Answer
Progressive covenantalism is a biblio-theological system articulating God’s redemptive plan from Adam to Christ. Progressive covenantalism emphasizes God’s progressive revelation through covenants and the fulfillment of His promises in Christ. Moreover, progressive covenantalism identifies Israel as God’s old covenant people and the church as His new covenant people. Theologians like Peter Gentry and Stephen Wellum have defended this theological system against covenant theology and dispensationalism.
Covenant Theology
Covenant theology organizes biblical covenants into two overarching categories: the covenant of works and the covenant of grace. Covenant theology asserts a continuity between the Old and New Testaments by subsuming biblical covenants under the singular covenant of grace. According to this view, Israel and the church are the same entity but have distinct roles in redemptive history. Both communities consist of believers and unbelievers and have covenant signs to identify their relationship with God (circumcision and baptism, respectively). An implication of this perspective is the practice of infant baptism. Covenant theology argues that New Testament infants should be baptized just as Old Testament infants were circumcised since both signs point to the same spiritual reality.
In contrast, progressive covenantalism believes covenants should be interpreted within their historical and theological contexts. Covenants are distinct but interrelated and find fulfillment in Christ rather than in overarching theological constructs. For instance, Galatians 3:16 refers to Christ as the “offspring” of God’s promise to Abraham (ESV), and Hebrews 1:1–3 states that God’s revelation culminates in Christ.
Dispensationalism
Dispensationalism divides the biblical narrative into distinct dispensations or periods in which God relates to His people in distinct ways. This system maintains a strict difference between Israel and the church. Dispensationalists argue that God’s promises to Israel, including the land promise, will be fulfilled literally and precisely for the nation of Israel.
Progressive covenantalism, however, rejects a rigid separation between Israel and the church. Hence, Old Testament promises are interpreted typologically rather than literally. God’s promises to Israel are “shadows” pointing to greater spiritual realities in Christ. For example, the land promise to Abraham is not limited to a specific geographic region but is fulfilled in Christ’s kingly reign over the new creation. Romans 4:13 expands the promise to include the entire world, and Revelation 21:1–4 envisions the new creation as fulfilling God’s promises.
Core Principles of Progressive Covenantalism
• There is one people of God. The church includes everyone who is united to Christ by faith. The unity of God’s people transcends national, ethnic, and cultural barriers. God’s redemptive plan is all-inclusive.
• Covenants are fulfilled in Christ. He is the “offspring” of Abraham, the Davidic king, and the New Covenant’s mediator. Old Testament promises are realized in Christ and His kingdom.
• God’s redemptive plan is progressively revealed in Scripture. Each covenant is built upon the previous one. Because of this, believers can ascertain the unfolding of God’s plan.
• Old Testament promises are types that prefigure greater spiritual realities in Christ. For instance, the temple symbolizes God’s presence among His people, fulfilled in Christ and the indwelling Holy Spirit.
Theological and Practical Implications of Progressive Covenantalism
Progressive covenantalism has significant implications for how believers understand God and His Word. The Bible is a unified narrative, and covenants are fulfilled in Christ. Progressive covenantalism avoids the pitfalls of an overly rigid dispensationalism and an overly generalized covenant theology.
In practical terms, progressive covenantalism influences the church’s identity and mission. The church is God’s new covenant people, who are called to be kingdom-minded. We must proclaim the gospel to all nations, maintain peace and unity, and anticipate the coming of God’s kingdom.
