As Reformed pastors and theologians, our understanding of Scripture is deeply rooted in the rich soil of covenant theology. This theological framework, carefully articulated in historic confessions like the Westminster Confession of Faith and the Three Forms of Unity, provides a coherent and biblically faithful lens through which we interpret the unfolding drama of redemption. However, in recent years, alternative views such as New Covenant Theology (NCT) and Progressive Covenantalism (PC) have emerged, seeking to offer fresh perspectives. While these views present interesting insights, it is crucial for Reformed pastors and theologians to understand why adhering to the historic Reformed position is both theologically sound and pastorally wise.
Defining the Positions
1. Reformed Covenant Theology (CT): Reformed Covenant Theology is built on the understanding of an overarching covenant of grace that encompasses both the Old and New Testaments. This covenantal framework sees the moral law, summarized in the Ten Commandments, as perpetually binding and views the church as the continuation of God’s covenant people, Israel. Key to this perspective is the continuity of God’s redemptive plan, progressively revealed through various covenants (e.g., Abrahamic, Mosaic, Davidic) and culminating in the New Covenant established by Jesus Christ.
2. New Covenant Theology (NCT): New Covenant Theology emphasizes discontinuity between the Old and New Covenants. It argues that the Mosaic Law, including the Ten Commandments, has been fulfilled and set aside by Christ, replaced by the "law of Christ" found in the New Testament’s ethical teachings. NCT typically practices believer’s baptism only, viewing the New Covenant community as composed of professing believers.
3. Progressive Covenantalism (PC): Progressive Covenantalism seeks to strike a balance between Covenant Theology and Dispensationalism. It views the biblical covenants as the key to understanding Scripture, with each covenant progressively revealing God’s redemptive plan. While PC acknowledges continuity in God’s moral law and redemptive purposes, it also emphasizes significant discontinuity brought by the New Covenant. PC generally practices believer’s baptism and sees the church as the new covenant community, fulfilling God’s promises to Israel in a spiritual sense.
Critique of Progressive Covenantalism
While Progressive Covenantalism aims to provide a balanced perspective, it introduces several theological errors and inconsistencies that can be problematic for those adhering to historic Reformed theology.
1. Undermining the Covenant of Works: Reformed theology holds the covenant of works with Adam in the Garden of Eden as foundational. This covenant required perfect obedience and promised life for obedience and death for disobedience. Richard Barcellos, in his book "Getting the Garden Right," emphasizes the importance of this covenant for understanding the nature of Christ's redemptive work. PC’s tendency to downplay or overlook the covenant of works undermines the theological basis for Christ’s role as the second Adam, who fulfills the covenant of works on behalf of believers.
2. Ambiguity in the Law-Gospel Distinction: PC’s approach to the law often lacks the clear distinction between law and gospel that is a hallmark of Reformed theology. By not consistently upholding the tripartite division of the law (moral, ceremonial, civil), PC can lead to confusion about the believer’s relationship to God’s moral law. This ambiguity can result in ethical teaching that is not as firmly grounded in the unchanging character of God’s moral demands as articulated in the Ten Commandments.
3. Ecclesiological Implications: Reformed theology views the church as the continuation of God’s covenant people, Israel. This perspective highlights the unity and continuity of God’s redemptive plan across both Testaments. PC’s view of the church as a new entity fulfilling God’s promises to Israel in a purely spiritual sense can undermine this continuity and the unity of God’s people. This separation can lead to an ecclesiology that does not fully appreciate the organic development of God’s covenant community from Israel to the church.
4. Sacramental Practices: Reformed theology practices infant baptism, viewing it as a sign and seal of the covenant of grace analogous to Old Testament circumcision. This practice underscores the continuity of God’s covenant community across generations. PC’s emphasis on believer’s baptism breaks this continuity and misses the profound theological and pastoral implications of infant baptism. By rejecting infant baptism, PC fails to acknowledge the covenantal inclusion of believers’ children, which is a significant aspect of Reformed ecclesiology.
5. Historical and Theological Stability: Reformed theology offers a long-standing, stable, and historically tested framework grounded in rigorous biblical exegesis. PC, as a more recent development, lacks the historical depth and stability that come with centuries of theological reflection and pastoral application within the Reformed tradition. The novel approaches of PC can introduce theological instability and detract from the tried and true doctrines that have sustained Reformed communities through centuries.
Why Stay with the Historic Reformed Position?
1. Theological Consistency with Reformed Confessions: Reformed theology is deeply rooted in historic confessions that provide a robust and coherent theological framework. These confessions articulate the continuity of the covenant of grace and the perpetual validity of the moral law. Departing from this framework, as NCT and PC do, introduces inconsistencies that undermine the stability and coherence of Reformed theology. Richard Barcellos, in "Getting the Garden Right," emphasizes the interconnectedness of the biblical covenants, highlighting their progressive revelation culminating in Christ.
2. Continuity of the Moral Law: Reformed theology maintains that the moral law, as summarized in the Ten Commandments, remains binding for believers. This law reflects God’s unchanging character and serves as a guide for Christian living. Both NCT and PC’s views on the law can dilute the comprehensive moral guidance provided by Scripture. Barcellos affirms the ongoing validity of the moral law, aligning with the Reformed perspective and standing in contrast to the discontinuity emphasized by NCT and, to a lesser extent, PC.
