Summary of "What Is the Bi-Covenantal Structure?" from Doctrine Matters with Kevin DeYoung

Doctrine Matters is a weekly podcast hosted by Pastor Kevin DeYoung of Christ Covenant Church in Matthews, North Carolina. In the episode titled "What Is the Bi-Covenantal Structure?" released on May 20, 2025, DeYoung delves into the intricate framework of Covenant Theology, specifically focusing on the bi-covenantal structure that underpins the relationship between God and humanity. This comprehensive exploration sheds light on the foundational covenants that shape Christian theology, drawing distinctions between various theological traditions and historical administrations of these covenants.

1. Introduction to Covenant Theology

Kevin DeYoung opens the episode by reiterating the podcast's mission: to equip Christians with a robust understanding of the theological doctrines that form the bedrock of their faith. He emphasizes the importance of re-examining doctrines that have been misunderstood or challenged throughout church history, aiming to realign believers' perspectives through scriptural and rational examination.

Notable Quote:

"We want this podcast to equip Christians with a better understanding of the rich theology that undergirds our faith." (00:03)

2. Understanding the Bi-Covenantal Structure

Central to this episode is the explanation of the bi-covenantal structure, which posits two fundamental covenantal arrangements between God and humanity: the Covenant of Works and the Covenant of Grace.

a. Covenant of Works

The Covenant of Works pertains to the agreement between God and Adam in the Garden of Eden. In this covenant, Adam is granted the promise of life contingent upon his perfect and perpetual obedience to God's command. Failure to adhere results in death.

Key Points:

• Terminology: While commonly referred to as the Covenant of Works, it has been known by various other names such as the Edenic Covenant, Covenant of Nature, and Covenant of Life. DeYoung advocates for "Covenant of Works" as it accurately reflects the principle of blessings and curses based on human works rather than divine grace.

• Scriptural Foundation: DeYoung references Hosea 6:7 to illustrate Adam's transgression, drawing parallels between Adam's failure and Israel's subsequent iniquities.

Notable Quote:

"The covenant of works is the most common name, and I think it's preferable because it underscores that the blessings and curses were to be given according to the principle of works instead of grace." (04:45)

b. Covenant of Grace

Following the Fall, humanity is deemed incapable of fulfilling the Covenant of Works. Consequently, God establishes the Covenant of Grace, which is rooted in His unmerited favor rather than human merit. This covenant is characterized by the promise of salvation through faith, which itself is a divine gift.

Key Points:

• Conditional vs. Unconditional: The Covenant of Grace is often debated as being either conditional or unconditional. DeYoung clarifies that while the covenant requires faith, this faith is granted by God, maintaining its unconditional nature in terms of human merit.

• Internal and External Elements: DeYoung emphasizes that the Covenant of Grace possesses both objective (external) and subjective (internal) aspects. For instance, professions like circumcision serve as external signs, while the internal acceptance of faith is necessary for beneficiaries to partake fully in the covenant's blessings.

Notable Quote:

"There is no way in which the covenant of works can be to us a covenant of life." (17:30)

3. Perspectives within Covenant Theology

DeYoung explores the differing interpretations of Covenant Theology within Presbyterian/Reformed and Baptist traditions.

a. Presbyterian/Reformed View

Within Presbyterian and Reformed circles, the Covenant of Grace is seen as a singular, overarching covenant administered through various dispensations or historical administrations. These administrations include the Noahic, Abrahamic, Mosaic, and New Covenants, each serving distinct purposes within redemptive history.

Key Points:

• Westminster Confession: DeYoung references the Westminster Confession to highlight that despite different administrations, the essence of the Covenant of Grace remains consistent across dispensations.

• Unity of the Covenant of Grace: Emphasizes the continuity and unity of the Covenant of Grace throughout Scripture, asserting that all covenants in the Old Testament are administrations of this singular covenant.

b. Baptist View

In contrast, Baptists have historically emphasized a more distinct separation between different covenants, particularly distinguishing between the Covenant of Grace and other covenants like the Noahic or Abrahamic. However, DeYoung notes a resurgence in covenantal thought among Baptists, aligning more closely with Reformed perspectives without entirely conforming to them.

