Abstract
This article presents a defense of Covenant Theology (CT) in response to objections raised by proponents of New Covenant Theology (NCT). It addresses key points of contention, including the nature of the Covenant of Grace, covenant membership, and the practice of infant baptism. Through careful examination of scriptural evidence and theological reasoning, this paper argues for the continued validity and coherence of CT as a framework for understanding God's redemptive plan.
Introduction
Covenant Theology has long been a cornerstone of Reformed theological understanding, providing a comprehensive framework for interpreting God's interactions with humanity throughout biblical history. However, in recent years, New Covenant Theology has emerged as a challenger to this established system, raising objections to several key tenets of CT. This article aims to address these objections and defend the Reformed position on CT, with a particular focus on the Covenant of Grace (CoG) and its implications for church practice, especially regarding baptism.
The Covenant of Grace: Theological Deduction and Biblical Warrant
One of the primary objections raised against CT is that the Covenant of Grace is not explicitly mentioned in Scripture and is therefore an "entirely theologically deduced" concept. This objection, however, fails to recognize the legitimacy of theological deduction when grounded in sound biblical exegesis.
The Principle of Good and Necessary Consequence
The Westminster Confession of Faith introduces the concept of "good and necessary consequence" (GNC), which allows for the formulation of doctrines that, while not explicitly stated in Scripture, are logically and necessarily derived from biblical teaching. A prime example of this is the doctrine of the Trinity, a foundational teaching for orthodox Christianity that, like the CoG, is not explicitly named in Scripture but is clearly taught throughout.
The CoG, like the Trinity, is proclaimed throughout Scripture in God's gracious dealings with humanity. From the protoevangelium in Genesis 3:15 to the new covenant promises in Jeremiah 31 and their fulfillment in Christ, the Bible consistently presents God's redemptive plan as a gracious covenant initiative.
The Gospel of Grace as the Covenant of Grace
Some NCT proponents suggest replacing the CoG with the "gospel of grace" as the meta-principle covering all of redemptive history. However, this proposal fails to recognize that the "good news" of grace is, in fact, the story of the Covenant of Grace. The CoG provides the theological framework that explains how the gospel operates throughout redemptive history.
Covenant Membership and the Visible/Invisible Church Distinction
Another point of contention is the nature of covenant membership, particularly as it relates to the concept of the visible and invisible church. NCT proponents often object to the idea that there can be members of the covenant who do not ultimately receive its benefits.
Biblical Evidence for a Mixed Covenant Community
Scripture provides ample evidence for the existence of a mixed covenant community, both in the Old Testament (e.g., Ishmael, Esau) and the New Testament (e.g., 2 Peter 2, Acts 20:28-30, Matthew 18:15-17, Hebrews 6:4-8, 1 John 2:19-20, Matthew 7:21-23). These passages demonstrate that there have always been those within the visible church who are not part of the invisible church.
This distinction does not negate the reality of the covenant but rather highlights the tension between the "already" and "not yet" aspects of God's kingdom. It also underscores the importance of perseverance and the need for continual faith and repentance within the covenant community.
Infant Baptism: A Sign and Seal of Covenant Promise
Perhaps the most contentious issue between CT and NCT is the practice of infant baptism. NCT proponents argue that the New Covenant is purely spiritual and therefore excludes infants from receiving its sign.
Continuity Between Old and New Covenant Signs
Covenant Theology maintains that baptism now occupies the same relation to the covenant and the church that circumcision did in the Old Testament. Both rites represent the same spiritual grace (regeneration) and serve as the seal or confirming sign of the Abrahamic covenant (Deuteronomy 30:6; Colossians 2:11-12; Romans 6:3-4; Acts 2:38-39; Galatians 3:27,29).
The Promise to Believers and Their Children
Acts 2:38-39 explicitly states that the promise of the New Covenant is "for you and for your children." This echoes the language of the Abrahamic covenant and suggests continuity in God's dealings with believers and their offspring.
Christ's Attitude Toward Children
Jesus' welcoming of children (Matthew 19:14-15) provides further support for including them in the covenant community. His actions and words suggest that children have a place in the kingdom of God and should not be hindered from coming to Him.
Historical Practice and the Burden of Proof
The historical practice of the church, founded by the apostles and their disciples, has included infant baptism. The burden of proof lies with NCT proponents to demonstrate that the New Covenant explicitly removes infants from receiving the sign of the visible Kingdom, nullifying the correlation between Old Covenant circumcision and New Covenant baptism.
The Mixed Nature of the New Covenant
A core tenet of NCT is that the New Covenant is purely spiritual and composed only of the elect. However, this view fails to account for the visible, physical aspects of the covenant.
Physical Signs and Consequences
Both the elect and the reprobate receive the physical sign of the New Covenant (baptism) and are therefore subject to its blessings and curses. For the elect, this includes both physical blessings (e.g., Galatians 5:22-23) and eternal communion with God. For the reprobate, it includes temporary physical blessings (e.g., Hebrews 6:4-6) but ultimately the curse of eternal damnation for covenant breaking (e.g., Hebrews 10:29-30, Matthew 7:22).
This mixed nature of the New Covenant community is consistent with the pattern seen throughout redemptive history and presents a significant challenge to the NCT framework.
Conclusion
While New Covenant Theology raises important questions about the nature of God's covenantal dealings with humanity, its objections to Covenant Theology ultimately fall short. CT provides a more comprehensive and biblically consistent framework for understanding God's redemptive plan. It accounts for the continuity and discontinuity between the Old and New Covenants, explains the mixed nature of the covenant community, and provides a solid theological foundation for practices such as infant baptism.
As we continue to engage with these important theological issues, it is crucial to remain grounded in Scripture while also appreciating the insights of church history and the broader Reformed tradition. Covenant Theology, with its emphasis on the unity of God's redemptive plan centered on Christ, continues to offer a robust and scripturally faithful approach to understanding God's relationship with His people.
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