Comparing 1689 Federalism and Progressive Covenantalism with Richard Lucas
Mar 28, 2024
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The podcast delves into the comparison between Baptist covenant theologies: 1689 Federalism and Progressive Covenantalism. Topics include the historical origins, theological distinctiveness, Covenant of Works, interpreting the Decalogue for ethics, harmonizing theological differences in church fellowship, and key resources on Baptist covenantal theology.
Progressive covenantalism focuses on the essential newness of the new covenant and Christ's fulfillment of it.
1689 federalism distinguishes between two covenants with Abraham, emphasizing the fulfillment in stages.
Both systems share the view that the Mosaic covenant lays the foundation for the new covenant's spiritual promises.
Deep dives
Understanding the Distinctive Nature of Baptist Theologies
Progressive covenantalism and 1689 federalism articulate serious theological thinking shaped by the biblical narrative applied to Christian living. While they both delve into Christian doctrine, they slightly differ in their articulation. Progressive covenantalism emphasizes the essential newness of the new covenant, focusing on its unilateral implementation by God requiring obedience from a faithful Son, Christ, for fulfillment. In contrast, 1689 federalism talks about two covenants with Abraham, highlighting the spiritual seed, Christ, fulfilling the covenant with the physical seed, Israel, distinct from the spiritual promises of the new covenant.
Grasping the Nuances of the Abrahamic Covenant
Both progressive covenantalism and 1689 federalism distinguish the seeds of Abraham, interpreting the Abrahamic covenant's spiritual and physical promises over different stages of redemptive history. They share the perspective that the physical promises found fulfillment in the nation of Israel under the Mosaic covenant, while the spiritual promises realized in Christ under the new covenant. However, 1689 federalism distinguishes two covenants with Abraham, one with the physical seed and another with the spiritual seed, viewing the Abrahamic covenant as fulfilled in two stages. Whereas progressive covenantalism portrays one Abrahamic covenant progressing through subsequent covenants, delineating the distinction between the physical and spiritual seeds.
Exploring the Mosaic Covenant in Baptist Theologies
Progressive covenantalism and 1689 federalism navigate the Mosaic covenant distinguishing how it relates to the Abrahamic promises and the new covenant. They agree that the Mosaic covenant serves as the foundation of the new covenant's spiritual promises while providing a typological nation in Israel under the physical promises. 1689 federalism discusses two covenants with Abraham, one conditional with the physical seed leading to the Mosaic covenant, and another unconditional with the spiritual seed, Christ, culminating in the new covenant. In contrast, progressive covenantalism portrays the Abrahamic covenant's fulfillment in two stages progressing through redemptive history.
Looking Forward: Addressing Complex Issues in Baptist Theologies
In forthcoming episodes, Professor Caleb Leonard plans to delve into distinguishing perspectives on the Sabbath command, the application of the Mosaic law to modern Christian living, and the law gospel distinction within the frameworks of 1689 federalism and progressive covenantalism. The exploration will extend to discussing the implications of these theological systems on theonomy, Christian reconstructionism, and the relevance of the Decalogue and Sabbath practices in contemporary faith.
Divergent Views on the Old and New Covenants
Both Baptist covenantal theology, 1689 federalism, progressive covenantism, emphasize the fundamental newness of the New Covenant, contrasting it with the old covenant. They argue that saving grace is not mediated by the old covenant itself, departing from Westminster federalism language. The old covenant was temporary and typological, preparing for the New Covenant, not a means of saving grace, leading to divergence in terminology and theological perspectives.
Interpreting Ethical Standards and Old Testament Laws
In interpreting ethical standards and Old Testament laws, 1689 federalism emphasizes a natural law versus positive law distinction, focusing on the natural moral law rather than the moral civil ceremonial law distinction. Progressive covenantalism highlights the abiding relevance of old covenant laws for new covenant believers as reflecting God's character and creational norms, encouraging a whole Bible ethic approach. The dialogue reveals common ground in understanding the abiding validity and applicability of Old Testament laws within a new covenant context.
In this episode, Caleb is joined by Richard Lucas (PhD, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary) Pastor of Teaching and Reaching at First Baptist Jacksonville to compare Baptist covenant theologies: 1689 Federalism and Progressive Covenantalism. Together they discuss questions like: Where did these systems emerge from? How does each system understand the theological and historical covenants? What similarities and differences are their between these two systems? And more.
