Tabletalk Magazine, October 2006: Covenant Theology

by Ligonier Ministries

Publisher:

Ligonier Ministries

, 2006

Overview

Covenant theology is, in essence, biblical theology. And while Reformed thinkers have not necessarily agreed on the minutiae of certain aspects, they have all agreed on the principle of viewing Scripture within a covenantal framework. The symphony of Scripture, and thus of God’s redemptive plan, is largely overlooked today. The fault is partly our own. Systems like Dispensationalism have gained much ground, probably due to their being disseminated in simple, popular ways. It is our hope that this October 2006 edition of Tabletalk can provide a clear and simple response of a more biblical view of God’s handiwork.

Contributors include R.C. Sproul along with R. Scott Clark, Michael S. Horton, David McKay, Rick Phillips, R.C. Sproul Jr., and Gene Edward Veith. Tabletalk features articles about topics central to the Christian faith and daily, in-depth Bible studies.

The 2006 Bible studies take a careful look at the book of Genesis.

Contents

• "Our Covenant God" by Burk Parsons
• "The Covenant of Works" by R. C. Sproul
• "The History of Covenant Theology" by R. Scott Clark
• "Redemptive History" by Rick Phillips
• "Law and Gospel" by Michael S. Horton
• "Those Whom God Hath Joined Togethor" by Burk Parsons
• "Praying with the Patriarchs" by Derek W. H. Thomas
• "The Laughter of Abraham and the Joy of Jesus" by Warren A. Gage
• "Prayer and Its Discontents" by Kaki Cobb
• "Covenant Community" by David McKay
• "One Covenant Under God" by R. C. Sproul Jr.
• "Covenant and Culture" by Gene Edward Veith

Top Highlights

“The covenant of grace indicates God’s promise to save us even when we fail to keep the obligations imposed in creation” (Page 6)

“Reformed theology has traditionally insisted that the moral law (that is, the Ten Commandments) remains in force, while the ceremonial and civil laws of the old covenant are now obsolete along with that covenant itself.” (Page 18)

“Scofield distinguished seven dispensations including that of innocence, conscience, civil government, promise, law, grace, and the kingdom period.” (Page 5)

“Covenant theology provides the answer: believers in Christ are justified both by His fulfilling the covenant of works on our behalf and by the atonement in His blood offered by the covenant of grace.” (Page 15)

“A covenant is a compact God makes with man for life and blessing” (Page 13)

Praise for the Print Edition

Tabletalk has been a key ingredient in the diet of Christians conscious of their spiritual vitality.

—Michael S. Horton

Month by month, Tabletalk represents an oasis in a desert of false spirituality, mindless Christianity, and vapid conviction. Tabletalk represents theological rigor, biblical Christianity, and authentic Christian devotion. It is an antidote to the world of superficial Christianity. Read it and grow.

—R. Albert Mohler, Jr.

Tabletalk has been a wonderful resource in my own daily walk with the Lord.

—Ravi Zacharias

Product Details

• Title: Tabletalk Magazine, October 2006: Covenant Theology
• Executive Editor: R. C. Sproul
• Editor: Burk Parsons
• Series: Tabletalk
• Publisher: Ligonier Ministries
• Publication Date: October 2006
• Pages: 63

About Ligonier Ministries

R. C. Sproul is founder and president of Ligonier Ministries and president of Ligonier Academy. He also servers as the senior pastor of Saint Andrew’s in Sanford, Fla., and he has written more than seventy books including The Holiness of God, The Intimage Marriage, Essential Truths of the Christian Faith, Following the Cross, and the R. C. Sproul Exposition Collection.

Burk Parsons serves as editor of Tabletalk and associate pastor of Saint Andrew’s in Sanford, Fla., and he is editor of the books Assured by God: Living in the Fullness of God’s Grace and John Calvin: A Heart for Devotion, Doctrine, and Doxology.