The Fulfillment of the Promises of God: An Explanation of Covenant Theology

by Richard P. Belcher Jr.

A variety of views and nuances of covenant theology exist within the Reformed church and the broader evangelical world. This book seeks to explain covenant theology as presented in the Westminster Confession of Faith as a starting point for discussions of covenant theology and as a foundation to evaluate other views. Some variations of covenant theology are minor and do not impact the system of doctrine of Reformed theology, but other variations are major and impact important doctrines associated with justification by faith. Attention is also given to the views of confessional Baptists, as well as those who are evangelicals and operate with a covenantal approach to Scripture. This book combines a straightforward explanation of basic covenant theology followed by more detailed analysis of other views.

Genres: Theology, Christian, Christianity, Old Testament, Faith

324 pages, Paperback

Published May 8, 2020

About the author

Dr. Belcher is the Professor of Old Testament. He is an ordained minister in the PCA and pastored an urban nondenominational church in Rochester, NY for ten years before pursuing the Ph. D. This pastoral experience in an unusual and challenging setting gives him great insight into the practical, modern issues that will be faced by future pastors studying with him at RTS. He graduated from Covenant College and received his M. Div from Covenant Seminary. He also received an S.T.M. from Concordia Theological Seminary, and his Ph. D. is from Westminster Theological Seminary. He has served as stated supply for numerous churches in the area since coming to RTS Charlotte in 1995.

Reviews

[Christian Brewer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is simply the best intro to CT I’ve read. More in-depth than Rhodes, doesn’t have the weird repub stuff of Horton, and more interesting than Robertson. The latter half is an extremely useful portion. Here Belcher engages with various divergent views of CT including FV, Repub, and various Covenantal Baptist theologies.

[Jackson Carter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wish I would’ve kept a tally of how many times the word covenant was used. Enjoyed this book a lot, gave insight into OT aspects that I’m less familiar with. Basically a covenant theology 101 course.

[Jack Schutt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Solid intro to basic WCF covenant theology in the first half. But the real gold is in part two, where Belcher analyzes and compares the major and minor deviations—like Murray, Kline, Federal Vision, 1689 Federalism, Historic Reformed Baptist CT, and progressive covenantalism. Seems like the more I have read, the blurrier the lines have become. This is a helpful comparison of the key nuances of several positions side by side.

[Olivia Bedenbaugh]

As a #layperson , this was helpful to someone who had a pretty limited knowledge of Covenant Theology going into this. Not gonna lie though, some of it went over my head, but I still learned a lot that has and will continue deepen my personal study of Scripture.

[Parker · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the best introduction to Covenant Theology I've read to date. The arguments are full and detailed, but not technical or lengthy. The method of argumentation is primarily exegetical/biblical-theological -- in other words, firmly and thoroughly rooted in Scripture. (I'm honestly confused by the claims of another reviewer here who insisted Belcher argued more from the WCF than from the Bible. I wonder if he and I read the same book.)

Belcher not only presents a case for traditional Westminster CT, he also presents strong cases for differing views as well. His discussions of these other views are balanced, fair, and gracious. He has truly "steelmanned" the theologians with which he disagrees. Anyone who wants to get an idea of the primary views on the table (Westminster Federalism, Klineanism, Baptist CT, and Progressive Covenantalism) would do well to read this book before any other.

I do have several minor quibbles, however. I'll list those here, with the disclaimer that none of them really detract from my high praise above.

- The chapters on the Mosaic and New Covenants are not as well laid out as the others. The latter, especially, is a bit meandering.

- Although I am not a Klinean myself, I found Belcher's criticisms of Kline's view a bit unconvincing and, in places, underdeveloped.

- The appendix on "diatheke" in Hebrews 9 feels disconnected from the rest of the book. It isn't obvious from the main body of the text why the translation of this passage is so important.

- There are small ways in which the author seems to assume the reader will be at least vaguely familiar with some Reformed terminology. I have primarily in mind his descriptions of the second and third uses of the Moral Law without any conceptual introduction to the three uses. This was in the chapter on the Mosaic Covenant, which, as I said, was not as well-organized as the rest of the book.

