Covenant Theology

by Patrick Abendroth

The Bible can be a daunting book. In a sense, it is more like a library. Boasting of some 31,000 verses in its sixty-six volumes penned by many different human authors writing from distinct places at different times and even in different languages, the Bible is intimidating! Then there is the matter of theology. The Bible is filled with hundreds of strict commands and requirements as well as gracious promises. So, is salvation by grace alone? Or is it according to our obedience to God’s commands? Is assurance even possible if obedience is required?

If only there was an interpretive key for rightly understanding the Bible. Thankfully, there is just such a key. The key is the biblical reality known as federal theology (also known as covenant theology).

What is covenant theology? Covenant theology is the biblically derived perspective that everything that happens can and should be understood from the perspective of the covenant of redemption, the covenant of works, and the covenant of grace.

In this volume Pat Abendroth assists Bible readers in recovering the time-tested biblical reality known as covenant theology. He also demonstrates the vital connection between covenant theology and the gospel doctrine of justification through faith alone in the finished work of Christ alone.

Genres: Theology, Christian

204 pages, Paperback

Published April 9, 2023

Reviews

[Stephen Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a nice introduction to a complex topic, especially for someone coming from an evangelical background. The book functions as something of a "mere" covenant theology since it does not take any hard position on the complex issues one may find in the advanced discussions. This is probably why the section on the covenant of grace is so much shorter, and with good reason given its purpose. The appendices on biblicism and the active obedience of Christ were very good, especially the latter. The chapter on the covenant of works is the longest and most detailed, which I think is correct. The other elements fall much more quickly into place once this doctrine is accepted. Though it is foreign to most Christians ears, I think when it is carefully explained as it is here, it can be singularly helpful in demonstrating where the system is going. All in all, a really nice book for its purpose, though I do think the covenant of grace could have used a little more detail laying out some of the options about covenant administration.

[Jake Burlaga · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a helpful little introduction into Covenant theology. I enjoyed the chapter on the covenant of works the most. Abendroth puts forward a great case for this covenant against an Adamic administration (Like Murray suggests) or a Adamic dispensation like the dispensationalists would put forward. Using texts like Hosea 6:7 & many others (even though this doctrine doesn’t have a one verse prior text) the author is convincing in introducing us to the wonderful historic covenants of redemption, works, & grace.

[Lisa McNally · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a concise treatment of covenant theology, focusing on the 3 main foundational covenants: covenant of redemption, covenant of works, and covenant of grace. It is easy to read, however, I took my time and read a little bit each night. With each of the covenants, the author fleshes out their definition, their breadth, scriptural basis, and oppositions. Though a short read, it is a thorough introduction for someone like me who is starting to wade into a deeper understanding of covenant theology.

[Kyle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a good read. It is all encompassing Covenant Theology. From what it is, to what each covenant is with defenses for the whole, each, and the refutations of each covenant by various characters in Christian history. Took me awhile to read but It's not a difficult read, I just took my time and researched the issues between some of the people mentioned in the book and looked at some of the footnote references further.

[Rick Mitchell · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a learning experience!

Though I have a master’s degree in Theology, I have learned much and been very encouraged by this book. The author’s clear presentation of biblical truth, combined with a pastor’s desire to explain the practical implications of living in the light of this doctrine, make this a unique treasure in books on the topic. I can see myself using this book to explain these truths in Sunday School and in personal conversations. This is not the first book I’ve read about Covenant Theology, but it is the best book I’ve read. Immense thanks!!

[Andrew Krom · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good content, but difficult to read. This book read like a dissertation that was chopped up to be a popular level book (Also, see 258 footnotes over 174 pages).

[Cory · Rating 5 out of 5]

Covenant Theology, by Patrick Abendroth, is an accessible, helpful, and thoughtful examination of Covenant (Federal) Theology for those who are either unfamiliar with, in disagreement with, or misinformed about what it is or what it teaches. The book defines classic Covenant Theology, explains biblical covenants, and puts forth the covenants of redemption, works, and grace as a biblical framework and perspective for a better understanding the relationship of God and man, and justification by grace alone, through faith alone, in the finished work of Christ alone. While there are many available books on Covenant Theology, there are relatively few that are written on a level that is so easily apprehended by the layperson—this book is just that.

Abendroth helpfully explains for those that may be confused, that despite widespread misunderstanding among contemporary evangelicals, classic Covenant Theology is not tied to certain beliefs about baptism, Israel, eschatology. It is simply a system of understanding scripture and redemption through God’s relation to man—namely, the covenants.

Abendroth’s book opens with a thorough explanation of covenants themselves and Covenant Theology. In essence, God relates to humankind covenantally. The first of the biblical covenants (works, or creation) is found in the book of Genesis between God and Adam—the federal head, or representative of mankind. This covenant was broken, resulting in the fall. God initiated a second covenant, the covenant of grace. This covenant was perfectly kept in the obedient work of Christ, the second Adam, who stands in the place of all who believe, fulfilling the requirements of the covenant of works. A third covenant, the covenant of redemption stands from eternity past, where all three persons of the Trinity covenanted to redeem the elect through this covenant of grace. All of history and scripture can be seen as a unified movement of God from this perspective. Covenant Theology ties the entire body of Scripture together into a cohesive narrative of the redemption story.

This book also addresses the need for Covenant Theology in the church. There are many benefits for the church that understands Covenant Theology, and Abendroth surveys these, encouraging the reader with ways that covenant theology can be introduced and implemented in the local church. This brief guide is extremely practical, pastoral, and wise. Those who are already convinced, or might become convinced of the need for a return to Covenant Theology through this book, are provided with multiple ways to encourage its understanding and acceptance among leadership and laypersons alike.

As someone who grew up in churches lacking a covenantal perspective who discovered Covenant Theology later in life, I have a deep appreciation for this work. It is brief, understandable, and practical, and puts Covenant Theology in an approachable format for those who think they might disagree, but instead—may just be unfamiliar. Abendroth explains the covenants of redemption, works, and grace in a way that makes understanding attainable to even those who have the most basic of theological understandings, and even addresses many common objections to the concepts of Covenant Theology. A helpful appendix addresses objections and issues related to biblicism, imputation, justification, and the active obedience of Christ.

I wholeheartedly recommend this very worthwhile book, both to more seasoned students of scripture and to those who do not even know what covenant theology is. Its repercussions especially in understanding justification sola fide and assurance alone make it worth studying and understanding. While this book is approachable, it is surely a help to any christian, even as a refreshing review of a very important doctrine. Covenant Theology is a piece of the puzzle that is missing in the vast majority of American evangelicalism, and it shows. The abandonment of pure, unadulterated preaching of the gospel of grace is a symptom of a drastic movement away from understanding the covenants and the truth that all of scripture points to the person and work of Christ. The resulting confusion has had tragic effects in the American church—such a helpful book is needed, and I hope it finds its way into the hands of any and all who need its teaching and encouragement.

[Mark · Rating 4 out of 5]

Helpful material with abundant footnotes, but this definitely reads more like a dissertation than a polished book. With some editorial updates and smoothing out, this would easily be one to recommend!

[Joshua · Rating 1 out of 5]

It accurately describes covenant theology, but the concept itself is developed on poor exegesis and faulty presuppositions. There is another way! www.newprotestant.com