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Baptism Is Not Enough: How Understanding God's Covenant Explains Everything
Baptism is not just a profession of faith. Baptism is the rite of entry into the covenant, and without understanding the covenant, we cannot properly understand baptism. What is Covenant? In a biblical sense, it is a legal bond between two or more parties--“legal” meaning that each party makes a statement (confession) and agrees to specific terms, with consequences invoked on each party for failure to keep the terms. Why then is this so important to understand? Because this is how God chose to link the unseen to the seen, the supernatural to the material or created order here on earth. This in no way diminishes the role of the Holy Spirit and his work within the hearts of men. It merely gives outward manifestation to the power of God’s Spirit. Author John G. Crawford changes the discussion on a host of issues ranging from the Covenant institutions as they relate to the family, the state and the Church. From creation to infant baptism, Crawford connects the dots and shows how understanding God's Covenant explains everything.
198 pages, Paperback
First published December 12, 2013
9 people are currently reading
118 people want to read
About the author
John G. Crawford
2 books2 followersJohn G. Crawford lives in Gainesville, Florida with his wife Tina and his three children Cade, Lachlan and Aila. He is a graduate of the University of Florida and has partnered in a successful business in Gainesville since 2001. During his time in the Baptist church, John served as a deacon, bible teacher and on the board of an international missions organization. He has spent the last fifteen years studying the covenant and its implications for all of life. He is currently a member of the Orthodox Presbyterian Church.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
August 23, 2022
Great introductory work on Covenant Theology that is saturated with the 5-Point Covenant Model and Postmill eschatology. As a Reformed Covenantal Baptist there is much in this little book I say “yes and amen” to but in the end I still don’t land on paedobaptism being the conclusion. Being very covenantal, I am much more aligned with Reformed Covenantal Presbyterian theology than evangelical American Baptist theology, especially when discussing the practical applications within ecclesiology. This is a book I commend to both Baptists and Presbyterians.
October 23, 2024
Good stuff. Really enjoyed his first two chapters on how all of life is covenantal.
July 27, 2025
I have had many friends say (and many authors write) that in order to understand the whole credobaptist vs paedobaptist debate, you must not start with baptism. This might sound counterintuitive because how are you to delineate the differences on baptism viewpoints without discussing baptism?
But the real issues begin with the differences over how we understand the covenant. In this sense, talking about baptism just isn’t enough. As Wilson pointed out in the forward to this book, you might think you got taken for a fast one when you are reading a book about baptism and the author doesn’t really address baptism until the third chapter, but that is intentional for the reasons mentioned above.
The covenant, like the sovereignty of God, or justification by faith, or any other weighty and controversial theological position, is (properly understood) one of those things that when you finally see it, you can’t unsee it. You find it around every corner and on every page. This book will help you connect the dots from covenant to baptism and it is a subject worth doing that very thing.
But the real issues begin with the differences over how we understand the covenant. In this sense, talking about baptism just isn’t enough. As Wilson pointed out in the forward to this book, you might think you got taken for a fast one when you are reading a book about baptism and the author doesn’t really address baptism until the third chapter, but that is intentional for the reasons mentioned above.
The covenant, like the sovereignty of God, or justification by faith, or any other weighty and controversial theological position, is (properly understood) one of those things that when you finally see it, you can’t unsee it. You find it around every corner and on every page. This book will help you connect the dots from covenant to baptism and it is a subject worth doing that very thing.
August 15, 2017
"The way in which God relates to people on earth has not changed. He has not substituted a mystical connection with believers in the New Covenant, a connection that cannot be perceived on earth, for the legal connection that can be seen, set apart and governed."
This is a really nifty introduction to covenant theology, with a special focus on its implications for covenant baptism versus believer's baptism, although it also tries to be a general introduction to the ramifications of covenant theology for all of life.
I enjoyed and would highly recommend the theology in this book. My main complaint would be that the actual writing could have been a little more lucid and understandable. This book takes a lot of the concepts in Ray Sutton's book THAT YOU MAY PROSPER and applies them to baptism in a really eye-opening way, but I would still tend to recommend Sutton over this book. Although THAT YOU MAY PROSPER is longer, it's arranged a bit more systematically and may be a better introduction to Biblical covenant structure.
