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.
Author
Richard P. Belcher, Jr. is the John D. and Frances M. Gwin Professor of Old Testament and the Academic Dean at Reformed Theological Seminary Charlotte. He is the author of ‘The Messiah and the Psalms’, as well as commentaries on Genesis, Job and Ecclesiastes and has a decade of pastoral experience.
Endorsements
"One of the strengths of the book is that he has taken time to understand the views of those with whom he differs and presents them with kindness and accuracy. His summaries are most helpful. People who are new to the reformed faith will benefit from this easy to read summary of covenant theology which is rooted in Scripture and saturated with the gospel." - Jim Newheiser, Director of the Christian Counseling Program and Associate Professor of Counseling and Practical Theology, Reformed Theological Seminary, Charlotte, North Carolina
"Richard Belcher has given us a welcomed survey and analysis of divine covenants in the Scriptures. His commitment to traditional Reformed Theology is evident as he explains and evaluates a variety of outlooks on biblical covenants. His explanations are clear and insightful. This volume will help many theological students and laypeople alike as they explore the contours of Covenant Theology today." - Richard Pratt, President, Third Millennium Ministries, Orlando, Florida
"… ‘covenant theology’ provides the God–given framework that safeguards the Scriptural message of salvation by grace and promises spiritual renewal, forgiveness of sin, perfect righteousness and deep assurance of faith. He writes in the attractive and simple style of a biblical theologian who nevertheless makes systematic theological sense of a complex subject. This book is a tour de force on the subject." - Peter Hastie, Principal, Presbyterian Theological College, Melbourne, Victoria
"Dr. Belcher has been teaching on the biblical Covenants for over twenty–five years, and it shows. Belcher combines a knowledge of Reformed Systematic Theology and the life–long study of the exegetical details of each of the Covenants. I highly recommend this book." - Robert J. Cara, Provost and Chief Academic Officer & Hugh and Sallie Reaves Professor of New Testament, Reformed Theological Seminary, Charlotte, North Carolina
"Dick Belcher’s The Fulfillment of the Promises of God is now the introduction to covenant theology. It will join the syllabus of my Covenant Theology course, and will be the first book that I recommend to seminarians not only for introducing the subject, but providing assessment of the main alternatives to classic Reformed covenant theology. This is now the starting point for those looking for a confessional Reformed presentation." - Ligon Duncan, Chancellor and CEO, Reformed Theological Seminary
Johnson, Terry L.
Poythress, Vern S.
