Covenant Theology: Biblical, Theological, and Historical Perspectives (Waters)

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Stephen L Smith

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Has anyone read this book? Would you recommend it? Is the chapter on the Mosaic Covenant consistent with the OPC report? I ask because I am aware there has been a lot of debate as to the Biblical meaning of the MC.
 
Has anyone read this book? Would you recommend it? Is the chapter on the Mosaic Covenant consistent with the OPC report? I ask because I am aware there has been a lot of debate as to the Biblical meaning of the MC.

I had lunch with Waters in 2008 and he said he was trying to avoid either Murray or Kline. I know that doesn't technically answer your question, but I do think something in the middle is his position.
 
I've sifted through it and found it to be a very useful resource. At this point I've only read around 4 of the chapters but they've all been well written so I'd recommend it at the very least as a handy reference volume. The chapter on the CoR takes the view that it's a third covenant as opposed to being a part of the covenant of grace so I guess that's something worth noting for some. The chapter on the Mosaic covenant seemed to be vanilla reformed theology (Substantially graceful with no works principle) and I found it very helpful. Whereas the OPC report leaves room for a spirit wrought works principle as recalibrated through Abraham I don't recall the book mentioning anything of the sort but it's not fresh in my head either. Overall I definitely think it's worth a buy.
 
The chapter on the CoR takes the view that it's a third covenant as opposed to being a part of the covenant of grace
Does that mean the book takes a view similar to Jonathan Edwards that the CoR is seperate from the CoG but closely related?
 
I was disappointed in skimming through the chapter on Noah. They completely separate the covenants of Genesis 6 and 9 and begin the chapter this way: "The Noahic covenant recorded in Genesis 9 is a universal, unilateral, nonredemptive administration of the covenant of grace. . ." I know this is pretty common reformed teaching on Noah these days but it never ceases to make me sad. The whole point is that the Covenant of Grace is the gospel. That's simply what it is. So to me saying Noah is a "nonredemptive administration of the covenant of grace" is like saying "this is nondairy half and half." Makes no sense to me. But I really like Guy Waters and I'm sure the volume as a whole is excellent.
 
The volume is a collection of articles by many different RTS professors. I am making my way through the volume in preparation for writing a review of it for the CPJ. This is definitely a volume worth owning, and has many good points about it. They don't all agree among themselves, as they themselves admit.
 
The volume is a collection of articles by many different RTS professors. I am making my way through the volume in preparation for writing a review of it for the CPJ. This is definitely a volume worth owning, and has many good points about it. They don't all agree among themselves, as they themselves admit.
Lane, I would be interested in your review when you have completed it. Perhaps you could post it on the Book Reviews thread here on the Puritan Board?
 
Stephen, you would have to ask Chris about it, as he would have the proprietary rights over that review once I give it to him.
 
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