5 Recommended Resources on Covenant Theology

Covenant theology seeks to understand the Bible and how God relates to His people through a covenantal structure. In particular, Reformed theologians identify two distinct biblical covenants: the covenant of works and the covenant of grace. The following resources, curated by the Ligonier editorial team, can serve those who want to better understand what covenant theology is and how it differs from other hermeneutical frameworks.

The Fulfillment of the Promises of God: An Explanation of Covenant Theology by Richard P. Belcher

This book examines covenant theology as presented in the Westminster Confession of Faith, giving attention to the covenants found in Scripture. Minor and major variations within covenant theology are addressed, including how these variations impact important doctrines. Attention is also given to the views of confessional Baptists and to progressive covenantalism.

God to Us: Covenant Theology in Scripture by Stephen G. Myers

God’s unchanging purpose is to bring a people to Himself through His Son. This book seeks to explain the purpose and work of the covenants in detail so that readers may deepen their knowledge of God by understanding their relationship to Him as His covenant people.

The Christ of the Covenants by O. Palmer Robertson

In this book, Dr. Robertson examines the successive covenants in Scripture, showing their role in developing the central thrust of God’s redemptive plan for His people. He also seeks to demonstrate how a correct understanding of God’s initiative in establishing covenants can help make sense of the relation of the two testaments and the distinctive message of the Bible.

Covenants Made Simple: Understanding God’s Unfolding Promises to His People by Jonty Rhodes

This accessible book examines not only what covenant theology is, but also why it matters, arguing that covenants carry the Bible’s story from beginning to end and give root to the gospel of salvation by grace. Topics include law and grace, union with Christ, baptism in the Spirit, predestination, and water baptism.

Christ and Covenant Theology: Essays on Election, Republication, and the Covenants by Cornelis P. Venema 

This collection of essays summarizes and defends a broad consensus view of the doctrine of the covenants in the history of Reformed theology and clarifies several areas of dispute. Attention is given to covenant theology as seen historically in the Westminster Confession of Faith, the Canons of Dort, and the theology of Herman Bavinck. The book also includes a discussion of covenant, justification, and Federal Vision theology.

This article is part of the Recommended Resources collection.