So, what is New Covenant Theology?
New Covenant Theology is a technical term
referring to a theological view of redemptive history. It is often contrasted
with Covenant theology
and Dispensationalism.
Proponents of New Covenant Theology maintain that the
primary thrust of the New Covenant is the recognition of a promise-fulfillment
understanding of Scripture. The Mosaic economy is viewed as a temporal,
conditional covenant that has been forever replaced by the glory of the New
Covenant (2 Corinthians 3).
New Covenant Theology dates back to just after the so-called
“reformation.” The last twenty-five years have seen a great resurgence of
Reformed theology in Baptist circles. As a result, many within this camp have
sought to develop a more clarified system of the covenants that relate back to
older thought. John Reisinger, Jon Zens, Peter Ditzel, Fred Zaspel, Tom Wells,
Gary Long, Geoff Volker and Steve Lehrer are parts of this camp. The writings
of Douglas Moo,Tom Schreiner, andD.A. Carson on the relation of the
Christian to the law reveal their sympathies with NCT. However they have not
wanted themselves to be so labeled. John Piper also has many points of contact
with this movement, but an article at Desiring God carefully distinguishes his
position from the Covenant, New Covenant and Dispensational theological
systems.
Frankly, I have some issues with some of the teachings of
New Covenant Theology. I do not believe that the church is “spiritual Israel.”
Nor do I consider myself “Calvanistic,” as many New Covenant theologians do.
(Neither am I Armenian, by the way). Like NCT, I do believe that the Mosaic Law
is fulfilled with the advent of Christ and the New Covenant (1 Corinthians
9:21). New Covenant believers consider themselves to be under the Law of Christ,
which is a law written on the heart, not on tablets of stone. I agree with
that.
The traditional Reformed hermeneutic of the law argues that
whatever is not abolished in Christ continues. New Covenant Theology says that
the entire Law of Moses has passed away and only remains in so far as it passes
through the hands of Christ.
Personally, I would think of it differently. I believe that the Law is as
pure and holy as ever, that I am totally incapable of keeping any aspect of it
and that Christ has fulfilled the Law on my behalf through his grace and mercy.
Therefore, I am no longer accountable to the Law.
That is not license to sin. As Paul wrote, “God forbid!” It
is license to follow what Christ has written on my heart in all areas of my
life. It is total followship of Him. It is the recognition that it is not about
me, it is not about you, it is ALL about Him.
You might disagree with me, and that’s alright. This is
America. You have the right to be wrong.
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