That said, this is still definitely a book worth reading! I particularly loved the final chapter, which deals beautifully with "sojourner theology" and presents an excellent case for believers as Jesus' covenant representatives on earth.
It also comes with a half-hour DVD that summarises some of the main points of the book as well as going into more detail about historical covenants. All in all, a solid resource and one that I look forward to sharing with friends.
This is a really nifty introduction to covenant theology, with a special focus on its implications for covenant baptism versus believer's baptism, although it also tries to be a general introduction to the ramifications of covenant theology for all of life.
I enjoyed and would highly recommend the theology in this book. My main complaint would be that the actual writing could have been a little more lucid and understandable. This book takes a lot of the concepts in Ray Sutton's book THAT YOU MAY PROSPER and applies them to baptism in a really eye-opening way, but I would still tend to recommend Sutton over this book. Although THAT YOU MAY PROSPER is longer, it's arranged a bit more systematically and may be a better introduction to Biblical covenant structure.
That said, this is still definitely a book worth reading! I particularly loved the final chapter, which deals beautifully with "sojourner theology" and presents an excellent case for believers as Jesus' covenant representatives on earth.
It also comes with a half-hour DVD that summarises some of the main points of the book as well as going into more detail about historical covenants. All in all, a solid resource and one that I look forward to sharing with friends.
July 29, 2022
Audiobook. This is a great book for someone who has not had a ton of exposure to covenants in Scripture or how God interacts with His creation through covenants. The author focuses on three covenants: the home/family, the church, and the state. God has instituted these created orders to govern His creation. A lot of the focus in this book surrounding covenants is the legal structure; legal language is everywhere.
The author gets into baptism toward the end of the book and emphasizes it from a legal standpoint. It is a covenant sign that marks you out as a Christian in God's Covenant, legally binding you to covenantal faithfulness. The covenant sign brings blessings upon the obedient and curses upon the disobedient. If you understand how God interacts with His creation through covenants, and you get that right from the beginning in Genesis, if you trace that up all the way through to the New Covenant, everything starts making a lot more sense and the meaning of baptism, along with who the proper recipients of baptism are, all starts falling into its proper place.
This will be one of my "go-to" books to recommend someone as an intro to covenant theology.
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The author gets into baptism toward the end of the book and emphasizes it from a legal standpoint. It is a covenant sign that marks you out as a Christian in God's Covenant, legally binding you to covenantal faithfulness. The covenant sign brings blessings upon the obedient and curses upon the disobedient. If you understand how God interacts with His creation through covenants, and you get that right from the beginning in Genesis, if you trace that up all the way through to the New Covenant, everything starts making a lot more sense and the meaning of baptism, along with who the proper recipients of baptism are, all starts falling into its proper place.
This will be one of my "go-to" books to recommend someone as an intro to covenant theology.
---------------------------
Follow!
https://www.instagram.com/laymansprog...
August 26, 2021
Very good book on the basics of covenant theology and certainly gives a clear understanding of representation. However because the author has to cover so much ground it is more of an introduction to a post mil understanding of covenant theology instead of a thorough book on baptism.
July 22, 2022
Baptism is Not Enough: How Understanding God’s Covenant Changes Everything is a good little book about the covenant nature of God’s relationship to his people, households, the church, and the state. While the book can be a little repetitive, it will whet the appetite of any reader searching for a more robust theology (and eschatology) that rebukes the staunch individualism and liberalism of our modern times.
One of the greatest strengths about this book is its pointing out of all the ways in which we have accepted covenant theology without claiming its blessings or responsibilities, i.e. the idea that children who come from God-fearing households with two loving parents will turn out better than children who come from one-parent, God-mocking households, etc.
This book will not answer all your questions about Reformed and covenantally-minded theology, but if you are looking to dip your toe in the water to see if this holds up, this is the book for you.
One of the greatest strengths about this book is its pointing out of all the ways in which we have accepted covenant theology without claiming its blessings or responsibilities, i.e. the idea that children who come from God-fearing households with two loving parents will turn out better than children who come from one-parent, God-mocking households, etc.
