Eternal Covenant: How the Trinity Reshapes Covenant Theology
Overview
In this book Smith delves deeper into the discussion at the intersection of covenant and trinitarian theology that he began with Paradox and Truth. Though many Reformed theologians have recognized an agreement between the Father and the Son for the salvation of the human race, few have explored the vast theological possibilities of an eternal covenant that involves all three persons of the Trinity. Instead, covenantal soteriology has focused on the so-called covenant of works between God and Adam, which turns out to be problematic both biblically and theologically. Smith places the eternal covenant in the position it deserves—the keystone of biblical and systematic theology—with profound consequences for the Reformed worldview.
Top Highlights
“The covenant between the Father and the Son is modeled after the covenant with Adam, and even though both the covenant of redemption and the covenant of grace are conceived of as taking place in the eternal counsel of God, the covenant of grace is often referred to as a ‘second covenant,’ the Adamic covenant being first.” (Page 11)
“As Kline sees it, denial of the covenant of works undermines the gospel in a rather specific manner” (Page 76)
“Kline’s two basic criticisms of the traditional covenant of works have profound implications.” (Page 69)
“What is most interesting from the perspective of this essay is the fact that so many Reformed theologians do recognize that the persons of the Trinity from eternity relate to one another in covenant.” (Page 15)
“By placing Adam in covenant with God and defining merit as faithfulness, Kline has undermined the traditional view of the covenant of works, which requires that the original covenant be a special dispensation of God’s kindness that offers, on probation, an opportunity for man to become a full covenant member. John Murray fully appreciated the implications of that scheme and adjusted the situation in the garden to fit that theology by denying that Adam had a right to the tree of life. Kline’s view, insofar as he wishes to keep a modified notion of the covenant of works, is a mixed interpretation, but one which points the way to a biblical understanding of Adam as created by God in a covenant of love, a covenant which demanded only that Adam reciprocate God’s love.” (Page 70)
Smith's research is valuable for a concise statement of the variety of opinions expressed over the past 500 years of Reformed scholarship on the topics addressed.
—Online Reviewer
- Title: Eternal Covenant: How the Trinity Reshapes Covenant Theology
- Author: Ralph Smith
- Publisher: Canon Press
- Publication Date: 2003
- Pages: 112