What Is Covenant Theology?: Tracing God's Promises through the Son, the Seed, and the Sacraments

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 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

160 pages.

“Covenant theology—an essential dimension of Reformed theology—unites the sixty-six books of the Bible in beautiful, Christocentric harmony. Exploring the covenants of redemption, works, and grace, Ryan McGraw ably sketches the covenant motif from the seed promise in Genesis to the New Jerusalem in the book of Revelation. He demonstrates that grasping covenant theology helps us grow in our understanding of Scripture, our communion with the triune God that produces joy and piety, and our lives as individuals, families, and churches—all to the glory of the one who designed the marvelous plan of salvation. Covenant theology, then, is so magnificent because it is simply gospel theology that inevitably produces Trinitarian doxology.”
Joel R. Beeke, Chancellor and Professor of Homiletics and Systematic Theology, Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary

“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