This book will not answer all your questions about Reformed and covenantally-minded theology, but if you are looking to dip your toe in the water to see if this holds up, this is the book for you.
January 24, 2019
Très bon livre sur la théologie des alliances, telle qu'elle soutient le baptême des enfants. Contrairement à celui de Strawbridge, il est moins "vulgarisé" et beaucoup plus concentré sur l'élement clé des alliances bibliques, qui est LE motif biblique ultime. Bien au delà de la question "faut-il baptiser les enfants" c'est tout votre christianisme qui est impacté par ces vérités fondamentales. Un bon livre que je recommande avant tous les autres sur le sujet.
August 12, 2023
Good book for a holistic view of covenant theology. There are even a couple chapters on how it impacts eschatology (with the author and myself both coming from a postmillennial perspective).
My main critique is that it leans too much on Meredith Kline’s work. I am very much not a fan of Kline’s view, particularly as it relates to the Mosaic covenant (see: Klinean republication theology). Thankfully, that aspect does not get drawn out at all, but much of his views on covenants as they relate to suzerain/vassal treaties in the Ancient Near East do get brought to bear, and those are somewhat unconvincing upon further scrutiny. Stephen Myers in his book “God to Us” rejects Kline, and I find his work more compelling.
Also, I would have liked more interaction with the credobaptist perspective, as I was reading this book less for the covenant theology (of which I am already convinced) and more for the paedobaptism.
My main critique is that it leans too much on Meredith Kline’s work. I am very much not a fan of Kline’s view, particularly as it relates to the Mosaic covenant (see: Klinean republication theology). Thankfully, that aspect does not get drawn out at all, but much of his views on covenants as they relate to suzerain/vassal treaties in the Ancient Near East do get brought to bear, and those are somewhat unconvincing upon further scrutiny. Stephen Myers in his book “God to Us” rejects Kline, and I find his work more compelling.
Also, I would have liked more interaction with the credobaptist perspective, as I was reading this book less for the covenant theology (of which I am already convinced) and more for the paedobaptism.
May 27, 2014
Solid introduction to the Biblical theme of "Covenant". Crawford lays out the validity of and relationship between the three covenantal institutions in the Bible: Family, Church, State.
January 10, 2023
This was a helpful book in terms of the overarching convenantal structure of the Bible. As a Reformed Baptist and one who holds to Postmillenialism (last chapter), there is much I would say yes and amen to.
However, I think my brother (the author) draws on too much continuity from Old to New Testament. I’m coming to learn that that is an aspect of Presbyterian theology, I would disagree with and therefore would also disagree with infant baptism as a consequence as well. I still hold to Covenant Theology though it be 1689 federalism as opposed to Westminster federalism where not every father is the covenant head in the same terms as Abraham. I would also disagree that the covenant of circumcision is the same as the covenant of grace since it is a better covenant and it’s not like the Old Covenant, and the covenant made with Abraham is not made with ever single father.
The covenant of grace was promised to Abraham and is made with believers only, those who sins are forgiven and is therefore a covenant with the elect, which is why I believe the Bible teaches credobaptism or believer’s baptism as a consequence as a sign that those who have a credible profession of faith until proven otherwise are a part of the covenant.
If the Presbyterian view of the covenants hold true then why don’t they baptize the spouse who is an unbeliever if she is married to a husband who is? He is the federal head and my Presbyterian brothers would baptize their unbelieving children in the same circumstance.
Some (Reformed) say different outward administrations of the same covenant, but Scripture says they are two distinct covenants since the covenants oppose one another (first/last, old/new)
Here is Owen's view and what he writes in his Hebrews commentary: “The apostle indeed says, that the covenant was confirmed of God in Christ, before the giving of the law, Gal 3:17. And so it was, not absolutely in itself, but in the promise and benefits of it." It's full establishment (nomotheteo) was future only, because it lacked solemn confirmation and establishment by the blood of the only sacrifice that belonged to it (Heb 9:15-23): it was not the rule and measure of all worship (“although by 'covenant of grace' we oftentimes understand no more but the way of life, grace, mercy, and salvation by Christ; yet by 'the new covenant' we intend its actual establishment in the death of Christ."). One described in Ex 24:3-8; Deut 5:2-5; the other promised in Jer 31:31-34; 32:40, which is the new or gospel covenant (Mt 26:28; Mk 14:24). They are compared and opposed in 2 Cor 3:6-9; Gal 4:24-26; Heb 7:22; 9:15-20. To that end we must grant two distinct covenants, rather than a twofold administration of the same covenant merely, to be intended."
