What is Covenant Theology?
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The word "theology" is a deal breaker for me. I don't get involved in theology; I just read His word and let the Spirit teach me. But that's just me.
I think its the splitting of the Bible into three covenants, that of works, grace, and redemption, and there are many different variations on how this done. Because of the variations there are differences in eschatology and salvation. I'm not expert on this so I would like someone to explain it better also
I'm sure the Calvinists on here can explain it to you.
They have lots of textbooks on it.
Otherwise known as Mr John Calvin's systematic system of reading the Bible in his four volume treatise 'Institutes of the Christian Religion' His disciples include Mr Wayne Grudem and all the Reformed baptists, Presbyterians, and practically most all Bible colleges and Seminaries.
Best ask someone who holds a Doctorate in Divinity. Or a phD. I'm just a librarian.
The only place I have for tulips is in a floral arrangement. I can't even grow them well where I live, it's too warm.
They have lots of textbooks on it.
Otherwise known as Mr John Calvin's systematic system of reading the Bible in his four volume treatise 'Institutes of the Christian Religion' His disciples include Mr Wayne Grudem and all the Reformed baptists, Presbyterians, and practically most all Bible colleges and Seminaries.
Best ask someone who holds a Doctorate in Divinity. Or a phD. I'm just a librarian.
The only place I have for tulips is in a floral arrangement. I can't even grow them well where I live, it's too warm.
Firstly, I am no Calvinist, but a Wesleyan-Arminian. Covenant Theology is held in an adjusted form by Wesleyans, Methodists and most Holiness Churches, all non-Calvinist. It is a theology outside those labels.
Ok well its mostly Calvinist (where it originated from) so would probably be a little different from the doctrines you are used to.
Anyway I don't intend to begin to explain it, if you want a particular theology explained, best to ask a theologian. And Calvin was one of the most influential theologians.
Presbyterians would be very happy to chat with you about that. And the hard-core Calvinists will be overjoyed to convert you to their particular brand of theology.
Anyway I don't intend to begin to explain it, if you want a particular theology explained, best to ask a theologian. And Calvin was one of the most influential theologians.
Presbyterians would be very happy to chat with you about that. And the hard-core Calvinists will be overjoyed to convert you to their particular brand of theology.
Covenant theologians view the Church a continuation of Israel and emphasize that God works through a series of covenants to accomplish His redemptive plan. They interpret the Bible as a unified story of God's relationship with humanity. This framework often leads adherents to amillennial or postmillennial eschatology, seeing Christ reign as spiritual rather than a literal thousand-year earthly kingdom. (Overview of Covenant Theology)
Also called Replacement Theology
A key feature of Dispensationalism (not to be confused with Covenant Theology) is a strict distinction between Israel and the Church: Israel is an ethnic nation with specific promises, while the church is separate with spiritual blessings. Dispensationalists typical hold a premillennial eschatology including pre-tribulation rapture and a literal thousand-year reign of Christ on Earth. (Overview of Dispensationalism)
Also called Separation Theology
And if that doesn't confuse you, there is a New Covenant Theology that is a middle ground between the two systems. It emphasizes the Mosaic law is fulfilled in Christ, and Christians are under the Law of Christ, not the Old Covenant, while maintaining some distinctions from classic dispensationalism. (This is what A1 has gathered from such as Jon Piper and researching his orientation, he is of the new covenant theology and is recognized for cultivating the New Calvinist movement)
And there is a third theology that I'm not certain is even on the radar.
Remnant Theology.
It defines Israel according to the historic definition but recognizes that not all Jews are Israelis today nor are all Israelis Jews. It makes a distinction of Remnant Jews as a believing remnant of Israel and considers the Church in accordance with the Greek ecclesia as 'the called out' who must be placed 'into' the believing (chosen) remnant of Israel (as opposed to the school of thought which asserts the Israel must be placed into the Church) and considers secular Israel as actually part of the end times theater of operations as much as any other secular population. This position holds to the idea that only when Jews cry out, "Baruch habah b'shem Adonai," in reference to the true Messiah Jesus will they be saved during the period of the Great Tribulation and then the prophecy of Zech 12: 10 will be fulfilled.
Thank you so much for your helpful post. It seems I am almost a believer in Covenant Theology.
As I stated in another post, I am NOT a Calvinist but very much Arminian. It appears that CT is not a peculiar doctrine to either Calvinist of Arminian as both groups hold to it.
