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The Christ of the Covenants:
ISBN 9780875524184
308 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1980
235 people are currently reading
1511 people want to read
About the author
O. Palmer Robertson
32 books59 followersOwen Palmer Robertson (born August 31, 1937) is an American Christian theologian and biblical scholar. He taught at Reformed Theological Seminary, Westminster Theological Seminary, Covenant Theological Seminary, Knox Theological Seminary as well as at the African Bible Colleges of Malawi and Uganda. He also served as principal of the latter institution.
Robertson is perhaps best known for his book The Christ of the Covenants. His definition of a biblical covenant being "a bond in blood, sovereignly administered" has been widely discussed.
In 2008, a Festschrift was published in his honor. The Hope Fulfilled: Essays in Honor of O. Palmer Robertson included contributions by Bruce Waltke, Richard Gaffin, Robert L. Reymond and George W. Knight III.
Robertson is perhaps best known for his book The Christ of the Covenants. His definition of a biblical covenant being "a bond in blood, sovereignly administered" has been widely discussed.
In 2008, a Festschrift was published in his honor. The Hope Fulfilled: Essays in Honor of O. Palmer Robertson included contributions by Bruce Waltke, Richard Gaffin, Robert L. Reymond and George W. Knight III.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 186 reviews
April 11, 2010
This book is not a covenantal theology manual, as some might suspect. The Christ of the Covenants, by O. Palmer Robertson, is a book about the many Scriptural covenants: the covenant with Noah, Abraham, and David, to name a few. Robertson departs from many covenant theologians in refusing to call the pre-Creation Divine determination to redeem fallen man an actual covenant, even as he argues for the basic correctness of the covenantal position on Israel and the church.
What this book does best is show how the covenants (and not dispensations) truly structure Scripture. Indeed without understanding the covenants, one will inevitably fail to understand much of Scripture.
Being raised a dispensationalist, I had a somewhat vague understanding that there are several covenants mentioned in Scripture. But I never understood how important and influential they really are. Interestingly, in an excursus focusing on dispensationalism, Robertson compares the Old and New Scofield Bibles and shows that contemporary dispensationalism now also emphasizes the importance of the Biblical covenants.
Starting with the basics, Robertson defines the term “covenant” against the backdrop of ancient middle-eastern covenants. He concludes that in Scripture a covenant is “a bond in blood sovereignly administered.” Robertson delves into the technical discussions surrounding this concept, but at the same time manages to keep it somewhat simple. A relationship is established unilaterally, and loyalty is demanded on pain of death.
Robertson moves on to discuss the extent, the unity and the diversity of the Biblical covenants. He makes a good case for understanding the Gen. 1-2 in terms of a covenant of creation, citing Jeremiah 33 and Hosea 6:7 as proof. He contends that after the fall, the Biblical story is a progression of covenants each more specific and more glorious, culminating in the new covenant which was begun and inaugurated with the death of Christ. Yet he maintains that there are important differences worth noting between the covenants, and particularly between the Law and the new covenant.
Then he begins a discussion of all the important Biblical covenants, starting with the covenant of creation. He admits that the focus of that covenant is on the prohibition concerning eating of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, but claims the covenant establishes a gracious relationship whereby man is called to rule God’s creation and given instruction concerning marriage and Sabbath observance (he contends that there is a binding Sabbath principle to be observed on Sundays still today). He rightly emphasizes that ignoring the foundational teaching of how man should relate with the rest of creation has negatively impacted how Christians relate with and think about culture today.
Then he takes up the covenant of redemption which he sees as started in Gen. 3:15, and progressively developed through the covenant with Noah, Abraham, Moses, David, and then the new covenant. He develops each covenant insightfully, focusing on the Scriptural passages which establish the covenant idea, and applying important truths in a fresh way for all of us today. His discussion of the new covenant, and particularly Jer. 31:3-34, is particularly rich and insightful.