Although I might wish my own view was represented in this book, I recognize that there may only be about three people of my persuasion dispersed among the various Baptist churches of the world. Maybe I'll write my own book eventually.

[Samuel Kassing · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a standard introduction to Covenant Theology as taught in the Scottish tradition. I think the book was light on exposition and appealed to the Westminster Confession of Faith more than scripture.

The strength of the work was fleshing out some of the differences between the various types of Covenant Theology.

Overall, I think this book gets bogs down trying to do too much. It doesn't do enough positive theology for Belcher's view, and it ends up not fully explaining or articulating other views as accurately as possible. He gets stuck between introducing Covenant theology, giving a taxonomy of the various covenant theologies, and doing apologetics of the Scottish understanding of Covenant Theology. Thus, doing all three in a basic, simplistic, and average way.

Belcher doesn't interact with "As Far as the Curse is Found" by Michael Williams once in the entire book and yet spends entire chapters on Reformed Baptist Covenant Theology and Progressive Covenantalism. Personally, as a lay member in the PCA I think this is a miss.

Solid book. Good intro. But, I would recommend Jonty Rhoades book before this one.

[JR Snow · Rating 4 out of 5]

A solid introduction to Covenant theology from the Westminster viewpoint. Dr. Belcher (who is my Professor at RTS) has done his due diligence by reading and accurately representing the Confessional Reformed Baptist and Progressive Covenantalist views.

I think his interaction with and comparison of Covenant theology to other views is the strongest part of this book. Imagine a Zondervan volume (12 views on the Rapture!) type-book, but about the distinctives of the Covenants.

[Peyton Gunter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great intro to covenant theology. His writing style isn’t going to knock your socks off, but Dr. Belcher, does a great job of explaining complex ideas in attainable ways. I quoted this book a ton in my papers this semester.

I would recommend this over Christ of the Covenants.

[Mitchell Traver · Rating 4 out of 5]

Covenant Theology is something I’m just starting to dive in to. Ligon Duncan had high praise for Dr. Belcher’s work as laid out in this book, and he referenced this resource as a great introductory work to Covenant Theology. While I learned much, as over half of what the book entailed was largely new to me, I really appreciated the charity Dr. Belcher showed others views. There was a clear desire to pursue unity and show honor to other brothers within the Church catholic, and it seemed to me that Richard genuinely strove to represent their views as they would themselves articulate them. As someone who’s grown up in a generally Baptist tradition, I was especially interested in Richard’s interactions with Baptist distinctives in Covenant Theology. If you’re like me and want to get a good introductory view to Covenant Theology, specifically as laid out in the Westminster Confession, this is the place to start as it’s highly accessible, has plenty of footnotes and references for further study, and engages the more prominent twists on Covenant Theology. I have a much better understanding of the general definitions and framework. Now to dive in more on paedo vs credo-Baptist theology, as that was the only section of the book in which I dissented from Dr. Belcher’s position!

[Ryan · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had high hopes for this introduction to covenant theology. I am about to teach a Sunday School class on the topic and I am always looking for good materials for congregants to read.

The positive: an engagement with differing views on covenant theology, including newer presentations, such as Progressive Covenantalism.

The negative: in my estimation, the author tried to be too concise and simple, which led to a terse prose that ultimately muddied his presentation of the topic. In an attempt to be accessible to uninitiated readers, he managed to write in a curt manner, which meant that many sentences seemed disconnected from those surrounding. This does not clarify the topic for readers, but can confuse. Further, because he attempted to write simply, he had to presume a measure of prior knowledge of the topic, which is not ideal for an introduction.

This may not be the worst intro, but it will not be my go-to recommendation.

[Daniel Bouchoc · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was gold for understanding covenant theology. Belcher's aim is to unpack covenant theology in light of the Scriptures and the WCF. He compares and contrasts the different variations of covenant theology and their implication.

