Understanding the Basics and Blessings of Covenant Theology

From animal sacrifice in the Old Testament to baptism and Communion in the New Testament, the Bible can seem like it contains vastly different instructions for how God's people are to worship him through visible means. But Scripture is a complete story of redemption, one that is breathtaking in its unity. By observing how all biblical events connect through God’s covenants with his people, believers can better grasp the beauty of the triune God and the breathtaking unity of Scripture, knowing the Father, through the Son, by the Spirit. 

In this practical introduction, professor Ryan McGraw gives readers a framework for understanding the structure of the Bible. Explaining the blessing of covenant theology, he reveals how the sacraments illustrate God’s relationship with his people throughout the ages and help unify all parts of Scripture, from God’s promises in Genesis to their fulfillment in Revelation. Exploring the covenants of redemption, works, and grace, this book will give readers clarity about the gospel, and teach them how to live in fellowship with the triune God and others.

• Accessible Introduction: Explains the basics and blessings of covenant theology
• Practical: Illustrates the role of the covenant in the church, families, and everyday life
• A Great Study Resource: Includes discussion questions at the end of each chapter

Ryan M. McGraw (PhD, University of the Free State) is professor of systematic theology at Greenville Presbyterian Theological Seminary and has pastored in several churches. He has written nearly thirty books, focusing on weaving the Trinity into doctrine and life.

Endorsements

“The Protestant Reformer Martin Bucer, who was such a formative influence on John Calvin, maintained that ‘True theology is not theoretical, it is practical; the end of it is to live a godly life.’ Ryan McGraw’s What Is Covenant Theology? exemplifies Bucer’s conviction. Here is theology that is accessible, practical, and pastoral. McGraw has provided Christians with a theological primer that will enrich their lives and stir their hearts and minds to bow down and worship. This is a must read for Christians who desire to grow in the grace and knowledge of God.”
Ian Hamilton, President, Westminster Presbyterian Theological Seminary, United Kingdom

“Ryan McGraw has given the church a clear, concise, and accessible survey of one of the most important teachings in Scripture—the covenants that God makes with human beings. The argument of What Is Covenant Theology? is exegetically informed, theologically nuanced, and practically oriented. Whether familiar or unfamiliar with covenant theology, readers will profit from the way that McGraw helps us see the unity of the Bible and the glory of the covenant-making, covenant-keeping God of the Bible.”
Guy Prentiss Waters, James M. Baird Jr. Professor of New Testament and Academic Dean, Reformed Theological Seminary, Jackson

“​Ryan McGraw has written an excellent introduction to covenant theology—one that, as a pastor, I can hand to anyone in my church who wishes to know more about the covenant concept. While the book has a certain systematic approach, one will also encounter a rich biblical and Trinitarian theology permeating the chapters. I’d like to have written a book like this myself, but there is no need now with this fine contribution to Christian living. And make no mistake, the key to Christian living is understanding God’s covenants.”
Mark Jones, Senior Minister, Faith Presbyterian Church, Vancouver, Canada

“Ryan McGraw’s introduction to covenant theology is wonderful. He takes a complex topic and boils it down to its basics, showing both covenant theology’s distinctive emphases and how those distinctives are a blessing to God’s people. I am confident this will invite many to study covenant theology more deeply and thus understand the Bible more completely.”
Stephen G. Myers, Professor of Systematic and Biblical Theology, Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary; author, God to Us: Covenant Theology in Scripture