Lecture 10 - The Covenants of Grace & Redemption

Question 1

Three working assumptions of covenant theology

Answer 1

1. Covenant theology is a framework for reformed theology
2. Covenant theology is the result of reformed theological refection on the text of Scripture regarding our relationship with God in Christ (in order to explain the relation to humanity’s covenant relationship with God)
3. The covenant of redemption grounds the covenant of grace

Question 2

Criticisms of covenant theology

Answer 2

1. Pitting Calvin against later Calvinists (Calvin vs. Owen)
2. CT disregards the historical development of the biblical narrative
3. Rather than minimizing reformed articulation of CT actually drove theologians of a careful evaluation of redemptive

Question 3

John Owen’s “Theologoumena pantodapa” (1661) and the Federal Basis of Theology

Answer 3

1. A work of covenant theology
2. Progression of applying biblical covenants from Adam to Christ
3. The way we articulate scripture should inform our theological reflection

Question 4

All theology is founded on covenant

Answer 4

1. This applies before the fall (CW) and after the fall (CG)
2. All theology is founded on the two distinct covenants.
3. The pre-fall covenant is 1. Sovereignly administered 2. Immediate and direct with Adam 3. Contingent upon obedience

Question 5

Prelapsarian vs postlapsarian theology

Answer 5

1. Prelapsarian = Sin demolished life within the covenant of works
2. Postlapsarian = based on covenant, founded on the mediator
3. The platform by which man could know God was changed from CW to the CG. A mediator is know needed to be able to know God.

Question 6

The role of supernatural revelation: three reasons

Answer 6

1. We need God to know God
2. If theology is essentially knowing God, than theology must be covenantal
3. The bible is the place where we meet God in covenant

Question 7

“The basic foundation of all revealed truths in Scripture is thus the covenant of God with believers in Christ” (Heinrich Heppe, Reformed Dogmatics).

Answer 7

1. Heinrich Heppe, Reformed Dogmatics
2. Jesus fulfills the covenant of works for us and gives us the covenant of grace.
3. We can interpret the OT in terms of the NT. (Heb. 1:1-2)

Question 8

Reformation and Post-Reformation Examples (history of covenant theology)

Answer 8

1. William Tyndale (c. 1494–1536)
2. Robert Rollock (c. 1555–1599)
3. Francis Turretin (1623–1687)

Question 9

Early Church Example (history of covenant theology)

Answer 9

1. Irenaeus (c. 130–c. 200)

2. Covenant theology is not a new thing

Question 10

Overview of the covenant of redemption

Answer 10

1. An agreement between the Trinity before time
2. CG = God’s covenant w/ elect regarding Christ
3. CR = God’s covenant w/ the Son regarding the elect

Question 11

Overview of the covenant of grace

Answer 11

1. Categories of blessings and cursing – all God’s blessings are found in Jesus for me
2. Jesus died for me and saved me by name. The Priesthood of Christ allows the blessings of the covenant to be applied to me.
3. Jesus fulfils the covenant as Prophet, Priest and King.