Many who study historical theology—even those who hold a radically different view from that which informs classic Reformed theology—have recognized that so-called covenant theology marked an era in the appreciation and understanding of the progressive character of divine revelation. William Robertson Smith, for example, expresses his judgment in the following terms: "In old Protestant theology, and despite all its defects, Cocceius’ federal theology represents the most important attempt to do justice to the historical development of revelation." Geerhardus Vos, fond of covenant theology, tells us: "From its origins, covenant theology has shown itself to possess a genuine historical sense in apprehending the progressive character in which truth has been given to us."