That is Robertson’s book. Except I should note he stresses how the idea and promise of Christ is developed through each covenant. And he also has a great excursus chapter on dispensationalism. In that chapter he tries to show how dispensationalism has grown and changed. He finds contradictions within the system, however, and argues the point that dispensationalism depends on a false dualistic view that the physical and the spiritual must necessarily be distinguished. His chapter on dispensationalism (a mere 26 pages in length) alone is worth the price of the book. It would be well for those studying out the dispensational/covenant theology debate to listen to Robertson’s insights. Perhaps I will try to flesh out the arguments in that chapter in a later post.
In conclusion, I highly recommend Robertson’s book. After 300 pages one gets a thorough education in the Biblical covenants. At times it may be difficult reading, but the rewards gained are worth the effort spent. Mostly, Robertson has a gift for cutting to the heart of the matter. And a detailed study on the nature and teaching of the Biblical covenants demands the attention of any Biblical student. This book will help you understand Scripture better, and will increase your wonder at the glorious workings in God’s plan of redemption.
What this book does best is show how the covenants (and not dispensations) truly structure Scripture. Indeed without understanding the covenants, one will inevitably fail to understand much of Scripture.
Being raised a dispensationalist, I had a somewhat vague understanding that there are several covenants mentioned in Scripture. But I never understood how important and influential they really are. Interestingly, in an excursus focusing on dispensationalism, Robertson compares the Old and New Scofield Bibles and shows that contemporary dispensationalism now also emphasizes the importance of the Biblical covenants.
Starting with the basics, Robertson defines the term “covenant” against the backdrop of ancient middle-eastern covenants. He concludes that in Scripture a covenant is “a bond in blood sovereignly administered.” Robertson delves into the technical discussions surrounding this concept, but at the same time manages to keep it somewhat simple. A relationship is established unilaterally, and loyalty is demanded on pain of death.
Robertson moves on to discuss the extent, the unity and the diversity of the Biblical covenants. He makes a good case for understanding the Gen. 1-2 in terms of a covenant of creation, citing Jeremiah 33 and Hosea 6:7 as proof. He contends that after the fall, the Biblical story is a progression of covenants each more specific and more glorious, culminating in the new covenant which was begun and inaugurated with the death of Christ. Yet he maintains that there are important differences worth noting between the covenants, and particularly between the Law and the new covenant.
Then he begins a discussion of all the important Biblical covenants, starting with the covenant of creation. He admits that the focus of that covenant is on the prohibition concerning eating of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, but claims the covenant establishes a gracious relationship whereby man is called to rule God’s creation and given instruction concerning marriage and Sabbath observance (he contends that there is a binding Sabbath principle to be observed on Sundays still today). He rightly emphasizes that ignoring the foundational teaching of how man should relate with the rest of creation has negatively impacted how Christians relate with and think about culture today.
Then he takes up the covenant of redemption which he sees as started in Gen. 3:15, and progressively developed through the covenant with Noah, Abraham, Moses, David, and then the new covenant. He develops each covenant insightfully, focusing on the Scriptural passages which establish the covenant idea, and applying important truths in a fresh way for all of us today. His discussion of the new covenant, and particularly Jer. 31:3-34, is particularly rich and insightful.
That is Robertson’s book. Except I should note he stresses how the idea and promise of Christ is developed through each covenant. And he also has a great excursus chapter on dispensationalism. In that chapter he tries to show how dispensationalism has grown and changed. He finds contradictions within the system, however, and argues the point that dispensationalism depends on a false dualistic view that the physical and the spiritual must necessarily be distinguished. His chapter on dispensationalism (a mere 26 pages in length) alone is worth the price of the book. It would be well for those studying out the dispensational/covenant theology debate to listen to Robertson’s insights. Perhaps I will try to flesh out the arguments in that chapter in a later post.
In conclusion, I highly recommend Robertson’s book. After 300 pages one gets a thorough education in the Biblical covenants. At times it may be difficult reading, but the rewards gained are worth the effort spent. Mostly, Robertson has a gift for cutting to the heart of the matter. And a detailed study on the nature and teaching of the Biblical covenants demands the attention of any Biblical student. This book will help you understand Scripture better, and will increase your wonder at the glorious workings in God’s plan of redemption.
October 13, 2021
This is by far the clearest and best explanation of covenant theology I've read.
This is the book I'll recommend when anyone asks me for an introduction to the subject.
