Signed, Sealed, Delivered: An Introduction to Covenant Theology

by Dr. J.V. Fesko

From beginning to end, the Bible reveals God’s gracious plan of salvation. To trace this unfolding plan and to find our place within it, Christians must give careful attention to the covenants God makes in Scripture.

In Signed, Sealed, Delivered, Dr. J.V. Fesko introduces the essential elements of Reformed covenant theology. This classical approach to reading God’s Word shows us how the whole Bible fits together with Jesus Christ at its center. Christians also gain clarity on the continuity of God’s promises to His people throughout history. In this way, covenant theology can hone our focus on the gospel, enrich our understanding of the sacraments, and deepen our love for the church, all to the glory of God.

Genres: Theology, Christian

139 pages, Hardcover

Published March 4, 2025

Reviews

[Lacey Lieberman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I appreciated how this was more accessible to the reader than most books tend to be!

[Raul Apascaritei · Rating 5 out of 5]

O expunere clară și accesibilă pentru cititorii nefamiliarizați cu teologia legământului, într-un stil bine structurat și constant susținut de Scriptură.

Cartea arată convingător cum planul mântuirii prin har este prezent de-a lungul întregii istorii biblice. Înțelegerea legămintelor oferă o perspectivă mai largă și mai clară asupra unității și coerenței planului de mântuire.

[Ethan Clark · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent. Simple and Profound.

This book was absolutely phenomenal. I heartily recommend this to anyone (whether student or teacher) who wants to learn more about Covenant Theology. It is an introduction to the topic so many things are not addressed but this can give you everything you need and much more for a complete understanding of the topic.

The book has 6 chapters:
1) What is a Covenant?
2) The Covenant of Redemption
3) The Covenant of Works
4) The Covenant of Grace
5) Covenant Signs
6) Covenant and Church

There were so many things in this book that I learned that blew my mind that other CT books, articles, or videos never discussed. When I say blew my mind, I mean blew my mind. At one instance I literally had to stop reading to walk around my (small) house. The following were a few examples and my favorite sections from the book:

Covenants contain several characteristics: oaths, laws, animal sacrifices, blessings and curses, love, witnesses, and signs. On this note one interesting point about the "witnesses" characteristic is that in Deut. 31:26 God commands Israel to place the Law (Pentetuch) by the side of the Ark of the Covenant to serve as a witness to Israel.

In Gods working (especially covenentally) He follows an order: He speaks, then He acts, then He speaks again interpreting His speech and actions. Think Gen. 1:3-4 and Gen. 9:11-15. Fesko used this formula throughout the book but it's incredibly helpful especially considering Roman Catholic apologetics: God interprets himself.


The Pactum Salutis (Covenant of Redemption) chapter was probably my favorite. Prior I had always felt that it was mainly grounded in Ephesians 1 and other "calvanistic" passages and had not much integrity when looking at church histroy but now I realize how full it is in the Bible!

First off, the craziest thing is that the reason why its not prevalent in church history is (strongly) because of the Latin translation of the New Testament (the Vulgate)... what?! That was a mind bender. The reason is because the Vulgate renders a (arguably THE) key text of Covenant Theology as "I appoint to you a kingdom as my Father has appointed to me a kingdom" (Luke 22:29).
Well, as one of the key characteristics of the Reformation was "ad fontes" (to return to the sources) a Reformer (Theodore Beza) was translating from the original Greek to make a critical translation and he found (amazingly!) that the Greek word for "appoint" actually is "Covenant" (diatithemi). That's insane! That means Christ is saying "I covenant to you a kingdom as my Father covenanted to me a kingdom." The implications of that are crazy. Paradigm shifting in fact.

In the same chapter he then goes on to explain (may I add using amazing exegesis) how Psalm 110:4 and Psalm 2 with the help of Hebrews 7:20-22 basically prove that before the foundations of the world God promised to give a people (the elect) to the Son to redeem (along with much more). It was incredibly helpful.

In his chapter on the covenant of works he explains how in the context of the Pentetuch Adam mirrors Israel and the beginning of Genesis and end of Deuteronomy act as parallel book ends to eachother. It was amazing.

Also, Hosea 6:7 proves that God covenanted with Adam so claims that there is no Covenant of Works fall apart.

Further, in this same chapter (and this one is WILD) Fesko argues that Paul in Romans 5:12-14 points to Adam's Covenant with God. He notes that Paul uses 2 different terms for sin: transgression and sin (rendered in english). That isn't meaningless. The Greek word for transgression there is "parabasis" "is a specific type of sin: it is covenental sin--- an action that breaks a covenant." (51). That can also be found in Rom 4:15, Gal. 3:19, and Hebrews 9:15. What!?! That's amazing!

Another is that the Trees of knowledge and life were signs of the Covenant of Works. Thats crazy. I had no idea. "The Tree of Knowledge was a visible manifestation of his law... the Tree of Life was a visible sign connected to God's promise of eternal life." (91).