These variations include:
Kline, Robertson, Murray, Dumbrell, Williamson, Reformed Baptists, Historic Baptists, Progressive Covenantalism, Federal Vision (Wilson, Jordan, Lusk), and probably more that I am not remembering. Belcher's ability to present these variations in a concise way, while maintaining consistent language and use of terms was very helpful.

This was the best book I have read on understanding CT and I will return to it regularly.

[Nick Carrico · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think this is a great mid level book on Covenant Theology. Belcher’s style can be a bit confusing at points, and you might have to reread something to understand what he’s saying. All in all though, it’s a good volume. His chapter on Baptist covenant theology is the best treatment I’ve read on it. He really goes in depth and cites top sources in that school of thought. He does the same for NCT and PC as well.

[Jordan Carl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good overview of CT. Particular strengths are his treatment of the Mosaic and Davidic Covenants, the overview of 1689 and Particular Baptist CT, and his summary and critique of Progressive Covenantalism as espoused by Wellum and Gentry in “Kingdom Through Covenant”.

[Grant Carter]

I especially enjoyed the chapters on variations within covenant theology. Federal vision is silly and unbiblical.

[Kyle Grindberg · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pretty helpful, I appreciated that he laid out other views on Covenantalism, but I wish he had engaged and pushed back against those views more.

[Jordan Mills · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great introduction to Covenant Theology. Belcher does a nice job of explaining the different positions (Historic Baptist, Confessional Baptist and Presbyterian, to even Progressive Covenantalism), he also touched on some specific covenant theologians in John Murray, Meredith Kline, and Palmer Robertson. I would absolutely recommend this book.

[Emma Starcher · Rating 5 out of 5]

I. love. covenant. theology.

why oh why did i not go to seminary!!!!!???!!!

[Luke Anderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Belcher helpfully explains covenant theology according to Westminster, then compares it with what he considers to be variations both minor (e.g., Robertson, Murray, [Kline?, Blecher’s not clear]) and major (e.g., Dumbrell, Williamson, Federal Vision movement [Leithart, Jordan, Wilson]). He then compares it with confessional Baptist covenant theology (20th c. Reformed and 1689 Federalism), and progressive covenantalism.

There is a wealth of helpful explanation in Belcher’s work—clearly explaining and evaluating all of these biblical theological systems/frameworks is quite the task. For that, I applaud his work.

However, when it comes to engaging with Baptist covenant theology, I thought he was a bit unfair— misrepresentations, straw men. He sometimes makes it sound as though Baptists don’t believe in or practice church discipline because of their view of an unmixed church. He doesn’t seem to be able to conceive of any way of explaining the presence of false professors than to say that they are legally members of the new covenant, even though the apostle seems to explain it another way, and quite clearly (1 John 2:19).

But this probably goes both ways. I just wish he would have been a little more charitable in trying to see things from a Baptist perspective, even if he still does disagree in the end. I will say, he voices love for Baptists and extends the hand of fellowship to them. And Baptists should do the same for their Presbyterian brothers. Thankful for this work and for Belcher. Overall, a good read. I recommend it!

[Darren Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I appreciate this book, especially the later half where Belcher interacts with the various views of covenant theology and the various biblical theology systems of Calvinistic baptist. Too often reformed Christians focused so much on systematics but sadly doesn't know the traditional Reformed way of doing biblical theology, and I believe this book will help them to grow in this area.

That being said, even though this book is a beginner level book on covenant theology, it may not be for everyone because it is necessary for readers to first have a basic grasp on systematic theology to understand this book, especially predestination, and the relationship justification by faith and sanctification. And I think it's necessary for readers to be familiar with the old testament otherwise they will have trouble in following this book. Hence I think it's crucial for them to read the entire OT from cover to cover.