I lean toward Remnant Theology myself. Seeing that we must be grafted in to the (root of the) olive tree. The root is natural, but I'm wild. The natural branches are cut off for unbelief and so it seems reasonable to assume that the (natural) ones that remain are the chosen remnant of the natural olive tree, of which are those supported by the (Natural) Root. And of course, the natural one can be grafted back in if they do not continue in unbelief just as well as the wild branches be grafted in because of belief.
I got this off the Net which I found help for myself and my own theological position.
'Wesleyan Covenant Theology integrates classical covenant concepts with Arminian emphasis on free will, prevenient grace and sanctification, shaping both Wesleyan doctrine and practical discipleship'.
'Wesleyan Covenant Theology integrates classical covenant concepts with Arminian emphasis on free will, prevenient grace and sanctification, shaping both Wesleyan doctrine and practical discipleship'.
Remnant makes the most sense, I mean, I always think in terms of trees anyway. As you know. To me anyway. It's explained pretty much in the Bible as is.
Jewish people continue to this day to circumcise (that was the sign of their covenant) but that covenant was made to them which they keep even if they don't individually believe. A baby can't circumcise themselves. They don't have any say in the matter.
The parents keep up this tradition and way of life that God prescribed them.
People that are not Israelites are not bound to this covenant. Thats why Jesus established a new covenant, so that believers (both Jewish and non-Jews) can believe and follow God.
The entire planet (God's creation) is already under the Rainbow covenant. This was not just humans, it was animals too. It was first instituted with Noah.
There's lots of covenants in the Bible, there's 7 major ones.
I think theological and doctrinal language actually needlessly complicates things. Christianity isn't a solely intellectual belief. It's what you do as well. Really all God wants is to seek His kingdom and His righteousness first, and all these things will be added to you..
People like to say I'm of Apollos or I'm of Paul. This seems to be saying exactly what theologians want 'I am Calvinist' "I am Arminist' "I am Wesleyan' but really, thats not important at all. The important thing is your identity in Christ. Calvin and Armin and Wesley were just men at the end of the day. Don't place your trust in them. Believe in Jesus.
@Aussie52
Huh so is it true you're actually an ordained minister of the gospel and have trouble getting your head around covenant theology? What were they teaching you in seminary then?
Did you go? Just wondering. Cos if you did, wouldn't they have taught these things, or theology (both practical and intellectual) why are you then asking others about it?
*Puzzled...* Do you just want to confirm your position that you are right or something. IDK. I think man's interpretation of the Bible can vary greatly..thats why people study it extensively, and still have a tendency to skip scriptures to come to different conclusions from the same Bible. Having dozens of different versions in English translation alone probably don't help.
Huh so is it true you're actually an ordained minister of the gospel and have trouble getting your head around covenant theology? What were they teaching you in seminary then?
Did you go? Just wondering. Cos if you did, wouldn't they have taught these things, or theology (both practical and intellectual) why are you then asking others about it?
*Puzzled...* Do you just want to confirm your position that you are right or something. IDK. I think man's interpretation of the Bible can vary greatly..thats why people study it extensively, and still have a tendency to skip scriptures to come to different conclusions from the same Bible. Having dozens of different versions in English translation alone probably don't help.
Covenant theology points solely to Christ Jesus and the Gospel.
I do think it has a real impact on eschatology since dispensationalism was manufactured specifically to usher in a certain end times interpretation.
Covenant theology is clearly taught here... Romans 5:12-21.
12 Therefore, just as sin came into the world through one man, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men1 because wall sinned— 13 for sin indeed was in the world before the law was given, but sin is not counted where there is no law. 14 Yet death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over those whose sinning was not like the transgression of Adam, who was a type of the one who was to come.
15 But the free gift is not like the trespass. For if many died through one man’s trespass, much more have the grace of God and the free gift by the grace of that one man Jesus Christ abounded for many. 16 And the free gift is not like the result of that one man’s sin. For the judgment following one trespass brought condemnation, but the free gift following many trespasses brought justification. 17 For if, because of one man’s trespass, death reigned through that one man, much more will those who receive the abundance of grace and the free gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man Jesus Christ.
18 Therefore, as one trespass led to condemnation for all men, so one act of righteousness3 leads to justification and life for fall men. 19 For as by the one man’s disobedience the many were made sinners, so by the one man’s obedience the many will be made righteous. 20 Now the law came in to increase the trespass, but where sin increased, grace abounded all the more, 21 so that, as sin reigned in death, grace also might reign through righteousness leading to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.