What Is Covenant Theology? - Doctrine Matters with Kevin DeYoung

Summary of "What Is Covenant Theology?" Episode on Doctrine Matters with Kevin DeYoung

Podcast Information:

Title: Doctrine Matters with Kevin DeYoung
Host/Author: Crossway
Description: In this weekly podcast, pastor, bestselling author, and associate professor of systematic theology Kevin DeYoung explores the most important theological topics over the course of a year.
Episode: What Is Covenant Theology?
Release Date: May 13, 2025

Introduction to Covenant Theology

In the episode titled "What Is Covenant Theology?" hosted by Kevin DeYoung, the discussion delves into the foundational aspects of covenant theology, a central pillar in Reformed theological tradition. DeYoung, along with his co-host and a guest theologian, seeks to unravel the complexities surrounding how God relates to His creation through various covenants throughout the Bible.

Understanding Covenant Theology

[00:48] Theologian: "Covenant theology, how God relates to his creatures. This isn't always a separate section. It can be included in anthropology as it talks about the doctrine of man..."

Covenant theology is presented as a comprehensive framework that describes God's overarching plan of redemption and His relational dynamics with humanity. It serves as both a doctrinal stance and a hermeneutical tool for interpreting Scripture, emphasizing the continuity of God's redemptive work from eternity past through the Old and New Testaments.

Importance in Reformed Theology

[01:16] Co-host: "Covenant theology in particular is central to Reformed theology."

The episode underscores the significance of covenant theology within Reformed circles, highlighting its role in shaping doctrines related to anthropology, soteriology, and biblical ethics. It is portrayed not merely as an academic exercise but as a vital means to understand and live out the Christian faith in alignment with God's revealed will.

Biblical Covenants: Old and New Testament Examples

[02:05] Co-host: "And some Christians might hear those words hundreds of times and never even notice."

The discussion references key biblical covenants, such as the Abrahamic, Mosaic, Davidic, and the New Covenant established by Jesus Christ. DeYoung emphasizes that Jesus' Last Supper declaration, "this is my blood of the covenant" ([01:56] Co-host) signifies the inauguration of a new covenant fulfilling and superseding previous agreements.

[02:20] Co-host: "And he is going to inaugurate a new covenant."

The New Covenant is depicted as a fulfillment of God's eternal promises, bringing coherence to the biblical narrative and establishing a unified plan of salvation through Christ.

Definitions and Scholarly Perspectives on 'Covenant'

[05:44] Co-host: "And maybe the most well known in our day is from old Palmer Robertson, who defines covenant as a bond in blood..."

Various definitions of covenant are explored, citing theologians like Francis Turretin, Richard Belcher, J.I. Packer, and Palmer Robertson. Theologians debate the elements that constitute a covenant, ranging from promissory agreements to legal contracts ratified by rituals.

[06:22] Theologian: "I define covenant simply as a promissory agreement between two or more parties."

DeYoung advocates for a straightforward definition, focusing on the mutual commitments and promises made between parties without necessarily invoking the shedding of blood, thereby encompassing all biblical covenants.

Elements of Biblical Covenants

[07:16] Theologian: "There are at least seven elements associated with biblical covenants... 3P words and some S words."

The episode outlines the structural components common to biblical covenants:

Promises: God's assurances to His people.
Prescriptions: Commands and duties outlined within the covenant.
Penalties: Consequences for failing to uphold covenant terms.
Swearing: Oaths taken to solemnize the agreement.
Statements: Declarations that define the covenant relationship.
Signs: Symbols or rituals that ratify the covenant (e.g., blood, circumcision).

Using marriage as a contemporary analogy, the discussion illustrates how covenants involve mutual promises, verbal oaths, and symbolic signs that solidify the relationship between the parties involved.

Understanding the Covenant of Redemption

[12:35] Theologian: "But prior to that we have a covenant of redemption, or in Latin called a pactum salutis."

A significant portion of the conversation is dedicated to the Covenant of Redemption, an eternal agreement within the Trinity to save a people. DeYoung and his co-host explore scriptural bases for this concept, referencing passages like John 6:39 and Zechariah 6:13, which suggest a pre-temporal plan of salvation orchestrated by the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

[15:42] Theologian: "The important part in all of this is to understand that this unfolding plan of redemption... has its antecedents in eternity."

The covenant of redemption is portrayed as the foundation upon which subsequent covenants with humanity are established, ensuring a cohesive and unified plan for salvation that has been in place since before the foundation of the world.

Conclusion and Future Topics

The episode concludes by setting the stage for upcoming discussions on the Covenant of Grace and Bicoventalism, which further elaborate on God's redemptive plans post-Fall and through Christ's work. DeYoung reiterates the importance of viewing Scripture through the lens of covenant theology to fully grasp the depth and consistency of God's engagement with humanity.

[16:35] Kevin DeYoung: "Our hope and prayer is that this has been helpful to you as you look at Scripture and try to understand the best of our theological tradition as Christians."

Listeners are encouraged to continue exploring these theological concepts to deepen their understanding and appreciation of God's grand narrative of redemption.

This episode of Doctrine Matters with Kevin DeYoung offers a thorough exploration of covenant theology, illuminating its biblical foundations, historical development, and theological implications. By examining scholarly definitions, biblical examples, and the eternal plan of redemption, DeYoung provides listeners with a comprehensive understanding of how covenants shape the Christian faith and practice.