His section on the relationship between the flood and baptism was amazing. He argues that baptism is a sign of both judgment and salvation, as was the flood, and now the Spirit has been poured out on the Earth and "Christ fills the world with the Spirit, and from beneath this Spirit flood the new creation is emerging. When the church baptizes adults or infants, we testify that Christ has poured out the Spirit on all people but especially on the church unto salvation.

Finally, he shows how the Sacraments are "effectual to the elect for their salvation." (106)!

If you want to learn more about Covenant Theology than this is a phenomenal introduction to the subject. It is a great read, and it's short (only 120 page)!

How amazing it is that I get to say "God promised (covenanted) that He would save me!"

[Trey Mayfield · Rating 2 out of 5]

The book was written well. It was succinct and clear. My reason for the two-star rating is just simply my disagreement with the content of the book. This was my first introduction to covenant theology and I could see where people are coming from but it seems like most of covenant theology is based on implicit inferences of Scripture, a sort of guesstimation on what is happening behind the scenes.

I can see the Covenant of Redemption and Works, but I thoroughly disagreed on the authors treatment with the covenant of Grace given that he believes baptism in the Lords supper are an actual means of grace and that baptism is not necessarily for believers but for infants and adults alike, even before faith in Christ.

[Benjamin Phillips · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really good intro. More accessible than Robertson, but still quite challenging for the man in the pews.

Read in conjunction with teaching Covenant Theology at Veto, Summer 2025.

[Lena Newman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book, especially since I am newer to covenant theology. For the most part I found the format easy to navigate and the content easy to understand. However, I did feel like when he transitioned to the covenant signs and sacraments I got a bit lost at what his points were in a few areas. Although after more study on the topic I al hoping it will make more sense! Overall it was a great introduction for me!

[Logan Almy · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good intro to covenant theology. The Sabbath issue could have been handled much better.

[Bill Pence · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author of this book is a seminary professor and pastor. The book serves as a companion to the Ligonier teaching series, which I benefitted from, and is intended for the person in the pew who wants to understand more about the covenants of Scripture. The book is a primer, or introduction, to classic Reformed covenant theology that emerged from the sixteenth-century Protestant Reformation.
The author tells us that God’s Word traces the covenant line throughout the Scriptures, wherein He slowly unveils His plan to redeem His people. He defines a covenant as an agreement between two or more persons.
In this book, the author looks at the following covenants:
• The covenant of redemption: the eternal intra-Trinitarian covenant among Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
• The covenant of works: the covenant that God made with Adam when He created him and placed him in the garden of Eden.
• The covenant of grace: the means by which God saves His people through the work of the Son and Spirit.
In addition, the author looks at covenant signs and covenant and the church.
The book includes questions for review at the end of each chapter, which will help you if you are reading and discussing the book with others. An appendix includes recommended old books on the doctrine of the covenants divided between intermediate and advanced. In addition, there is also a helpful glossary included.
I found this book to be a helpful introduction to covenant theology.
Here are a few helpful quotes from each major section of the book:
The Covenant of Redemption
• The covenant of redemption is the eternal agreement among Father, Son, and Holy Spirit to create and save a people.
• The covenant of redemption is a biblically sound and necessary doctrine because it serves as the eternal foundation of the triune God’s activity in redemptive history.
• The covenant of redemption is the unassailable foundation of the covenant of grace.
The Covenant of Works
• The covenant of works is the first covenant that God made with Adam, wherein He promised Adam and his offspring eternal life upon the condition of perfect and personal obedience to His commands.
• The signs of the covenant of works are the two trees: the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil and the Tree of Life.
• The trees were sacred signs, or sacraments, of God’s word—the promise of life and the threat of death.
The Covenant of Grace
• The covenant of grace stands in stark contrast to the covenant of works. God gave to Adam the possibility of eternal life on the basis of his obedience. In the covenant of grace, He gives the gift of eternal life by faith in the work of Christ.
• Old Testament saints looked forward to the advent of Christ, and New Testament saints look back to Christ. But both look to Christ for salvation, and both are participants in the one covenant of grace.
• God slowly unfolds His covenant promise in subsequent covenants throughout redemptive history: in the Noahic, Abrahamic, Mosaic, Davidic, and new covenants.
• Ever since Adam and Eve fell, salvation has always and only been by grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone. Only Christ fulfills the requirements and penalties of the law.
• The obedience and suffering of Jesus are the sole foundation of salvation in the covenant of grace.
Covenant Signs
• The first two signs that God gave to Adam, even before the fall, were the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil and the Tree of Life.
• The Tree of Knowledge was a visible manifestation of His law. The Tree of Life was a visible sign connected to God’s promise of eternal life,
• When God made His covenant with Noah, He designated the rainbow as its sign:
• When God made His covenant with Abraham, He gave him the sign of circumcision
• When God made His covenant with Israel, He gave the sign of the Sabbath.
• Christ instituted two new sacraments to serve as signs of the new covenant: the Lord’s Supper and baptism.
• When God makes covenants with His people, He gives accompanying signs. What His words are to our ears, His signs are to our other senses.
• All of God’s covenant signs of the Old Testament point forward to Christ, and the signs of the New Testament point backward to Christ.
Covenant and the Church
• We should read our Bibles not as lone individuals but as part of a covenant community.
• By swearing a membership vow, we enter into covenant membership of the church and give our consent to be held accountable for our beliefs and actions.
• Church discipline is an aspect of covenant life that each and every person in the church needs. We live in a covenant community and look to one another for accountability.

