600-1666)
The Doctrine and Practice of Infant Baptism by John Brinsley (1600-1665)
God’s Covenant and Our Duty By Samuel Willard (1640-1707)
God’s Glory in Man’s Happiness by Francis Taylor (1589-1656)
Infant Baptism God’s Ordinance by Michael Harrison (1640-1729)
Jesus Christ God’s Shepherd by William Strong (d. 1654)

McMahon’s Articles on Covenant Theology:

What Does it Mean to be Reformed – Really? – by Dr. C. Matthew McMahon
My Retraction: A 15-year Baptist turns Paedobaptist and Becomes Reformed – by Dr. C. Matthew McMahon
A Catechism on Infant Inclusion in the Covenant of Grace – by Dr. C. Matthew McMahon
A Concern About Infant Inclusion in the Covenant of Grace – by Dr. C. Matthew McMahon
A Simple Overview of Covenant Theology – by Dr. C. Matthew McMahon
A Summary of Herman Witsius’ “The Economy of the Covenants Between God and Man” – by Dr. C. Matthew McMahon
An Overview of O. Palmer Robertson’s Book “The Christ of the Covenants” – by Dr. C. Matthew McMahon
Covenant Concepts in Dr. Francis Turretin’s Institutes of Elenctic Theology – by Dr. C. Matthew McMahon
I will be a God to You and to Your Children After You – by Dr. C. Matthew McMahon
John Murray’s Reformulation of the Covenant of Grace – by Dr. C. Matthew McMahon
John Owen and the Covenant of Redemption – by Dr. C. Matthew McMahon

Musing on Baptistic Theology After Retracting
Prefatory Notes On Infant Baptism – by Dr. C. Matthew McMahon
A Proper Balance Needful – by Dr. C. Matthew McMahon
I Should Have Listened to My Own Advice on Hermenuetics – by Dr. C. Matthew McMahon
Lots of Fog – by Dr. C. Matthew McMahon
Positively Nonsense – by Dr. C. Matthew McMahon
The Importance of Baptism a Necessary Study, and Some Preliminary Considerations – by Dr. C. Matthew McMahon
The Internalization of the Law is Not New to the NT – by Dr. C. Matthew McMahon

Articles on Covenant Theology:

“Covenant” – by Dr. Zacharias Ursinus
A Baptist Proves that Baptism is not by Immersion – by Unknown
A Practical Discourse concerning Vows: with a Special Reference to Baptism and the Lord’s Supper – by Edmund Calamy
Atonement and the Covenant of Grace by Hugh Martin
Baby Belief Before Baptism – By Dr. Nigel Lee
Baptism – by Dr. Charles Hodge
Baptism – by Dr. Ulrich Zwingli
Baptism and Infant Baptism – by Dr. A. A. Hodge
Children and Church Membership – by Dr. Thomas Shepard
Children in the Covenant of Grace – by Dr. Thomas Shepard
Covenantal Ideas – by Dr. Herman Witsius
Did All Mankind Fall in Adam’s First Sin? by Edward Fisher
Difficulties About Baptism – by Dr. Douglas Bannerman
Dr. John Calvin on Infant Baptism
Dr. Jonathan Edward’s Miscellanies on “Covenant”
Dr. Jonathan Edwards On Infant Baptism – Part 1
Dr. Jonathan Edwards On Baptism – Part 2
God’s Covenant with Men – by A.A. Hodge
God’s Covenants with Man, the Church by AA Hodge
Infant Baptism – by Dr. Martin Luther
Infant Baptism: Scriptural and Reasonable Part 1 – by Rev. Samuel Miller
Infant Baptism Scriptural and Reasonable Part 2 – by Rev. Samuel Miller
Infant Baptism Scriptural and Reasonable Parts 3-4 – by Rev. Samuel Miller
Introduction to Covenant Theology by JI Packer
Is the Mosaic Covenant the covenant of Grace? by Wilhelmus a’Brakel
John Calvin on Genesis 17
Jonathan Edwards On “Covenant” – by Dr. John Gerstner
Man in the Covenant of Works by Louis Berkhof
Oath and Ordeal Part 1 – by Dr. Meredith G. Kline
Oath And Ordeal Part 2 – by Dr. Meredith G. Kline
Of Infant Baptism and Dipping – by Dr. John Owen
Paedocommunion and Covenant Theology Edited by C. Matthew McMahon
Reformed Interpretation of the Mosaic Covenant – by Mark W. Karlberg
Retracting Credobaptism – by Dr. Fowler White
Smith on Covenant Theology – by Dr. Morton Smith
The 5th Commandment And Infant Baptism – by Rev. Ezekiel Hopkins
The Ark of the Covenant Opened by Patrick Gillespie
The Covenant of Grace by AA Hodge
The Covenant of Grace by Herman Bavinck
The Covenant of Works by Thomas Watson
The Covenant Seed – by Dr. Thomas Goodwin
The Doctrine Surrounding Infant Baptism – by Rev. Ezekiel Hopkins
The Economy of the Covenants Between God and Man by Herman Witsius
The Mystery and Marrow of the Bible by Francis Roberts
The Polemics of Infant Baptism – by Dr. Benjamin B. Warfield
The Remedy Provided for by Jesus Christ in the Covenant of Grace by David Dickson
The Sacramental Principle – by Dr. William Cunningham
The Scriptural Foundation of the Covenant of Works by Louis Berkhof
The Subjects of Baptism – by Dr. Wilhelmus a’Brakel
Three Characteristics of the Covenant of Grace by Herman Bavinck
Vindiciæ Legis et Fœderis – by Rev. John Flavel
Violating the Covenant of Works by Herman Witsius
What is a Covenant? – by Dr. Charles Hodge
Why We Baptize Infants – by John Murray