This is the book I'll recommend when anyone asks me for an introduction to the subject.
January 24, 2019
Um clássico da teologia aliancista. A maneira como Robertson argumenta em oposição ao dispensacionalismo é arguta. Recentemente vi um vídeo do Marcos Granconato, no qual ele apenas faz chacotas com o livro do Dr. Robertson, mas não apresenta uma única crítica apropriada e fundamentada. Aqui está uma obra que deve ser lida por todo reformado e que deve ser levada a sério por dispensacionalistas.
June 3, 2024
This was a solid argument and defense of covenant continuity. Very well researched. His critique of dispensationalism was also fair and compelling. Glad to have read this work.
June 7, 2018
A great introduction to covenant theology which surveys the various Biblical covenants, their relationships to one another, and dispensational counterarguments. Much more accessible as an introduction to covenant theology than Horton’s God of Promise although both are worth reading.
October 25, 2020
Covenant Theology is sometimes seen as a complex and intimidating subject better kept locked away in seminarial academia. It's just history though. The Covenants are the tectonic plates on which history moves. So reading them can be a good bit of fun. It's the biography of the world.
Robertson makes them that accessible. He writes in an outline style that's easy to follow—I mean, you can literally see the bullet point outline he used as you read across the pages. Some may prefer a more flowing narrative but I liked the clear structure.
His introductory remarks to understanding what a covenant is in general and the Biblical Covenants in particular are super helpful. He then surveys each of the Covenants, beginning with Creation and marching through Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses, David, and Jesus Christ. The odd thing is that he inserts a chapter discussing Covenants versus Dispensations in between Moses and David. He calls it an excursos so the digression is clearly intentional, but I found it so disruptive to the flow of the book that I never quite recovered.
Robertson makes them that accessible. He writes in an outline style that's easy to follow—I mean, you can literally see the bullet point outline he used as you read across the pages. Some may prefer a more flowing narrative but I liked the clear structure.
His introductory remarks to understanding what a covenant is in general and the Biblical Covenants in particular are super helpful. He then surveys each of the Covenants, beginning with Creation and marching through Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses, David, and Jesus Christ. The odd thing is that he inserts a chapter discussing Covenants versus Dispensations in between Moses and David. He calls it an excursos so the digression is clearly intentional, but I found it so disruptive to the flow of the book that I never quite recovered.
February 1, 2021
Such a thorough look at the continuity of God's covenant in his Word. Each covenant is explained in it's individuality and as a part of the whole of redemptive history. I especially appreciated the chapter on dispensationalism. This is a covenant theology classic. Loved it!
March 21, 2023
Wonderful introduction to Covenant theology. Also very helpful critique of dispensationalism.
August 24, 2022
Most, if not all books, are more helpful to teaching the reader of the subject matter if there is not a large gap of months between reading the first and second halves. That being said, I appreciated the way Robertson structured his book and the many Scripture references provided in support of his claims. Overall, this book has better helped me understand covanent theology.
Robertson is a Presbyterian, however, my current understanding is that, reformed Baptists and Presbyterians will agree on the majority of covanent theology. The only difference being the application of the covanents surrounding the appropriate recipients of baptism. (Someone please correct me if I erred in the preceeding sentence.) Thus, I think this book is a helpful introduction to covanent theology for both Baptists and Presbyterians.
Robertson is a Presbyterian, however, my current understanding is that, reformed Baptists and Presbyterians will agree on the majority of covanent theology. The only difference being the application of the covanents surrounding the appropriate recipients of baptism. (Someone please correct me if I erred in the preceeding sentence.) Thus, I think this book is a helpful introduction to covanent theology for both Baptists and Presbyterians.
April 13, 2020
Quite good. The chapter on the Davidic covenant was the most stimulating. The excursus comparing covenant theology to dispensationalism was really helpful.
The book is a bit uneven in parts, vacillating between popular level to nearly technical.
The exaggerated spacing between paragraphs was distracting. The publisher (P&R) should work on getting a revised edition with better typesetting.
This is a modern classic in Reformed biblical studies material for a reason! Because it is such a groundbreaking work from a conservative/confessional Presbyterian, I wanted to give is a 4/5. Upon further reflection, I think that it merits a 3/5 on the whole.
