Brand New Book on Covenant Theology

C. Matthew McMahon · #1 (**permalink**) 02-28-2005, 09:33 PM

Dear Friends,

Everyone has consistently asked about a simple book that could explain covenant theology. The fact is - there is no book that does. Some books are out there that have attempted to explain the basics, but they seem to always deviate from the orthodox formulations and redefine Covenant Theology overall. On the other hand, there are the Auburn Avenue and Federal Visionists who have twisted Covenant Theology into a theological mess. We need a book that explains simply and easily how biblical Covenant Theology works, while at the same time demonstrating the truth of the old formulations that have stood the test of time. Something clear, accurate and simple is needed for the laymen in the church.

Look no further.

By the request of Reverend Rick Phillips, Chairman of the Alliance of Confessing Evangelicals, I have have written an historically clear, biblically accurate, and simple overview of Covenant Theology for the laymen.

It is currently available in book form at this link:
http://www.puritanpublications.com/B...leOverview.htm

Tell your pastors. Tell your friends. Tell those who have been inquiring. Covenant Theology does not have to be difficult. Here is a simple overview that remains biblically consistent, and true to the Westminster Confession of Faith.

matthew11v25 · #2 (**permalink**) 02-28-2005, 10:02 PM

Ordered mine!

PuritanBouncer · #3 (**permalink**) 02-28-2005, 10:18 PM

Ordering mine ASAP! Thanks for doing it.

ChristianTrader · #4 (**permalink**) 03-01-2005, 09:08 AM

Is this book supposed to replace, Christ of the Covenants as the book people recommend to learn about covenant theology?

CT

C. Matthew McMahon · #5 (**permalink**) 03-01-2005, 09:33 AM

Its different than Robertson's book. it actually sustains the orthodox historical terminology of the covenants, as well as properly defining covenant as a pact or agreement, unlike Robertson's book. Its prupose is to be "the" replacement for that book in terms of bringing the church back to the WCF's interpretation of the Scriptures. Robertson departs from that.

C. Matthew McMahon · #6 (**permalink**) 03-01-2005, 04:20 PM

Please pray that God would use this work. When I get it, I am going to deliver a copy to Pastor Rick Phillips who will in turn get it to Lig Duncan and then finally get it into mainstream sellers. Since the "pop" up of the New Perspectives and the Federal Vision, we need more books that help the laymen of the church understand the basics of Covenant Theology.

matthew11v25 · #7 (**permalink**) 03-01-2005, 04:30 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by webmaster
When I get it

Matthew,

have you seen the book in finished format, or just waiting on more copies?

C. Matthew McMahon · #8 (**permalink**) 03-01-2005, 04:33 PM

Waiting on 2 copies for Rick and Lig to send them. The books are VERY well done (I was even suprised).

[Edited on 3-1-2005 by webmaster]

matthew11v25 · #9 (**permalink**) 03-01-2005, 04:37 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by webmaster
The books are VERY well done (I was even suprised).
[Edited on 3-1-2005 by webmaster]

SSSSWWWWEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEET!!!

rchapman · #10 (**permalink**) 03-01-2005, 06:20 PM

Matt, at approximately 4pm(Central Standard Time) on March 1st, I placed my order for both books and am now full of anticipation. Counting the days...1,2,3 etc. Bob Chapman

Puritanhead · #11 (**permalink**) 03-01-2005, 06:58 PM

Do you have a shortened version for Baptists without the infant baptism stuff?

Philip A · #12 (**permalink**) 03-01-2005, 07:02 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Puritanhead
Do you have a shortened version for Baptists without the infant baptism stuff?

Nope, that would be Nehemiah Coxe:

http://www.rbap.net/projects.php

:bigsmile:

Larry Hughes · #13 (**permalink**) 03-01-2005, 07:42 PM

Matt,

Got mine on order & looking forward to reading it. Thanks for all the hard work for the faith.

ldh

C. Matthew McMahon · #14 (**permalink**) 03-01-2005, 10:57 PM

Amen!

Puritanhead · #15 (**permalink**) 03-01-2005, 11:14 PM

Well I've read a great deal online... and I'm thankful Dr. McMahon pointed me to it last year when I inquired about NCT vis-a-vis CT.... I found it very helpful, as it is very erudite and perceptive, and soundly explains the continuity and unity of the covenants, the purpose of the law, and the most perfect New Covenant promises fulfilled by our Lord Jesus Christ. I'm sure he has improved upon it--- in print form. The Socratic Q&A dialogue is a nice touch.

If I cease being poor financially in the near future, and my cash flow situation improves, I'll happily add it to my library collection.

[Edited on 3-2-2005 by Puritanhead]

C. Matthew McMahon · #16 (**permalink**) 03-02-2005, 12:33 AM

Ryan,

As a note, I revised it quite a bit. It has evolved and change since its been online (actually a couple of times). Some of the infroamtion was not needful, in other spots there needed greatler clarity, etc. Hopefully at this point it will be a good intro to CT.

WrittenFromUtopia · #17 (**permalink**) 03-02-2005, 02:03 AM

I can't wait to get paid finally so I can order one! I might get one for my girlfriend who I am introducing to the whole CT realm of things (we were both raised dispensational to the core).

C. Matthew McMahon · #18 (**permalink**) 03-02-2005, 05:40 PM

Your friend is the perfect person to read the book. That is who it was meant for.

Me Died Blue · #19 (**permalink**) 03-02-2005, 05:48 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by webmaster
Its different than Robertson's book. it actually sustains the orthodox historical terminology of the covenants, as well as properly defining covenant as a pact or agreement, unlike Robertson's book. Its prupose is to be "the" replacement for that book in terms of bringing the church back to the WCF's interpretation of the Scriptures. Robertson departs from that.

What does he basically define "covenant" as if not a pact or agreement? And when you say he departs from the WCF on the issue, what is one or more brief way(s) in which he does so?

Jeff_Bartel · #20 (**permalink**) 03-02-2005, 06:00 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Me Died Blue

Quote:

Originally posted by webmaster
Its different than Robertson's book. it actually sustains the orthodox historical terminology of the covenants, as well as properly defining covenant as a pact or agreement, unlike Robertson's book. Its prupose is to be "the" replacement for that book in terms of bringing the church back to the WCF's interpretation of the Scriptures. Robertson departs from that.

What does he basically define "covenant" as if not a pact or agreement? And when you say he departs from the WCF on the issue, what is one or more brief way(s) in which he does so?

Robertson defines a Covenant as a "bond in blood sovereignly administered." This definition has it's advantages, but I can see it's downfalls. He also redefines what the Westminster Confession calls the "Covenant of Grace" he terms the "Covenant of Redemption." He also calls the "Covenant of Works" the "Covenant of Creation."

I really like this book, but I also disagree with his redefining terms. The book also doesn't answer alot of my questions. I look forward to reading Matt's treatment, and after that, Witsius.

C. Matthew McMahon · #21 (**permalink**) 03-02-2005, 07:15 PM

Chris, Jeff is right. His redefinition are why the book is not helpful. His ideas are actually "hurting the church" in moving them away from the "old way" and reinforncing the Federal Vision's "allowance" to "redefine terms". Both Robertson and Kline have good things to say, but thier "squabble" throughout the Westminster Theological Journal's articles are like a boxing match between deviants definitions. We need to get back to the HEBREW of word, instead of "theological ideas" that don't pan out.