I would recommend readers to much of the work that Jim and Samuel Renihan have done along with Richard Barcellos on 1689 federalism. They edit and publish much of the work from 17th century baptists such as Nehemiah Coxe.
And as stated at the outset, there is much I would say yes and amen to in this book and it has been helpful for the overarching biblical layout, but it draws on too much continuity from the Old Testament which is evident in the Presbyterian view of the covenants.
However, I think my brother (the author) draws on too much continuity from Old to New Testament. I’m coming to learn that that is an aspect of Presbyterian theology, I would disagree with and therefore would also disagree with infant baptism as a consequence as well. I still hold to Covenant Theology though it be 1689 federalism as opposed to Westminster federalism where not every father is the covenant head in the same terms as Abraham. I would also disagree that the covenant of circumcision is the same as the covenant of grace since it is a better covenant and it’s not like the Old Covenant, and the covenant made with Abraham is not made with ever single father.
The covenant of grace was promised to Abraham and is made with believers only, those who sins are forgiven and is therefore a covenant with the elect, which is why I believe the Bible teaches credobaptism or believer’s baptism as a consequence as a sign that those who have a credible profession of faith until proven otherwise are a part of the covenant.
If the Presbyterian view of the covenants hold true then why don’t they baptize the spouse who is an unbeliever if she is married to a husband who is? He is the federal head and my Presbyterian brothers would baptize their unbelieving children in the same circumstance.
Some (Reformed) say different outward administrations of the same covenant, but Scripture says they are two distinct covenants since the covenants oppose one another (first/last, old/new)
Here is Owen's view and what he writes in his Hebrews commentary: “The apostle indeed says, that the covenant was confirmed of God in Christ, before the giving of the law, Gal 3:17. And so it was, not absolutely in itself, but in the promise and benefits of it." It's full establishment (nomotheteo) was future only, because it lacked solemn confirmation and establishment by the blood of the only sacrifice that belonged to it (Heb 9:15-23): it was not the rule and measure of all worship (“although by 'covenant of grace' we oftentimes understand no more but the way of life, grace, mercy, and salvation by Christ; yet by 'the new covenant' we intend its actual establishment in the death of Christ."). One described in Ex 24:3-8; Deut 5:2-5; the other promised in Jer 31:31-34; 32:40, which is the new or gospel covenant (Mt 26:28; Mk 14:24). They are compared and opposed in 2 Cor 3:6-9; Gal 4:24-26; Heb 7:22; 9:15-20. To that end we must grant two distinct covenants, rather than a twofold administration of the same covenant merely, to be intended."
I would recommend readers to much of the work that Jim and Samuel Renihan have done along with Richard Barcellos on 1689 federalism. They edit and publish much of the work from 17th century baptists such as Nehemiah Coxe.
And as stated at the outset, there is much I would say yes and amen to in this book and it has been helpful for the overarching biblical layout, but it draws on too much continuity from the Old Testament which is evident in the Presbyterian view of the covenants.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 2, 2024
This was an incredibly insightful book, both in providing a framework for understanding what a covenant is and the three spheres of God has established by which He relates to people covenantally (family, church, and civil).
As regards the credo/paedo baptism positions, I consider myself on the fence, having grown in mainly baptistic circles and being familiar with its reasoning, but reading books on paedobaptism for a better understanding. My question about paedobaptism essentially boiled down to how one ought to understand the New Covenant as explain in Jeremiah 31:33, and who therefore ought to receive the covenant sign.
Crawford’s overview of how the covenant defines God’s relationship with His people was very helpful in this question. He also addresses this very text in Jeremiah and Hebrews, providing clarification regarding the historical context in which the promise of the New Covenant was given. This was eye-opening and helped me come to a more settled conviction.