The book is a bit uneven in parts, vacillating between popular level to nearly technical.
The exaggerated spacing between paragraphs was distracting. The publisher (P&R) should work on getting a revised edition with better typesetting.
This is a modern classic in Reformed biblical studies material for a reason! Because it is such a groundbreaking work from a conservative/confessional Presbyterian, I wanted to give is a 4/5. Upon further reflection, I think that it merits a 3/5 on the whole.
July 14, 2017
It's okay as a primer. Its strength is that he takes a midline and avoids all the extremes in covenant theology. One question I've always had is his insistence that a covenant is defined as a bond in blood sovereignly administered. The problem is that there was no "blood-cutting" in the garden of Eden, yet Palmer holds that was a covenant. And of course once we get out of the temporal sphere, his definition cannot work: there was no "blood," for example, in the pactum salutis!
Still, it's a must read, if only to get one started.
Still, it's a must read, if only to get one started.
February 16, 2018
Best book on covenant theology I've read. I suspect Witsius may be better, for comprehensiveness if nothing else. Nevertheless, this is extremely lucid and logical. He ably anticipates objections and, surprising considering the age of the book, also argues for a diversity in the covenants reminiscent of "new covenant theology" without that position's considerable shortcomings. A great place to either start one's exploration of the topic or remind oneself of the basics.
October 29, 2024
3.5 stars. I should also preface by saying I listened to the audiobook so I probably was not able to engage as deeply as I would have reading in print. This book was helpful in some places and frustrating in others. The main benefit I derived from it was Robertson's helpful exegesis of a few passages in Scripture, but I find is overarching system unconvincing. I will say that he allows for much more differentiation between the covenants than most Reformed authors I have read which is commendable, but in the end I found it to make his "One Covenant of Redemption" Thesis not compelling. The only exegetical argument I have found in Robertson and elsewhere for this overarching "one covenant" idea is that the phrase "I will be your God and you will be my people" is repeated throughout the Scriptures, but I find this to be weak argumentation. Shall we conclude because eternal life was a promise in the Adamic Covenant and the New Covenant that they are the same covenant? I was pleasantly surprised to see the amount of newness Robertson allows to the new covenant. I don't totally agree with his exegesis of Jer. 31, but I agree with much more than I expected. His discussion of 2 Cor. 3 was good as well. I also think his definition of Covenant ("a bond in blood sovereignly administered") is simultaneously too broad and too narrow. In Paul Williamson's covenant theology in the NSBT series, he provides a much better definition of covenant, in my opinion, saying, "a solemn commitment, guaranteeing promises or obligations undertaken by one or both parties, sealed with an oath." Ultimately, I think as good covenant theologies (although I would have some differences with each) I would recommend Williamson's book, "Sealed with An Oath," Schreiner's "Covenant and God's Purpose for the World," or Renihan's "Mystery of Christ."
June 11, 2020
A bit technical, a bit meandering, and I disagree about baptism. But, otherwise, an excellent introduction to the Biblical meta narrative centered around the covenants.
April 4, 2021
Drew and I were excited to learn more about covenant theology through reading this book, but unfortunately O. Palmer's dry, academic tone and lack of a well-articulated schematic left me without any new insight or understanding.
April 23, 2024
I lived with the author’s son last semester. He’s a cool guy.
This book is objectively good, but I didn’t necessarily enjoy reading it. O. Palmer is great at explaining tough passages of scripture and I learned a lot from it. Profound, but it is dense. Not sure I would recommend it to everyone
This book is objectively good, but I didn’t necessarily enjoy reading it. O. Palmer is great at explaining tough passages of scripture and I learned a lot from it. Profound, but it is dense. Not sure I would recommend it to everyone
July 24, 2023
O. Palmer Robertson's variation of Covenant Theology is worth the read. He strikes a really good balance of maintaining a "system" of interpretation while being faithful to the biblical text - examples of this are seen in the names he gives the covenants, i.e. the typical "covenant of works" is called the "covenant of creation". Readers of this book are immersed in a variety of topics due to the implications of the various covenants in scripture (sabbath, circumcision, etc.) Overall, this book is a very helpful resource on this topic that will teach readers more about typology and biblical theology while engaging other schools of interpretation. I recommend this to those interested in the topic, or those that want to better understand God's purposes in redemptive history that find their culmination and fulfillment in Christ.
