Baptist Covenant Theology Series Analysis with Brandon Adams (S2E18)
Apr 23, 2024
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Brandon Adams, an expert in Baptist Covenant Theology, joins Caleb to discuss key takeaways from a series comparing 1689 Federalism and Progressive Covenantalism. They delve into topics like the 10 Commandments, the Sabbath, and the nuances of Sabbath observance, providing insightful perspectives on covenant theology differences.
1689 Federalists differentiate Old and New Covenants based on natural and positive law, emphasizing God's transcendent moral principles.
Progressive Covenantalists stress continuity of God's moral norms from Old to New Covenant, rooted in Christ and creation order.
Sabbath observance in 1689 Federalism involves balancing strict adherence to Fourth Commandment with New Covenant spirit and discretion.
Deep dives
Understanding the Distinction in Covenant Theology
1689 Federalists view the Old and New Covenants as distinct, unlike the perspective of Westminster Covenant Theology. While Westminster sees continuity in the law unless repealed, 1689 Federalists recognize a theological distinction based on natural and positive law. The focus is on God's moral law transcending both covenants and applied in light of the essence of the law.
Moral Principles and Binding Validity
Progressive Covenantalists emphasize that God's character reflected in the moral principles of the mosaic law remains binding in the New Covenant context. These moral norms are viewed as unchanging and integral to the creation order, fulfilling in Christ and abiding intelligibility. The adherence to moral principles grounded in God's character signifies continuity and fulfillment in Christ.
Applying Sabbath Observance and Conscience Boundaries
In matters of Sabbath observance, 1689 Federalists advise adhering strictly to the Fourth Commandment while applying its principles conscientiously in the context of the New Covenant spirit. Guidance suggests balancing Sabbath observance with a spirit of moderation and adherence to the letter of the commandment. Recommendations propose sanctifying the Sabbath by adhering to essential principles whilst allowing individuals to determine personal Sabbath practices in line with the New Covenant.
Individual Discernment and Pastoral Guidance on Sabbath Observance
Guidance on Sabbath observance focuses on enunciating underlying principles rather than enforcing specific prohibitions. Elders and ministers advocate for each believer or family to prayerfully discern and conscientiously apply Sabbath observance principles in a manner aligned with the spirit of sanctification. Pastoral recommendations urge flexible but intentional Sabbath practices, emphasizing the importance of personal discernment within the framework of honoring fundamental Sabbath principles.
Progressive Covenantalism's View on the Sabbath Command
Progressive Covenantalism (PC) views the Sabbath command differently from traditional interpretations. PC argues that the Sabbath command is not considered eternal moral law but rather a type or pattern pointing towards the rest in Christ. While recognizing the Decalogue's moral demand, PC emphasizes the typological nature of the Sabbath, highlighting its role as a covenantal sign for Israel, distinct from the eternal moral laws embedded in the other nine commandments.
Interpretation of the Mosaic Law and Covenantal Change
Progressive Covenantalism distinguishes itself from traditional covenant theologies by reframing the relationship with the Mosaic law in a covenantal context. PC asserts that believers under the new covenant relate to the law through faith and evangelical obedience, showcasing a shift in approach rather than a change in the content of God's moral law. PC finds nuances in how the law is interpreted, emphasizing the covenantal union with Christ as pivotal in understanding obedience to the law.
This is the first of two episodes where Caleb is joined by guest Brandon Adams to discuss, analyze, and consider key questions from the previous 8-week series: Comparing Baptist Covenant Theologies: 1689 Federalism and Progressive Covenantalism. In this episode, Caleb and Brandon focus on positive takeaways from the previous episodes and dialogue a bit further on the 10 Commandments and the Sabbath in particular.
Resources:
Comparing Baptist Covenant Theologies by Richard Lucas https://equip.sbts.edu/publications/the-past-and-future-of-baptist-covenantal-theology-comparing-1689-federalism-and-progressive-covenantalism/
Christ Over All (Long and short form journal articles overviewing PC) https://christoverall.com/theme/a-primer-on-progressive-covenantalism/
Kingdom through Covenant: A Biblical-Theological Understanding of the Covenants by Stephen Wellum and Peter Gentry https://a.co/d/2fH7oHt
Progressive Covenantalism: Charting a Course between Dispensational and Covenantal Theologies https://a.co/d/9EQIqTr
Covenantal and Dispensational Theologies: Four Views on the Continuity of Scripture edited by Brent Parker and Richard Lucas Covenantal and Dispensational Theologies: Four Views on the Continuity of Scripture
40 Questions About Biblical Theology by Jason DeRouchie, Oren Martin, and Andy Naselli https://a.co/d/aEz0HIS
Covenant Theology: From Adam to Christ by Nehemiah Coxe https://a.co/d/11VEmhK
The Mystery of Christ, His Covenant, and His Kingdom by Samuel Renihan https://a.co/d/apIdFdD
The Distinctiveness of Baptist Covenant Theology by Pascal Denault https://a.co/d/bgnLIAH
1689 Federalism.com https://www.1689federalism.com/
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