A great read. Highly recommend.
As regards the credo/paedo baptism positions, I consider myself on the fence, having grown in mainly baptistic circles and being familiar with its reasoning, but reading books on paedobaptism for a better understanding. My question about paedobaptism essentially boiled down to how one ought to understand the New Covenant as explain in Jeremiah 31:33, and who therefore ought to receive the covenant sign.
Crawford’s overview of how the covenant defines God’s relationship with His people was very helpful in this question. He also addresses this very text in Jeremiah and Hebrews, providing clarification regarding the historical context in which the promise of the New Covenant was given. This was eye-opening and helped me come to a more settled conviction.
A great read. Highly recommend.
August 7, 2025
Crawford’s writing is accessible, clear, and passionate. I appreciate his desire to disciple the average churchgoer into a covenantal worldview. He raises some vital concerns that even many Baptists need to hear. But at the end of the day, I wouldn’t recommend this book to even my Presbyterian friends.
One of my biggest concerns is that he literally advocates for replacement theology. I’ve been accused of replacement theology many times, but Crawford lit constantly argues that God divorced Israel and took a new bride in the church.
Crawford has a more advanced understanding of the covenants than many, but his understanding of how Old Testament types find their fulfillment in the New Testament totally misses the mark.
I have many other thoughts on where this book falls short, but for now I’ll just say that there are much better books on covenant theology out there.
One of my biggest concerns is that he literally advocates for replacement theology. I’ve been accused of replacement theology many times, but Crawford lit constantly argues that God divorced Israel and took a new bride in the church.
Crawford has a more advanced understanding of the covenants than many, but his understanding of how Old Testament types find their fulfillment in the New Testament totally misses the mark.
I have many other thoughts on where this book falls short, but for now I’ll just say that there are much better books on covenant theology out there.
July 20, 2022
Why does the understanding of conveants matter? They matter because that’s how God deals with us. I appreciate the work of the author in demonstrating the nature and the importance of understanding how God works with his people and how we ought to live in the results of God’s covenantal purpose. Of course, this goes on to mention infant baptism as a necessity for God’s people but it goes much deeper than that. Very enjoyable!
June 28, 2022
John does a great job outlining the case for covenant theology and paedobaptism. I think this would be a great introductory book for someone new to the debate. Though I fed many of his points weren’t sufficiently defended and could be debated from a credo baptist perspective, he does a great job explaining the covenant and it’s relationship to baptism.
July 9, 2022
Overall a great introduction to covenant theology and one I wished I would read years ago. Gets bogged down a bit 2/3 of the way through refuting some baptist arguments. Those might have been better places as an appendix.
December 15, 2019
The flow of the authors argument from covenant structure to covenant substance to covenant fulfillment was very well connected. I really want to be a paedobaptist but this didn't win me.
July 1, 2022
Listened on canon plus.
August 18, 2022
Fantastic. Perfect follow up to O. Palmer Robertson's Christ of the covenants. Accessible covenant theology that makes you go... "Duh, why didn't I think of that?"
October 28, 2022
A great primer to the important doctrinal understanding of covenant and how it specifically relates to baptism. I only wish it was a longer book.
November 2, 2022
Great book that highlights the importance of God's Covenant relationship with His people.
January 17, 2023
Great book on the topic of covenant. It was was easy to read and quite informative.
April 2, 2023
Not the best named book of all time. Basically a strong argument for God's interaction with the world being covenantal all the way up and all the way down.
July 11, 2023
Really good. I think this book does a good job shooting down the rampant individualism that’s so pervasive in the modern mind, by showing that God relates to His people through covenant.
March 20, 2024
This book was really informative and helpful for me. It’s a clear, concise introduction to Presbyterian covenant theology.
January 21, 2025
Must Reading!
One of the best books on baptism AND covenant I have read. Highly recommended not just for church leaders but for all Christians.
One of the best books on baptism AND covenant I have read. Highly recommended not just for church leaders but for all Christians.
May 2, 2025
Decent explanation of peado-baptism, better explanation of postmillennialism!
April 9, 2014
A clear, concise, and convicting(!) discussion of covenantal life and worldview.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews