The Fulfillment of God's Promises

An Exposition of Covenant Theology.

The Fulfillment of God's Promises: An Explanation of Covenant Theology by Richard P. Belcher: A variety of views and nuances of covenant theology exist within the Reformed church and the broader evangelical world. This book seeks to explain covenant theology as it is presented in the Westminster Confession of Faith as a starting point for discussions on covenant theology and as a basis for evaluating other views. Some variations of covenant theology are minor and do not affect the doctrinal system of Reformed theology, but other variations are major and affect important doctrines associated with justification by faith. Attention is also given to the views of confessional Baptists, as well as evangelicals who operate with a covenantal approach to Scripture. This book combines a straightforward explanation of fundamental covenant theology, followed by a more detailed analysis of other views.

Richard Belcher's The Fulfillment of God's Promises is now “the” introduction to covenant theology. It will be incorporated into my Covenant Theology course syllabus, and it will be the first book I recommend to seminarians not only as an introduction to the topic but as an essential evaluation of the major alternatives to classic Reformed covenant theology. This is now the starting point for those seeking a clear presentation of confessional Reformed theology. Ligon Duncan

Dr. Belcher has been teaching about biblical covenants for more than 25 years, and it shows. Belcher combines an understanding of Reformed systematic theology and a lifetime of study on the exegetical details of each covenant. This book very well presents the traditional Reformed stance on covenant theology, which includes both the covenant of grace and the covenant of works, in addition to carefully examining the details of each of the individual covenants within the covenant of grace. Another strength of this book is that Belcher cordially interacts with various minority views, such as confessional Baptists and aspects of Meredith Kline's theology. Finally, Belcher concludes the study by reviewing three important aspects that are emphasized to varying degrees within the covenants: the covenants show that there are legal, personal, and corporate aspects to our glorious and complete salvation. I highly recommend this book. Robert Cara Hugh and Sallie Reaves Professor of New Testament, Reformed Theological Seminary, Charlotte, North Carolina

While some think that "covenant theology" is an outdated theological innovation that belongs to a bygone era, others have more recently discovered that it is a central doctrine of the Christian faith progressively unfolded in the biblical text. Richard Belcher belongs to this latter group. He believes that "covenant theology" provides the divinely given referential framework that safeguards the biblical message of salvation by grace and promises spiritual renewal, forgiveness of sins, perfect righteousness, and a profound assurance of faith. In this way, "covenant theology" offers the only sure foundation for a joyful and fruitful Christian life. Belcher writes with the engaging and simple style of a biblical theologian who, nevertheless, gives a systematic theological sense to a complex topic. This important book offers a comprehensive analysis of covenant theology that is based on a historical and contextual analysis of the Scriptures, which is both irenic and fair, and will be of great appeal to the broader evangelical and Reformed community. This book is a tour de force on the subject. Peter Hastie Principal, Presbyterian Theological College, Melbourne, Victoria

Dr. Belcher provides a clear explanation of the covenants in their contexts. In addition to covering in detail the classic Westminster Standards formulation of covenant theology, he addresses various covenant views, including those of Reformed Baptists. One of the book's strengths is that he has taken the time to understand the views of those with whom he differs and presents them kindly and with great accuracy. His summaries are very helpful. People new to the Reformed faith will greatly benefit from this easy-to-read summary of covenant theology that is rooted in Scripture and saturated with the gospel. Jim Newheiser Executive Director, The Institute For Biblical Counseling and Discipleship

Richard Belcher has given us a welcome study and analysis of the covenants in Scripture. His commitment to traditional Reformed theology is evident, while he explains and evaluates a variety of perspectives on the biblical covenants. His explanations are clear and insightful. This volume will help many theology students and laypeople alike as they explore the contours of covenant theology today. Richard Pratt President, Third Millennium Ministries, Orlando, Florida