Key Points:

• Distinctions: Baptists tend to maintain clearer boundaries between covenants, often rejecting the idea of the Mosaic Covenant as an administration of the Covenant of Grace.

• Recent Emphasis: There has been a renewed interest in Covenant Theology within Baptist circles, leading to more nuanced understandings that appreciate the depth of covenantal relationships in Scripture.

Notable Quote:

"Now someone who say is progressive covenantalist would want to see and does see a unity of this covenant of grace and that this is a unifying principle." (25:00)

4. Historical Administrations of the Covenant of Grace

DeYoung meticulously examines how the Covenant of Grace has been historically manifested through various covenants in the Bible.

a. Noahic Covenant (Genesis 9)

The covenant made with Noah after the Flood is characterized by God's promise never to destroy the world with a flood again. It is a covenant of preservation, extending not only to Noah's descendants but to all living creatures.

Key Points:

• Common Grace: Unlike other covenants, the Noahic Covenant is universal, applying to all of creation rather than a specific people.

• Sign of the Covenant: The rainbow serves as the sign, a natural and bloodless reminder of God's unilateral promise.

Notable Quote:

"It's a unilateral promise that God will preserve the world." (22:15)

b. Abrahamic Covenant (Genesis 12, 15, 17, 22)

The covenant with Abraham is multifaceted, encompassing promises of land, descendants, and blessings. It is ratified through specific ceremonies and signs, such as circumcision.

Key Points:

• Covenant Ratification: Genesis 15 describes a covenant ceremony where God makes a unilateral promise to Abraham, symbolizing His commitment to the covenant.

• Covenant Signification: Genesis 17 introduces circumcision as the physical sign of the Abrahamic Covenant, representing the external commitment to God's promises.

• Covenant Confirmation: Genesis 22 highlights God's testing of Abraham's faith, ultimately reaffirming His unwavering promise despite Abraham's trials.

Notable Quote:

"The promise of God's presence. I will be with you, you will be my people. I will be your God." (19:30)

c. Mosaic Covenant (Exodus 20, Deuteronomy 29)

The Mosaic Covenant is established at Sinai, outlining the laws and statutes that the nation of Israel is to follow. While it includes conditional elements, it is ultimately an administration of the Covenant of Grace.

Key Points:

• Law and Grace: Although the Mosaic Covenant is centered on the law, it is infused with grace through the priestly system and sacrificial system, providing continual reminders of God's mercy.

• Non-Legalistic: DeYoung emphasizes that the Mosaic Covenant was never intended to be a legalistic means of earning salvation. Instead, it served as a guide for living in grace, with salvation remaining a sovereign act of God.

Notable Quote:

"The Mosaic covenant was not to render void the promise. Paul makes this point in Galatians." (31:00)

5. Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Kevin DeYoung concludes the episode by reinforcing the centrality of the Covenant of Grace in understanding Christian theology. He underscores the unity and continuity of God's promises throughout redemptive history, emphasizing that all covenants ultimately point to the overarching plan of salvation through Jesus Christ.

Notable Quote:

"It helps us understand how all the pieces fit together, but would use a little different language in understanding the covenant of grace." (28:45)

DeYoung encourages listeners to delve deeper into these theological concepts, suggesting resources like his year-long mini systematic theology book, Daily Doctrine, available through Crossway.

Final Thoughts

In "What Is the Bi-Covenantal Structure?", Kevin DeYoung offers a thorough and nuanced exploration of Covenant Theology, elucidating the intricate relationships between the Covenant of Works and the Covenant of Grace. By tracing these covenants through their historical administrations, DeYoung provides listeners with a comprehensive understanding of how God's redemptive plan unfolds throughout Scripture. This episode serves as a valuable resource for Christians seeking to deepen their theological knowledge and appreciate the cohesive narrative of God's covenants.