A Simple Overview of Covenant Theology

When dealing with Covenant Theology “simple” is a good thing. After the Bible, this work is the FIRST that you should read, or one that you should introduce to a friend if they are struggling with covenant concepts.

Covenant Theology Poster

The Puritans made many posters, even in their day, to aid church members in understanding Scriptural truth. I created this new poster to cover the Covenant of Redemption, Covenant of Works and Covenant of Grace.

A Masterful Work on Baptism

There is no better succinct, concise, precise and exegetically irrefutable work on infant baptism than Harrison’s work. It is not just about baptism – it’s about infant inclusion in the covenant of grace. It’s about church membership.

Offsite Articles on Covenant Theology and Baptism:

What Mean Ye? by Rev. Richard bacon (A good article against Paedo-communion, but helping to understand the Passover in light of the Lord’s Supper.)
Covenant Sign and Seal: The Symbolic Significance of Circumcision, and Its Application to the New Testament Believer, Part 1 by Rev. Michael Glodo
Covenant Sign and Seal: The Symbolic Significance of Circumcision,and Its Application to the New Testament Believer, Part 2by Rev. Michael Glodo
Covenant Theology Under Attack by Dr. Meredith Kline
Comments on A. A. Hodge’s One-Covenant Construction of the Redemptive Order by Dr. Meredith G. Kline
The Marrow of Modern Divinity by Rev. Edward Fisher
The Covenant of Grace by A.A. Hodge
Ark of the Covenant Opened: Chapter 3 by Patrick Gillespie
The Covenant of Redemption by Alexander Peden
Baptism: Its Meaning and Purpose By Dr. Greg L. Bahnsen
Cross-Examination: Infant Baptism By Dr. Greg Bahnsen
Baptism by Dr. Francis A. Schaeffer
The Covenant of Redemption Between the Father and the Redeemer by Rev. John Flavel
Jonathan Edwards on the Covenant of Grace by Carl W. Bogue
Robert Riccaltoun (1691-1769):The Covenant of Grace
A Brief and Untechnical Statement of the Reformed Faith by Dr. B.B. Warfield
Outline of the Covenant of Grace by Dr. James Henley Thornwell
A Treatise of the Covenant of Grace by Dr. John Ball (Partial)
The Doctrine of the Covenant in Reformed Theology by Dr. Geerhardus Vos
Grace & Salvation – How Christ is rightly and properly said to have merited grace and salvation for us by John Calvin
Man’s Estate of Holiness and the Covenant of Works by Dr. R.L. Dabney

Offsite PDF files:

The Covenant of Grace by John Murray PDF ePub Mobi
The Covenant of Grace by Charles Hodge PDF ePub Mobi
A Treatise of the Covenant of Grace by John Cotton PDF

The Faithful Minister Of The New Covenant by Horatius Bonar PDF

The Gospel is Conditional by Samuel Rutherford PDF

The Covenant of God’s Free Grace by John Cotton PDF

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