Covenant Theology: A Reformed and Baptistic Perspective on God's Covenants

by Greg Nichols

"Baptists who embrace their historic Calvinistic and Covenantal roots have long since needed a robust and comprehensive treatment of Covenant Theology that includes the nuanced interpretations of the biblical covenants that a baptistic hermeneutic requires. This treatment by Greg Nichols does just that and more. As a devotee of the Westminster tradition (including its chapter, 'On God's Covenant with Man'), I differ here and there; sometimes significantly so. But there is so much to applaud in this volume and Baptists will do well to read this volume carefully and with much gratitude. A splendid achievement. I, for one, will insist that my Presbyterian students read it." - Derek W. H. Thomas

Genres: Theology

386 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2011

About the author

Note: There are more than one Greg Nichols on GR’s database.
This is the “catch-all” profile.

Reviews

[Andrew · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book presents a 20th century reformed baptist view, but with some additional doctrinal problems. The book provided some useful systematic overviews of the covenants and historical theology pertaining to covenant theology, but didn't contribute much to what I have already read on covenant theology other than some of the historical theology chapters at the beginning. I would recommend Covenant Theology, A Baptist Distinctive edited by Earl Blackburn as a better introduction to 20th century reformed baptist covenant theology, that avoids Nichols' aberrant views regarding the covenant of works. The Appendix on the Covenant of Works presents some very dangerous views regarding the covenant of works, for a useful overview and response see the post on Brandon Adam's blog:

https://contrast2.wordpress.com/2013/...


Some of the categories for the covenants seemed to overlap and be contradictory such as his category for the New Covenant and Messianic Covenant which overlapped in most of their aspects and appeared to be labeling different aspects of the fulfillment of the covenant of grace in the New Covenant as being divided between the New Covenant and Messianic Covenant without exegetical support.

One big problem was that since Nichols' book was first published in 2011 the Nehemiah & John Owen volume From Adam to Christ was readily available to him having been republished in 2005 by RBAP. If you are writing a book on Reformed Baptist Covenant Theology and ignore Nehemiah Coxe's contribution to federal theology, then it is a big loss since he was most likely the editor of the 1689 LBC, so his work on covenant theology is crucial for understanding chapter 7 of the 1689 LBC. Nichols' work could have improved a lot from citing Coxe which would have given him a more orthodox understanding of the Covenant of Works as well as 1689 federalism rather than assuming primarily a paedobatpist federalism model. I would recommend Neheiah Coxe & John Owen, From Adam to Christ, and The Distinctiveness of Reformed Baptist Covenant Theology by Pascal Denault as the 2 best primary resources for understanding chapter 7 of the 1689 LBC consistently in contrast to Westminister Federalism.

[Jake Litwin · Rating 3 out of 5]

I skimmed through this book last year and only dug deep in certain chapters. This time I went back and read through the chapters I skimmed.

Part 1 has a lot of great information going through the covenant theology of Westminster, John Gill, Charles Hodge, Robert Dabney, and the Dutch Calvinists.

Part 2 does well in providing plenty of Scripture references and principles to work through but I definitely came away not agreeing with every conclusion (whether it’s covenantal or eschatological conclusions). One example: I don’t understand the division between the New Covenant and Messianic Covenant? Hebrews is clear there is the Old and New (better) Covenant and not a separate Messianic covenant.

I personally don’t have a problem with Appendix 2: The Adamic Covenant.

Overall a really good resource.

[Alex · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great. A decent take on covenant theology in its traditional formulation with a Baptist view. One big glaring issue is that Nichols doesn't hold to the covenant of works. I think a the traditional view of covenant theology is more consistent than what some are calling 1689 Federalism. However, to not hold hard and fast to the covenant of works opens up all kinds of issues.

[Nick Sommers · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very solid book on Reformed Baptist Covenant Theology. Nichols is an excellent theologian. There is much to learn from this book for those seeking to solidify their understanding of the highly important biblical theme of God's covenants.

[Timothy Decker · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nothing in this that was overly remarkable. I think 1689 federalism has far more to offer than Nichols' 20th century baptist covenant theology.

[Taylor DeSoto · Rating 5 out of 5]

An overall accurate and faithful handling of Baptistic covenant theology. There are a few places where I disagree, but these places are minor. All Reformed Baptists must read this.

[Josh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent!

[Dane Jöhannsson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Though Nichols at times uses different terminology and refuses to use a few historical terms this still remains one of the best treatments of the subject.

[Ronnie Nichols · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is wonderful to see so many great contributions from modern scholars in covenant theology from a Baptist perspective. Greg Nichols' work is solid and instructive, biblical and accessible. This textbook should be read and considered by all who call themselves reformed Christians. I will certainly keep a copy on my shelf for future reference.

[Timothy Dehne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good.

[B · Rating 4 out of 5]

Greg Nichols' Covenant Theology is a must read for every reformed Baptist. The book starts out slowly at first, but it picks up in Chapter 6 'Summary of the Classic Reformed Doctrine'. Mr. Nichols shows that the Covenant of Grace is the same for the OT & NT; every elect individual is saved by heart circumcision that creates faith and repentance through the regeneration of the Holy Spirit. However, there are conditional, temporal promises to the nation of Israel in the OT that do not transfer to the NT. This book requires deep thought, but it is definitely worth the time to read and study.

[Wes Bredenhof · Rating 2 out of 5]

Interesting presentation of a Baptist approach to covenant theology, but not convincing. The presentation of other views in the first part of the book is rather sloppy. For instance, the author constantly refers to the Three Forms of Unity as "The Triple Knowledge." Also says that the doctrine of presumptive regeneration arises logically from the TFU -- I don't think he even knows what the controversy over presumptive regeneration in Reformed churches was really about.

[Jason Lyle · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great book if someone wants to understand covenant theology. Especially coming from a baptist background. A little more editing would have been nice. And grammar was not that great considering the quality of education the author has. But over all a good book

[Chris Whisonant · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an excellent resource and is an important work for Baptists today. Nichols does a good job at putting the pieces of the puzzle together in this book. I'm looking forward to seeing the other books in this series published.

[Kelly Dunn · Rating 4 out of 5]

A stout read that I wish mor Baptist should read