Kingdom through Covenant, Peter J. Gentry and Stephen J. Wellum. Crossway (ISBN: 9781433553073) 2012, 2018. (My review is of the first edition, the link to the 2nd edition with revised and updated content.)
Summary: A biblical-theological exploration of covenants, how they are related and unfold the reality of God’s kingdom.
The authors of this work contend that the idea of “covenant” is central to the narrative arc of scripture. On this, many Christians are agreed. Where believers differ is in their understanding is in how the covenants unfold and relate to one another. Roughly speaking, there are two major camps: the dispensationalists and the covenant theologians. Their differences are reflected in different conclusions about things like the land promises to Israel and whether baptism under the New Covenant is the counterpart of circumcision, including infants in the covenant, or for professing believers only.
Wellum and Gentry propose is a via media, what might be termed new covenant theology or progressive covenantalism. They argue for the unity of God’s plan and yet that God has progressively unfolded his plan through the covenants. The main idea is the unfolding of his cosmic kingdom rule through each of the covenants. These culminate and find their ultimate fulfillment in Christ.
The book consists in three parts. The first is Prolegomena, outlining the importance of the discussion, the two classic positions and key hermeneutical issues in putting together the covenants. This is followed by a lengthy section of exposition of each of the biblical covenants: Creation, Noah, Abraham, Mosaic, Davidic, and New Covenant. Finally, Part Three focuses on theological interpretation, summarizing the biblical theology of Part Two and a few of its theological implications. An appendix provides a lexical analysis of berit,
One of the striking aspects of the expositions of the covenants is the use of key texts from the major Old Testament prophets to frame their understanding of the New Covenant. They show how prior covenants, and particularly the covenants with Adam and Abraham lay the basis for the New Covenant. Yet they argue that as a fulfillment of the prior covenants, the New Covenant does supersede the previous covenants. But what then of the land promises to Israel? These are fulfilled in the new covenant but “the land” is extended to encompass all creation, all the nations. However, when it comes to baptism, the promises of a new heart signify that the church consists of those born again in Christ. Hence baptism is for believers.
Therefore, the via media proposal has elements each of the “camps” will applaud and each will oppose. However, what is important is that these two scholars bring a careful study of the covenants worth considering by all concerned. What I appreciate is the theological coherence of what they propose. They neither oppose prior covenants to subsequent ones. Nor to they create a disjunction between Israel and the church. Finally, what they propose truly exalts Christ.
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Bob: 1. I’m wondering why you opted to review the 1st edition rather than the 2nd, since they were published 13 and 7 years ago respectively, making the 1st edition “old news” at this time?
2. Although the Gentry and Wellum do state that their view “would fit broadly under the umbrella of what is called ‘new covenant theology,’ they add: “or to coin a better term, ‘progressive covenantalism.'” (op. cit., pg. 24) The authors also indicate in their footnote concerning the literature associated with the former label that, “We do not endorse all of it…” (ibid., note 6) In the next footnote they state about the latter label, “…it nicely captures our basis proposal.” (ibid., note 7) Even when they state on the next page, “Hence the reason for the label ‘progressive covenantalism’ or ‘new covenant theology’.” they add in a footnote after suggesting another label option (“Baptist theology”) that “…’progressive covenantalism’ is probably a more appropriate label.” (op. cit., pg. 25, note 8)
Those familiar with the relevant literature published since Gentry’s and Wellum’s KTC was published understand that Progressive Covenantalism rather than New Covenant Theology is the label of choice for many. Therefore, the two labels are not to be undestood as strictly equivalent at this juncture.
Full disclosure: I was privileged to hear both of the authors present some of their material at a Bible Conference on 6 MAY 2014. Also, I have worked with Richard Lucas (mentioned in note 7 as the source of the label “progressive covenantalism”) on several bibliographies related to this subject.
John, bought it secondhand and did not realize there was a second edition until writing the review. Thanks for the update on labels. I’ve not followed this field closely. Bought the book after another book I reviewed mentioned it extensively.