What is Covenant Theology (McGraw)

Description

Understanding the Basics and Blessings of Covenant Theology

From animal sacrifice in the Old Testament to baptism and Communion in the New Testament, the Bible can seem like it contains vastly different instructions for how God's people are to worship him through visible means. But Scripture is a complete story of redemption, one that is breathtaking in its unity. By observing how all biblical events connect through God’s covenants with his people, believers can better grasp the beauty of the triune God and the breathtaking unity of Scripture, knowing the Father, through the Son, by the Spirit. 

In this practical introduction, professor Ryan McGraw gives readers a framework for understanding the structure of the Bible. Explaining the blessing of covenant theology, he reveals how the sacraments illustrate God’s relationship with his people throughout the ages and help unify all parts of Scripture, from God’s promises in Genesis to their fulfillment in Revelation. Exploring the covenants of redemption, works, and grace, this book will give readers clarity about the gospel, and teach them how to live in fellowship with the triune God and others.

• Accessible Introduction: Explains the basics and blessings of covenant theology
• Practical: Illustrates the role of the covenant in the church, families, and everyday life
• A Great Study Resource: Includes discussion questions at the end of each chapter

Endorsements

“Covenant theology—an essential dimension of Reformed theology—unites the sixty-six books of the Bible in beautiful, Christocentric harmony. Exploring the covenants of redemption, works, and grace, Ryan McGraw ably sketches the covenant motif from the seed promise in Genesis to the new Jerusalem in the book of Revelation. He demonstrates that grasping covenant theology helps us grow in our understanding of Scripture, our communion with the triune God that produces joy and piety, and our lives as individuals, families, and churches—all to the glory of the one who designed the marvelous plan of salvation. Covenant theology, then, is so magnificent because it is simply gospel theology that inevitably produces Trinitarian doxology.”
Joel R. Beeke, Chancellor and Professor of Homiletics and Systematic Theology, Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary; Pastor, Heritage Reformed Congregation, Grand Rapids, Michigan

“Ryan McGraw skillfully highlights the basics and blessings of covenant theology that first blessed him as he saw unifying themes in Scripture that helped him make sense of the parts. Writing with clarity and conviction, he introduces readers to the unity of the Bible, the triune God, and their implications for Christian living so that they will know God and his people in deeper ways. If you’re looking for a doctrinally sound primer on covenant theology, this is a good place to start.”
Sarah Ivill, author, The Covenantal Life: Appreciating the Beauty of Theology and Community

“The Protestant Reformer Martin Bucer, who was such a formative influence on John Calvin, maintained that ‘True theology is not theoretical, it is practical; the end of it is to live a godly life.’ Ryan McGraw’s What Is Covenant Theology? exemplifies Bucer’s conviction. Here is theology that is accessible, practical, and pastoral. McGraw has provided Christians with a theological primer that will enrich their lives and stir their hearts and minds to bow down and worship. This is a must read for Christians who desire to grow in the grace and knowledge of God.”
Ian Hamilton, President, Westminster Presbyterian Theological Seminary, United Kingdom

“Ryan McGraw has given the church a clear, concise, and accessible survey of one of the most important teachings in Scripture—the covenants that God makes with human beings. The argument of What Is Covenant Theology? is exegetically informed, theologically nuanced, and practically oriented. Whether familiar or unfamiliar with covenant theology, readers will profit from the way that McGraw helps us see the unity of the Bible and the glory of the covenant-making, covenant-keeping God of the Bible.”
Guy Prentiss Waters, James M. Baird Jr. Professor of New Testament and Academic Dean, Reformed Theological Seminary, Jackson

About the Author

Ryan M. McGraw (PhD, University of the Free State) is professor of systematic theology at Greenville Presbyterian Theological Seminary and has pastored in several churches. He has written nearly thirty books, focusing on weaving the Trinity into doctrine and life.