[Scott · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really good book on Covenant Theology. Fesko does a wonderful job explaining the major covenants of the Bible. The final chapter is a gold mine. He explains what these covenants mean to us now as a church community.

[Nate Knecht · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good intro into covenant theology that is a fairly easy read.

[L · Rating 4 out of 5]

not bad, I enjoyed it

[Isaac Butterworth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Covenant Theology Simply Explained

J. V. Fesko has a keen ability to simplify complex ideas and make them understandable without compromising their integrity. He does that in a remarkable way in this short treatment of covenant theology. This is a book that could be placed in the hands of new church members (or even seasoned ones!). Students, whether in high school or college, would benefit as well. If I were a pastor, I would have multiple copies to give away, perhaps even arranging times to discuss the contents of Fesko’s book. Sunday School classes or study groups might consider using it in a topical study. I can see using it in evangelistic outreach since it explains the gospel simply but comprehensively. Or, you might just get a copy and read it for yourself. You wouldn’t be sorry. It would be a meaningful investment of your time (and it doesn’t take long to read). This book is a great gift to the covenant community, which is the church of our Lord. I would love to see it widely read.

[Kyle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good introduction to covenant theology, particularly to the basic biblical evidence of the three overarching covenants.

I felt the final chapter on the church was the weakest. It tried to fit more than it could really unpack in an introductory chapter, leaving some important questions unaddressed.

For example, how does the Reformed doctrine of the priesthood of all believers fit with this chapters' emphasis on the role of pastors and teachers as the primary means of scriptural interpretation? How does a chapter on Covenant and the Church not touch on how Reformed covenant theology clarifies who is in the Church contra Baptists, dispensationalists, etc.?

These, though, are minor critiques. I would recommend this to anyone unfamiliar with the basic contours of covenant theology.

[Matt Crawford · Rating 5 out of 5]

Prepare for a raving review. I admit I has always enjoyed Fesko’s work. I have been heavily impacted by by Ligon Duncan, to whom this book is dedicated. This volume is brief it is not supposed to answer all your covenant theology questions. It is supposed to wet the appetite and encourage self study. That being said it does remind us of some very basic truths including the anatomy and requirements of a covenant. That Adam is our federal head. That the covenants of the Old Testament are parts of the greater covenant in Gen 3. It includes all of our senses and implicates how we do life together. What is the answer to the covenant problem? God sent His Son. Included also is Fesko’s side bar that anyone who knows me knows I agree with: READ OLD BOOKS

[Brian de Britto · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great introduction to covenant theology. You can tell Fesko is a systematician, which really helps you grasp the point he is getting across. He clearly and concisely introduces (reformed) covenant theology to the layperson from Scripture. He generally refrains from citing historical sources in order to make the book a truly introductory level work. This is the mark of a great scholar-can communicate deep theology at a simple (though definitely not simplistic) level. I look forward to rereading this again in the future!

[Nicholas Silveus · Rating 5 out of 5]

I will write a longer review later, but for now I will just say that I commend this book to anyone who is new to covenant theology. Each chapter is rich with historical, exegetical, and dogmatic insight. I don’t necessarily agree with Fesko on every last detail (for instance, I have some questions about his handling of the Noahic and Mosaic covenant) but even those areas where I possibly disagree make me want to dive deeper into his understanding of covenant theology. I’ve acquired a stack of his books so I’ll have more to report as I work through them.

[Ben · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great overview of covenant theology. Clear, concise, and informative. I really enjoyed it and appreciated its approachability. I look forward to revisiting and learning more by digging deeper into certain areas that the author highlights.

[McKenzie Carr · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a short and non academic intro to covenant theology but also thoroughly covers all the basics. It would be a great primer for someone learning about covenant theology or an encouraging overview as a reminder for one who has been in the reformed faith for a time.

[Dylan Halter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best introduction book on biblical doctrine of the covenants. Accessible, simple, yet scripturally rich and doctrinal sound.

[Ethan Montgomery · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good introduction.

[Joshua Cody · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazingly informative for the page count. Easy to read too. Highly recommend.