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12 Jun

Theology of the New Covenant

Posted June 12, 2008 by Paul Lamey in Hermeneutics, theology.

A crux interpretum with significant theological implications is the meaning of the promised New Covenant (Jer. 31:31-34; Ezek. 36:22-36). How does one distinguish between Israel and the church if at all (a debate between dispensational and covenant theologians)? Does the church presently participate in the NC and is there more than one NC (a debate chiefly among dispensationalist)? Is the NC a fulfilled reality or are there aspects which remain unfulfilled (realized?)? Are there “unbelieving” members presently in the NC?

Below are ten key theological aspects of the New Covenant that I believe are essential for articulating a consistent and complete theology of the NC. Each one is a weighty issue in and of itself so I simply offer the key points:

  1. The NC is in fact “new” (Heb. 8:13)
  2. The NC was promised by the prophets (Jer. 31:31-34; Ezek. 36:22-36)
  3. The NC was instituted by Christ (Luke 22:20)
  4. The NC was inaugurated at Pentecost (Acts 2:14-41)
  5. The NC is participated in by the church in the present age (1 Cor. 11:23-34; 2 Cor. 3:1-18; Eph. 2:11-13)
  6. The NC will be fulfilled in Israel in the Millennial Kingdom (Rom. 11:25-27)
  7. The NC will be consummated in the eternal state (Rev. 21:1-4)
  8. The NC is applied only to those who consciously know the Lord by faith (Jer. 31:34; cf. Heb. 8:11-12)
  9. The NC ensures that every recipient of its promises possesses forgiveness of sins (Jer. 31:34)
  10. The NC’s members cannot abandoned the faith in any respect (John 6:38-40, 10:27-30; 1 John 2:19)

I am indebted to my fellow contributer Matt Waymeyer who has written a helpful appendix on this issue in his A Biblical Critique of Infant Baptism (pp.111-31).

6 responses to this post.

  1. Posted by Caleb Kolstad on June 13, 2008 at 5:35 am

    What is the difference between these two?

    The NC will be fulfilled in Israel in the Millennial Kingdom (Rom. 11:25-27)

    The NC will be consummated in the eternal state (Rev. 21:1-4)

  2. Posted by Caleb Kolstad on June 13, 2008 at 5:35 am

    I mean between the two words you used “fulfilled” and “consummated”?

  3. Posted by clearly on June 17, 2008 at 9:03 am

    Excellent!

    I think it’s interesting that the church’s present participation in the NC is provoking Israel to jealousy, and ultimately leading them to repentance in the kingdom….

  4. Posted by lionelwoods7 on June 18, 2008 at 3:04 am

    How did you come to point 6?

  5. Posted by Paul Lamey on June 18, 2008 at 10:11 am

    I came to point 6 through Rom. 11:25-27 which is a widely recognized interpretation of this passage. I realize it may not line up with various constructs but it’s nothing new really.

    Blessings

  6. Posted by lionelwoods7 on June 18, 2008 at 8:28 pm

    LOL! Yeah just messing around.

Comments are closed.