What is Progressive Covenantalism?

Have you ever wondered how the Old and New Testaments fit together? Progressive Covenantalism offers a fascinating perspective on this question, exploring how God’s covenants throughout history reveal His unified plan for humanity.

Understanding God’s Covenants

At its heart, Progressive Covenantalism, sometimes called New Covenantalism, views the Bible as a story of God progressively revealing His plan through a series of covenants (agreements) with His people. These aren’t isolated events but interconnected stages in a grand, unfolding drama.

Key Features of Progressive Covenantalism:

  • Continuity: It emphasizes the unity and consistency of God’s character and purposes throughout the Bible. Instead of seeing a stark contrast between a God of wrath in the Old Testament and a God of love in the New, Progressive Covenantalism finds a harmonious thread of God’s grace and faithfulness woven throughout both.
  • Development: God’s covenants, while connected, also demonstrate development. Each covenant builds upon the previous one, expanding our understanding of God’s plan and His relationship with humanity. Think of it like climbing a mountain – each covenant represents a higher vantage point, offering a clearer view of the summit.
  • Christocentricity: Ultimately, Progressive Covenantalism finds its culmination in Jesus Christ. All the covenants point towards Him, and He is the fulfillment of God’s promises.

Exploring the Major Covenants

Progressive Covenantalism typically identifies several major covenants in the Bible, including:

  1. The Adamic Covenant (Genesis 1-3): Establishes God’s relationship with humanity and lays the foundation for all subsequent covenants.

  2. The Noahic Covenant (Genesis 9): Reaffirms God’s care for creation after the flood and promises its preservation.

  3. The Abrahamic Covenant (Genesis 12, 15, 17): God calls Abraham and promises to bless him, make him a great nation, and through him bless all nations.

  4. The Mosaic Covenant (Exodus 19-24): Given through Moses, this covenant establishes Israel as God’s chosen people and includes the Ten Commandments as a guide for their lives.

  5. The Davidic Covenant (2 Samuel 7): Promises David an everlasting dynasty and a king who will rule with justice and righteousness.

  6. The New Covenant (Jeremiah 31:31-34; Hebrews 8): This is the ultimate covenant, promised through the prophets and fulfilled in Jesus Christ. It offers forgiveness of sins, the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, and a restored relationship with God.

Significance and Implications

Understanding Progressive Covenantalism can deepen our appreciation for the Bible’s message in several ways:

  • A Unified Story: It helps us see the Bible as a cohesive story, not a collection of unrelated stories.
  • God’s Faithfulness: It highlights God’s unwavering commitment to His promises throughout history.
  • The Centrality of Christ: It emphasizes the person and work of Jesus as the focal point of God’s redemptive plan.

Conclusion

Progressive Covenantalism offers a compelling lens through which to understand the Bible’s message. It invites us to see the grand sweep of God’s redemptive plan unfolding through history, culminating in the person and work of Jesus Christ. As we study the covenants, we gain a deeper appreciation for God’s character, His faithfulness, and His unwavering love for humanity.

What are your thoughts on Progressive Covenantalism? Share your insights in the comments below! We would love to hear from you.