Lecture 6

Question 1

Why do we learn about Covenant Theology?

Answer 1

We recognize that humans by creation are covenant beings.

• anytime we are talking about defining humanity, we are talking about the definition of humanity in relation to God in covenant terms.

Question 2

When we say covenant theology can be used as an “organizational framework” what do we mean?

Answer 2

Covenant theology is a framework (an organizing principle) for how we understand humans and how they relate to God, others, and the world.

It helps us make sense of the Bible as a whole.

*It is a lens through which God’s word is interpreted.

Question 3

What does the term “Berit” mean?

Answer 3

Berit is Hebrew term meaning “to cut a covenant.”
• it is a bond, an oath between two parties.

Question 4

How does O Palmer Robertson define “Berit”?

Answer 4

“A bond in blood sovereignly administered.”

Because Berit is a life and death commitment.

Question 5

What does the term “diatheke” mean?

Answer 5

Diatheke is Greek, meaning “last will and testament, where upon death the benefits are made available to the heirs.

Question 6

What does the term “foedus” mean?

Answer 6

Foedus is a Latin term, meaning “ federal or covenant. It is the idea of relationship through representation.

Question 7

What does the term “testamentum” mean?

Answer 7

Testamentum is a Latin term for “testament” which conveys the idea of testifying or witnessing the ratification of a covenant.

The OT and NT provide a witness to God’s relationship in the old covenant under Israel, and God’s relationship with the church under Christ.

Question 8

What does the term “pactum” mean?

Answer 8

Pactum is Latin term meaning a pact or agreement.

• it is a transaction between two parties that secures the terms of the relationship.

Question 9

What are the 6 Biblical covenants?

Answer 9

1.) Adam
2.) Noah
3.) Abraham
4.) Moses
5.) David
6.) Christ

Question 10

What are the five basic goals of covenant theology?

Answer 10

1.) seeks to maintain the fundamental unity of scripture.

2.) CT elevates the saving work of Christ because it focuses on Christ in scripture.

3.) there is a natural focus on the assurance of God’s people.
- this is because there’s a central focus on redemption flowing from Christ’s work in fulfillment of the covenant promises.

4.) emphasizes the oneness of the people of God as a covenant community.

5.) places a unique emphasis on the significance of humanity as created for communion with God.

Question 11

How does Covenant theology maintain the unity of scripture?

Answer 11

CT focuses on the way in which Christ fulfills the promises of God given to his people.

Question 12

In what way does Covenant Theology have a “natural focus” on the assurance of God’s people?

Answer 12

CT gives a unique emphasis on signs and seals which describe the way God relates to his people.

Question 13

How does Covenant Theology emphasize the “oneness” of God’s people as a covenant community?

Answer 13

There is one redemptive people.

Israel and the church are different but related expressions of the one people of God.

Question 14

What is the fourfold state of covenant?

Answer 14

1.) covenant made

2.) covenant broken

3.) covenant fulfilled

4.) covenant realized in glory

***note: this is part of the fifth goal of covenant theology which emphasizes the significance of humanity as created for communion with God.

Question 15

What are the two basic covenants in which Covenant Theology is divided?

Answer 15

Covenant of works

Covenant of grace

Question 16

What does it mean that a covenant is unilateral?

Answer 16

Unilateral - God sets the terms of the relationship.
• He is sovereign so he establishes the terms we relate to him.

Question 17

What does it mean when we say a covenant is bilateral?

Answer 17

Bilateral- once the terms of the relationship are established, it then entails responsibilities from both parties.

Question 18

How did God establish the covenant of works in a unilateral and bilateral way?

Answer 18

Unilateral - God establishes a covenant of works.

Bilateral - He demanded obedience as a requirement for life.

Question 19

Since Adam disobeyed, does this mean the covenant of works is no longer in effect?

Answer 19

God doesn’t change. He always requires obedience.

Due to our sin, obedience must be fulfilled by another.
• the covenant of works finds its fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ.

Question 20

How does the WCF (7.2) define the covenant of works?

Answer 20

The first covenant made with man was a covenant of works, wherein life was promised to Adam, and in him to his posterity, upon condition of perfect and personal obedience.

Question 21

What are two challenges discussed in class to the covenant of works?

Answer 21

1.) the grace challenge

2.) the proof text challenge

Question 22

What is the “Grace Challenge” to the covenant of works?

Answer 22

This argues that a relationship with God could never be based on works/merit because after all everything is based on grace.

Response:
• the covenant of works is gracious but it is not based on grace.

• the covenant of works is an act of voluntary condescension on behalf of God.
- If you reject the category of works/merit entirely then you undermine the work of Jesus Christ on the cross.

Question 23

What is the Proof Text Challenge to the Covenant of Works?

Answer 23

Many object to the fact that covenant (Berit) is not used in Genesis 1-3.

• we do however affirm many things that are not explicitly mentioned in the text of scripture. I.e. the Trinity

• The substance of the teaching is present.
- the covenant of works is a description of what we discover in scripture and not a phrase from scripture.

• Genesis 1 & 2 will show that a covenant was in fact established between God and Adam before the fall.
- and it was a covenant of works.

Question 24

What are 4 arguments for the covenant of works from Genesis 1 & 2?

Answer 24

• in Genesis 1, God creates, he blesses, he commands.

1.) sovereignly administered

2.) divine mandate

3.) blessing and cursing

4.) federal in nature

Question 25

Describe the argument for the covenant of works from the perspective of - “sovereignly administered.”

Answer 25

The relationship God has with Adam and Eve is sovereignly administered.

• God created man and woman out of his good pleasure.

• God stipulates the conditions whereby they should live.
-cultural mandate
- sabbath principle
- guard and keep the garden, etc.

God initiated the relationship. He is in control.

Question 26

Describe the argument for the covenant of works from the perspective of the “divine mandate.”

Answer 26

A condition is fixed upon Adam’s relationship with God.
• Adam has the responsibility to be obedient in order to maintain his status with God and enjoy the blessings from God.

• a divine mandate is spoken to Adam and Eve.

Question 27

Describe the argument for the covenant of works from the perspective of “Blessing and cursing.”

Answer 27

If Adam disobeys God, Genesis 2:17 says he will die.

If he obeys he will live and enjoy communion with God.

Question 28

Describe the argument for the covenant of works from the perspective of it being “Federal in nature.”

Answer 28

Adam represented all of humanity in the garden.
• when he fell, so all humanity fell with him.

When Adam disobeyed, all of his posterity (future generations) sinned in him.
• this made it impossible for anyone descended from him by ordinary generation to keep the term of the covenant of works.

Question 29

Why is the federal headship of Adam important?

Answer 29

The federal headship of Adam is essential to establish the federal headship of Christ.

Question 30

What is the definition of the covenant of works?

Answer 30

The covenant of works is a pre-fall relationship between God and Adam that was:
1) sovereignly administered
2) conditioned upon Adams perfect obedience.
3) attended with divine blessing and cursing
4) is federal in nature.