July 26, 2022
Only the Theophany passed between the pieces.
Only Emmanuel hung between the thieves.
Only the faithful Keeper of the covenants
Can keep the souls of all who believe.
every once in a while, the review comes out in verse. 😉 The section on Dispensationalism was a bit dull, because I have no interest in it, but the rest of the book wonderfully pointed to wonderful truths.
The reader was pretty bad. I don't think there was a single biblical name other than the biggies (e.g., Abraham, Moses, David) that he didn't butcher. And theological terms, as well. Christian publishers need to stop hiring narrators who know nothing about their subject.
Only Emmanuel hung between the thieves.
Only the faithful Keeper of the covenants
Can keep the souls of all who believe.
every once in a while, the review comes out in verse. 😉 The section on Dispensationalism was a bit dull, because I have no interest in it, but the rest of the book wonderfully pointed to wonderful truths.
The reader was pretty bad. I don't think there was a single biblical name other than the biggies (e.g., Abraham, Moses, David) that he didn't butcher. And theological terms, as well. Christian publishers need to stop hiring narrators who know nothing about their subject.
July 1, 2024
I enjoyed this way more than I thought. Robertson is a careful exegete with many helpful insights. I appreciate how he is able to affirm what is commonly called the covenant of works by some, or the covenant of works by others without being fanciful in his interpretation. I fear that other covenant theologians read too much into Genesis 1-3 at times. He has helpful insights regarding the Mosaic law being written on the hearts of men that are fantastic. I docked a star because Robertson doesn't affirm the covenant of redemption.
February 4, 2025
I’m not going to pretend this one was an easy read for me. I think it might have been easier if I had owned a copy and could highlight it. For some reason that practice helps me slow down and read word for word rather than quickly reading.
The concepts are explained well, but it is dense (big thoughts distilled down into compact form). At times in reading a paragraph and starting to understand where the author was going with an idea, I had to stop and go back to read what was before to “get it.”
That being said there were so many jewels to be mined. It was so fun to read this while studying ancient history in our homeschool. Overlaying an understanding of ancient culture along with seeing what Christ was doing in the Old Testament historically was. so. cool!!
I read this as research for a study I’m writing and came away with so much I couldn’t stop talking about. (God bless my husband for the hours he’s gotten to hear me raving about how cool God’s covenant plan is) 😂
So yes read it… but do it when you have full facilities and some time on your hands.
The concepts are explained well, but it is dense (big thoughts distilled down into compact form). At times in reading a paragraph and starting to understand where the author was going with an idea, I had to stop and go back to read what was before to “get it.”
That being said there were so many jewels to be mined. It was so fun to read this while studying ancient history in our homeschool. Overlaying an understanding of ancient culture along with seeing what Christ was doing in the Old Testament historically was. so. cool!!
I read this as research for a study I’m writing and came away with so much I couldn’t stop talking about. (God bless my husband for the hours he’s gotten to hear me raving about how cool God’s covenant plan is) 😂
So yes read it… but do it when you have full facilities and some time on your hands.
August 18, 2021
A fantastic book. This is truly my introduction to covenant theology, and this was a very clearly written and excellently developed book on the subject. There's a ton of material to digest in here, and I hope to read it again and dig further into other resources about covenant theology. Sometimes it seems like Reformed folks can get so caught up in the "Reformed tradition" that they just make appeals to other theologians for their system, but this book is excellent because it develops all of its arguments from Scripture.
It's truly beautiful to see some of the full tapestry of redemptive history when you have a superb guide such as Robertson. That was one of my big takeaways from the book: my awe of God was increased and there were multiple points where I stopped and worshiped the God of the covenants. It's simply beautiful theology that bolsters your faith in our trustworthy God who always remains true to His Word. I commend this volume enthusiastically.