[Jake · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good explanation of Covenant Theology. I really loved the outline of this book, and the engagement with other views. The inclusion of two chapters for Meredith Kline's work was much appreciated, though Belcher could have recognized Kline's contribution to his own theology more (esp. Treaty of the Great King). Belcher demonstrates a good understanding of Scripture throughout, and, for the most part, summarizes other views well. One thing I would fault Belcher for, however, is his use of terms like "the confessional..." or, "the tradition," throughout. It is clear that what Belcher defines as orthodox is a very narrow view of particular Reformers. In truth, the views (and all of their particulars) he espouses are not so unanimous or age-old as he would like to believe. This is evident especially in his engagement with the Federal Vision project.

[Erik Raymond · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the more helpful books on Covenant Theology that I’ve read. Belcher excels in making difficult concepts clear. Writing from a WCF perspective, he explains his position. He also interacts with other views. The chapters interacting with Meridith Kline were insightful. I’ve found that one thing harder than reading Kline is reading other people talking about what Kline means. Belcher helped to simplify and, where appropriate, disagree charitably. I appreciated that he included a chapter on covenantal baptists, and made a distinction between the reformed baptists and the historic (reformed) baptists. Once again, the tone was gracious and the content clear. Finally, he finished up with detailed interaction with the progressive covenantal view. I really enjoyed the book.

[Will Cunningham-Batt · Rating 3 out of 5]

Belcher's book is an up-to-date attempt to explain Covenant Theology as outlined in the Westminster Confession of Faith. In many ways, it is a thoughtful and detailed piece of work from someone who has thought hard about the covenants. One of the particular highlights for me was his analysis of the different variations within the end of the spectrum of Covenant Theology. However, it's quite a stodgy read and I found the nuances of his analysis of different positions hard to follow at points. And overall, I don't think it adds much new light to the conversation for those who are not quite convinced.

[Alex · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great introduction to Covenant Theology. Belcher did a great job at explaining historic Westminster Covenant Theology. He also addresses Confessional Baptist perspectives better than most confessional baptists do in their own works. This is especially true for pointing out the major flaws in what is now called "1689 Federalism. He kindly shows how their exegesis is lacking and the only tenable position for covenantal baptists is an "immersed Westminster view." Belcher also does a great job at address Progressive Covenantalism in a kind and irenic manner.

[Stephen Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent book to give a broad view of covenant theology, particularly related to the theology of the Westminster Confession of Faith. It also provides a nice evaluation of the different flavors of covenantal theology that are out there. Though by no means exhaustive, it is an excellent starting point and gives the reader a lay of the land while also posing some of the challenging questions to fuel future research.

[Jeremy Kruizinga · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dr. Belcher provides a helpful to traditional traditional Covenant theology (as defined by the Westminister Confession of Faith). His chapters of Reformed Baptists and Progressive Covenantilism were helpful summaries of two similar, but different understandings of covenant theology. Dr. Belcher is especially charitable in his interactions with differing perspectives!

[Kirby Key · Rating 4 out of 5]

~3.5*

+ comparative analysis of views on covenant theology

+ solid argument against reformedish baptist views

- minimal exegetical proof for the standard reformed view

- too much appeal to Westminster instead of Scripture

- it seems like Belcher understands the covenants through the hermeneutic of justification by faith, but shouldn’t it be the other way around?

[Jake Ruefer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not a page turner but a helpful summary of covenant theology and a comparison of different views. Helpful for a novice.

[Malik Bishop · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.7

[gabi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read chapters 1-8, 14, and 2 appendices.

[Parker Bentley · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a pretty good overview of Covenant Theology based on the Westminster Confession of Faith with helpful, redemptive-historical exegesis related to each covenant. The covenants seen in the Old Testament, culminating in the New Covenant are discussed in depth, along with the common disagreements held within followers of the Westminster standards. The author does not get into the many key implications of this form of Covenant Theology, but does discuss circumcision and the church (covenant community).

The strength of this work is the analysis of all other forms of Covenant Theology. It starts with looking at O. Palmer Robertson and other similar, minor variations to Covenant Theology, and goes all the way to forms like New Covenant Theology and Progressive Covenantalism. Each different “system” is looked at briefly, but the high level points are touched on, which makes this a helpful resource for comparing and contrasting different confessional standards and interpretive approaches to scripture’s covenantal framework.