3. Sacramental Theology: Reformed theology practices infant baptism, viewing it as a sign and seal of the covenant of grace analogous to Old Testament circumcision. This practice underscores the continuity of God’s covenant community. NCT and PC, with their emphasis on believer’s baptism, break this continuity and miss the profound theological and pastoral implications of infant baptism.
4. Ecclesiology: Reformed theology sees the church as the continuation of God’s covenant people, Israel. This perspective highlights the unity and continuity of God’s redemptive plan across both Testaments. PC’s view of the church as a new entity can undermine this continuity and the unity of God’s people. Barcellos' work underscores the importance of typology, showing how Old Testament types (such as Adam, Israel, and the sacrificial system) point forward to and find their fulfillment in Christ. This reinforces the Reformed view of continuity in redemptive history, where Christ is the fulfillment of all Old Testament types and shadows.
5. Historical and Theological Stability: Reformed theology offers a long-standing, stable, and historically tested framework grounded in rigorous biblical exegesis. NCT and PC, as more recent developments, lack the historical depth and stability that come with centuries of theological reflection and pastoral application within the Reformed tradition. Barcellos emphasizes that the biblical covenants are not isolated agreements but are interconnected and progressively reveal God’s redemptive plan. This view upholds the unity and coherence of Scripture, a hallmark of Reformed covenant theology.
Pastoral and Ministerial Implications
Adhering to the historic Reformed position has significant pastoral and ministerial benefits. Here are some of the key implications:
1. Stability in Preaching and Teaching: A consistent theological framework grounded in historic Reformed confessions provides a stable foundation for preaching and teaching. It ensures that sermons are rooted in the whole counsel of God, integrating both the Old and New Testaments. This approach enriches the congregation's understanding of Scripture and God's redemptive plan, promoting spiritual growth and maturity.
2. Ethical Guidance and Moral Clarity: The continuity of the moral law in Reformed theology offers clear ethical guidance for believers. By upholding the Ten Commandments as perpetually binding, Reformed pastors can provide comprehensive moral instruction that reflects God's unchanging character. This moral clarity helps congregants navigate ethical dilemmas and promotes holiness and godly living.
3. Sacramental Practices and Community Inclusion: Reformed sacramental theology, particularly the practice of infant baptism, emphasizes the inclusion of children in the covenant community. This practice fosters a sense of belonging and continuity across generations, reinforcing the biblical principle that God's promises extend to believers and their children. It also encourages parents to raise their children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord, integrating them fully into the life of the church from an early age.
4. Ecclesiological Unity and Continuity: Viewing the church as the continuation of God's covenant people, Israel, promotes a sense of unity and continuity within the congregation. This perspective highlights the church's role in God's redemptive plan and underscores the organic development of God's covenant community. It encourages congregants to see themselves as part of a larger, historical narrative of redemption, fostering a deeper appreciation for their place in God's plan.
5. Historical and Theological Depth: Adhering to the historic Reformed position provides access to a rich theological heritage that has been tested and refined over centuries. This depth offers pastors a wealth of resources for sermon preparation, teaching, and pastoral care. It also provides a stable theological foundation that can withstand the challenges and shifts of contemporary culture, ensuring that the church remains rooted in timeless biblical truths.
6. Robust Typology and Redemptive History: The Reformed emphasis on typology and redemptive history enriches the congregation's understanding of Scripture. By recognizing how Old Testament types and shadows point forward to their fulfillment in Christ, pastors can help their congregations see the unity and coherence of God's redemptive plan. This approach deepens the congregation's appreciation for the Old Testament and its relevance to their faith.
Conclusion
As Reformed pastors and theologians, our commitment to the historic Reformed position is not merely about preserving tradition for tradition’s sake. It is about remaining faithful to the rich, biblically grounded theology that has been handed down through the ages. This theology provides a coherent and stable framework for understanding God’s redemptive plan, guiding our preaching, teaching, and pastoral care. By staying with the historic Reformed position, we ensure that we are faithfully proclaiming the whole counsel of God and shepherding our congregations in the paths of righteousness.
In the words of Wilhelmus à Brakel, “A minister who does not labor to feed and lead his congregation with the whole counsel of God is a destroyer of the flock.” Let us, therefore, remain steadfast in our Reformed convictions, faithfully leading God’s people with the rich, experiential theology that has nourished the church for centuries.
Sources
Horton, Michael. God of Promise: Introducing Covenant Theology. Baker Books, 2006.
Wellum, Stephen J., and Brent E. Parker, eds. Progressive Covenantalism: Charting a Course between Dispensational and Covenant Theologies. B&H Academic, 2016.
Vos, Geerhardus. Biblical Theology: Old and New Testaments. Banner of Truth, 1948.
Westminster Confession of Faith.
Three Forms of Unity: Belgic Confession, Heidelberg Catechism, and Canons of Dort.
Barcellos, Richard C. Getting the Garden Right: Adam's Work and God's Rest in Light of Christ. Founders Press, 2017.
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