The Covenantal Gospel

by C. VanderWaal

Genres: Theology

192 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 1990

Reviews

[Benjamin · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Covenantal Gospel by Dr. C van der Waal was an exquisite read! One of my favorite works on biblical theology I’ve read in a while. I first saw this book recommended by James B. Jordan so I went ahead and bought, it did not disappoint. The books strength truly lies in the author’s emphasis of God’s one story, one covenant, and one people throughout the Testaments. In addition, there are several good chapters critiquing the law/gospel dichotomy that many bring to the text. Lastly, Dr. van der Waal is one of the few theologians I’ve seen layout the covenantal pattern of promise-demand-threat, that helps the reader understand the polemic being discussed in the New Testament towards the covenant breakers, the Jews. The destruction of Jerusalem has a massive part to play in understanding the world of the New Testament. I commend this work.

[Jake Litwin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finally a satisfactory work on Covenant Theology. Though most of the book is broad, Van der Waal lays the groundwork that is much needed to go deeper in understanding the covenantal structure of Scripture. Most modern covenant theology books take a systematic approach from the Reformed Confessions. This work on the other hand takes more of a biblical theology approach and will surely step on some toes but challenge the reader in a necessary way. From the preface, “The Word of God is everywhere neglected as the Book of God’s covenant. It is not read as dated by the history of salvation but as a collection of pious examples and timeless truths. The consequences of this are evident in various ways.” A few sections that stood out: The author gives a survey of the covenants made throughout the Bible including a thorough case for the Noahic covenant not being a “common grace” covenant but redemptive in nature. A really helpful section on the covenant with Adam and asking if it really was a “covenant of works”?

The meat of the book for me is the covenantal structure of the New Testament and the vengeance aspect of the New Covenant. This is a topic that is missed in nearly every covenant theology book I have come across and yet extremely important. Another brief section that stood out was seeing Van der Waal take Romans 11 being fulfilled in the first century and not pushed off as a future “conversion of Israel”. This was a breath of fresh air in understanding the covenant promises made to Old Covenant Israel which ties in with the vengeance aspect of the NC and how your eschatology does affect your covenant theology. A small but insightful work. I will be revisiting this book quite often in my study of Scripture.

[Jason Farley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good stuff.Enjoying it.

This was very helpful.

[Juan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good book on the continual thread of the covenant in the Bible from the Old and New Testament. My only complaint is that I wished it went into more detail. This book is definitely a broad survey of the concept of the covenant within the Scriptures.

[Kyle Grindberg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic, worth reading if you can find it.

[Steve · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great, Great!

[Jerry · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent assessment of the covenant of grace throughout the Bible especially in light of recent Lutheran and TR distortions of it.

[Douglas Hayes · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the most important books on Covenant Theology. Must read!

[Jay D · Rating 2 out of 5]

Decent covenant theology.