Covenant Theology: A Baptist Distinctive

by Earl Blackburn (Editor), Walter Chantry (Contributor), Ken Fryer (Contributor)

"This volume gathers into one place a helpful collection of thoughts on an important subject by respected Baptist writers. Those who think that covenant theology is synonymous with paedobaptism will find that notion debunked by the chapters in this book. If you are looking for a good introduction to exegetical, theological, historical and pastoral arguments for a thoroughly Baptist understanding of covenant theology, read this book." -Tom Ascol; Director of Founders Ministries & Pastor, Grace Baptist Church, Cape Coral, FL

Genres: Theology, Christian

164 pages, Paperback

First published December 4, 2012

Reviews

[Adam · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was recommended to me by a peer at RTS, Jackson.

This book suffers from being repetitive, although that is somewhat the nature of this book. Balckburn compiled together various articles, chapters, and blog posts from various Baptist contributors to show a distinctive Baptist covenant framework. However, the distinctiveness, among these authors is their interpretation of baptism and church government being "different" from that of their paedobaptist brethren.

All of these authors have a Westminsterian view of covenant theology, and there was only one interaction with the Coxe/Owen volume- which was only used to argue for a distinctiveness of the Baptist view of baptism.

These authors were all interacting with Presbyterians and Dispensationalists to argue for what they believed to be a more consistent reading of the scriptures.

This reading has made me understand "how" Reformed Baptists could have a more Westminsterian view of Covenant theology but it has not convinced me. To be fair, this work was, by and large, not polemic against my framework of covenant theology (1689 Federalism).

For those Baptists who are persuaded more closely to Westminterian covenant theology, I would recommend this work to show how it *could* be a consistent framework for one to stay Baptist.

[Ryan Jankowski · Rating 3 out of 5]

"[Note: Those who believe infant baptism places a child in the 'covenant of grace' invent an unbiblical nether-realm where the child is neither lost or saved; unless they hold to presumptive or baptismal regeneration.]" (Chapter 1, footnote pp.61-62)

This is just simply wrong. The author assumes the baptistic conceptualization of new covenant membership and then forces it upon a paedobaptistic practice. Surely the author has at least done enough study to realize Presybterians do not see covenantal inclusion the same as Baptists? There is no perceived nether-realm, contrary to quoted allegation above. Until the child has faith, the child is lost. The author's allegation is unsupported in the book.

Apparently Mr. Blackburn is unfamiliar with Westminster Standards. That's truly sad given that he identifies as being reformed. Had he read WLC 58-61, 79, WSC 29,30 or WCF Chapter 7, particularly Section III, he would not have made such an egregious error as above.

"Man by his fall having made himself incapable of life by that covenant, the Lord was pleased to make a second, commonly called the Covenant of Grace: whereby he freely offereth unto sinners life and salvation by Jesus Christ, requiring of them faith in him, that they may be saved; and promising to give unto all those that are ordained unto life his Holy Spirit, to make them willing and able to believe."

[Cole Brandon · Rating 3 out of 5]

Douglas Wilson recently exhorted Christians to brush up on their theology of covenants, so this was my compliance. A good primer for beginners, probably too basic for those with a few books on covenant behind them.

[Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good summary of historic baptist covenant theology. Simply written and organized. Enjoyed the last chapter on baptist origins in covenant theology. It'd be good to get back to the roots.

"The only good news this world has ever known, from Adam to the end of time, is the great indicative of what God, in Christ, has done (2 Cor. 4:3-7; 5:21)."

"it must be studiously noted, each covenant that follows is subservient to this first manifestation of promise and builds upon it."

"Circumcision finds its fulfillment in the New Covenant, not in the outward sign of baptism, but in the inward seal of divine regeneration (i.e., circumcision of the heart) out of which flows justification (see Rom. 2:28-29, 4:9-17; Phil 3:3; Col 2:11)."

"...the type is not the antitype." Wellum

"That the Old Testament "covenants of the promise" gradually revealed the fulfillment of that Covenant of Redemption in the New Covenant of Jesus Christ as the accomplished Covenant of Grace."

[Pig Rieke · Rating 4 out of 5]

The backbone of Scripture is Yahweh’s covenants with his creatures. Any proper understanding of redemption must include a study of how these covenants relate and culminate in the work of Christ. In Covenant Theology: A Baptist Distinctive, the various authors provide an introduction to what the Scriptures teach, how Baptist have historically understood continuity and discontinuity of the Biblical covenants, and various other related topics. The work is meant to provide an introduction to Reformed (covenantal) Baptist Theology.

As far as an introduction to the topic, the book is excellent. While the work doesn’t look to be a comprehensive or final book on Baptist Covenant Theology, anyone who takes it up will be edified and instructed.

[Eric Schick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic primer on Baptist covenant theology! This book was written at a great middle ground between layman and academic making it easy to read compared to other material on the subject yet straight to the point and providing theological descriptions and vocabulary that was not overwhelming but deep and understandable. A great resource for anyone wanting to learn more about how particular baptists have historically interpreted the theme of covenants through scripture. Not necessarily an easy read, but is also simple enough to dive into for the reader interested in this subject. Confessional reformed Baptist teaching is reviving to the soul!

[Tim Garber · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great introduction to the different covenants in the Bible. I never understood covenant theology until I picked up this book. It made it easy to understand and gave a great foundation to my understanding of covenants.

[Steven Azzara · Rating 1 out of 5]

Um, I don't think Blackburn understands Reformed Baptist Covenant theology. Hard pass.

[NG · Rating 3 out of 5]

Raised as a baptist, dispensationalist, semi-augustinian (we held to ‘once-saved-always-saved’ and the necessity of God’s Grace in a hypothetical universalism sort of way) and recently convinced to accept the “5 points & 5 Solas”, I wanted to learn more about the reformed faith and specifically covenant theology. Most of the great writings on covenant theology are written by paedobaptists, but I wanted to learn what the historical particular baptist position on covenant theology was. That’s where this book comes in - Covenant Theology: A Baptist Distinctive.
Some of my thoughts:
1) The first chapter “Covenant Theology Simplified” was the most edifying.
2) The remainder of the book was highly repetitive at times and I felt like the various authors (5 in total) utilized different terminology or had slightly different views on the covenants (there seemed to be a mix of 1689 federalism with modern 20th century Reformed Baptist teaching). The discussion of hermeneutics was good, but was very surface level in its interaction with dispensationalism.
3) The authors refute dispensational teachings that probably very few dispensationalist actually believe today. There were a couple of quotes from John MacArthur, but I don’t believe Ryrie or Pentecost were sited at all.
4) There was some discussion of covenant theology and ecclesiology, but nothing regarding eschatology.

Overall, I felt that this book was more of a polemical publication to prove that Baptist’s have a covenant theology and are covenantal just like paedobaptists. The downside for me (as someone steeped in dispensationalism) is that really only 1 chapter (the first one) helped me understand the baptist covenantal position.

[Jake Litwin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an excellent primer and defense on Reformed Covenantal Baptist Theology. The various authors cover the basics of covenant theology, where WCF and LBC agree and disagree, as well as the major theological problems with dispensationalism.

For those new to Covenant Theology this is a great book to start with, especially to see that Baptists have a covenantal heritage that is historically grounded in Scripture.

[Andrew Bowen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m new to the Covenantal vs. Dispensational debate and this book is a good primer on historic, reformed covenantal theology. They laid out a basic definitions of the various covenants revealed in scripture and offered defenses of their theology against both Dispensational and non-Baptist Covenantal Theology.

[Philip Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Super helpful framework stuff. Interaction with the paedobaptists was pretty solid. I met Fred Malone back in July and he's a great guy so I wanted to get into reading a bit of his stuff. His chapter on hermeneutics is worth the price of the book. Awesome book.

[Taylor DeSoto · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book stands far above Denault or Renihan. It avoids the revisionist history that many of Reformed Baptists fall into and affirms the historical view of the Covenant from a Baptist perspective.

[Nathan Douthit · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great introduction to the topic. Brief and accessible but may leave you wanting something more comprehensive.

[Dane Jöhannsson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great introduction to one view of Baptist covenant theology (commonly called the "vanilla baptist view"). Very helpful in forming my own covenantal views.

[David Lugo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great primer to reformed baptist covenant theology. It was just not quite as comprehensive as it could be.

[Kyle Grindberg · Rating 3 out of 5]

I appreciated that Blackburn rejects the idea that the Mosaic Covenant is a recapitulation of the Covenant of Works.

[Joshua · Rating 4 out of 5]

Clear, concise, helpful.

[Jake · Rating 2 out of 5]

As I read another reviewer write, this book preaches to the choir. For that reason it was aggravating at times to read.

[Matthew Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great intro to Baptist Covenant Theology

[Michael Bering Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

A no-nonsense introduction to Baptist covenant theology. Capable contributors, case clearly presented.

[damian daigle · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great introduction into 20th century baptist covenant theology. Explains the particulars well, along with its distinctions from presbyterian CT.

[Kevin · Rating 4 out of 5]

A helpful introduction for those interested in the topic.