Covenant Theology

This sermon introduces covenant theology as a crucial framework for understanding the Bible as a unified redemptive narrative centered on Jesus Christ. Many believers neglect this foundational concept, leading to confusion about the relationship between the Old and New Covenants, the purpose of God's law, and the nature of salvation. Without a covenantal understanding, the Bible can appear as a collection of disconnected stories rather than a cohesive plan of God's redemptive work. Covenant theology reveals how God progressively unveils His plan of salvation through various covenants—with Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses, and David—all finding their ultimate fulfillment in the new covenant in Jesus Christ. It emphasizes that salvation has always been by faith in Christ alone; Old Testament saints looked forward to His promise, while New Testament believers look back at its fulfillment. This perspective helps unify Scripture, showing how "the new is in the old concealed, and the old is in the new revealed," with the New Testament providing the normative lens for understanding the Old. A covenant is defined as a declaration of God's sovereign pleasure, initiated and owned by Him, bestowing benefits, fostering communion, and outlining the means to enjoy Him. God always deals with humanity through a representative or "federal head," from Adam to the ultimate representative, Jesus Christ. This concept is vital for understanding doctrines like original sin and justification by faith. The lecture contrasts this Reformed Baptist covenant theology with other interpretive frameworks, particularly dispensationalism, which often disconnects the testaments and misinterprets the church's