It's truly beautiful to see some of the full tapestry of redemptive history when you have a superb guide such as Robertson. That was one of my big takeaways from the book: my awe of God was increased and there were multiple points where I stopped and worshiped the God of the covenants. It's simply beautiful theology that bolsters your faith in our trustworthy God who always remains true to His Word. I commend this volume enthusiastically.
April 25, 2024
Not sure if it’s because i’m dumb or because some of the arguments could have been more clearly explained, but i felt like at times it was hard to connect the many smaller arguments he made to the general thesis.
Overall very helpful in understanding the workings of the historical covenant theology perspective. Definitely compelling enough for me to be 100% not a dispensationalist but not compelling enough to convert me to presbyterianism.
I would recommend reading a more intro level book or series of articles to become acquainted with some general vocabulary and discussions around the subject prior to this book.
Overall very helpful in understanding the workings of the historical covenant theology perspective. Definitely compelling enough for me to be 100% not a dispensationalist but not compelling enough to convert me to presbyterianism.
I would recommend reading a more intro level book or series of articles to become acquainted with some general vocabulary and discussions around the subject prior to this book.
October 4, 2024
This is an important book in the development of twentieth century reformed theology. Robertson is quoted with love and reverence by tons of different people who are doing good things in the world. It's insightful and clear and will help clarify your ideas.
It's just-- you know-- kind of boring too. And if you've been involved in the church circles where Covenant Theology is valued, most of this will seem kind of obvious or even cliched. (These are the perils of good teaching. If you influence enough people with groundbreaking ideas, those ideas will eventually come to seem elementary. This was also my first impression of most of Calvin, so, you know. It's a compliment, though backhanded.)
It's just-- you know-- kind of boring too. And if you've been involved in the church circles where Covenant Theology is valued, most of this will seem kind of obvious or even cliched. (These are the perils of good teaching. If you influence enough people with groundbreaking ideas, those ideas will eventually come to seem elementary. This was also my first impression of most of Calvin, so, you know. It's a compliment, though backhanded.)
April 26, 2019
Certamente este é um dos melhores livros a respeito do Pacto na linha Reformada.
Ele faz uma análise bastante profunda, com uma linguagem bastante simples.
É proveitoso para as questões acadêmicas, bem como para a vida devocional.
Creio que pode ser lido por qualquer pessoa desde professores, ou leigos.
É um ótimo ponto de partida para quem quer conhecer mais sobre essa doutrina.
Ele faz uma análise bastante profunda, com uma linguagem bastante simples.
É proveitoso para as questões acadêmicas, bem como para a vida devocional.
Creio que pode ser lido por qualquer pessoa desde professores, ou leigos.
É um ótimo ponto de partida para quem quer conhecer mais sobre essa doutrina.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 26, 2020
Although I can't say I'm in 100% agreement with Robertson (I am a baptist, after all, even if not a very good one), I can certainly say I'm in at least 90% agreement with him. He does well here at laying out a Westminsterian view of Covenant Theology (though unhelpfully using different terminology), which sees substantial unity between the various covenants of the Old Testament and the New Covenant in Christ. The book is very readable, though not un-scholarly. I definitely recommend this book to anyone studying the covenants.
May 7, 2022
Overall, pretty good. It helped me to understand the covenants better. However, it is pretty academic, so it was hard to read at times. The chapter on dispensationalism vs. covenant theology was really clarifying. I just wish it wasn't so academic so that it would be more accessible to the body.
April 7, 2024
There are just better books now.
Robertson deviating from classic terminology is annoying, and his definition of covenant is weak.
Classic text and worth engaging, but not one I would initially recommend
Robertson deviating from classic terminology is annoying, and his definition of covenant is weak.
Classic text and worth engaging, but not one I would initially recommend
September 21, 2022
An accessible yet robust explanation of basic Covenant Theology.
September 25, 2024
This book is the standard Covenant Theology text for a reason. It lays things out plainly and provides depth where needed.
Read
March 17, 2025“In the person of Jesus Christ, the covenants of God achieve incarnational unity. Because Jesus, as the Son of God and mediator of the covenant, cannot be divided, the covenants cannot be divided. He himself guarantees the unity of the covenants cannot, because he himself is the heart of each of the covenantal administrations.”, p. 52
Displaying 1 - 30 of 186 reviews