When the editorial team of Christ Over All plans each month, we typically aim for enough content—long form, short form, and podcast—to cover most weekdays in the month. Sometimes we hit the mark, sometimes we fall a bit short, and sometimes—like with Progressive Covenantalism in the month of September—we have gold coins overflowing our coffers. For that reason, we extended Progressive Covenantalism into October by one week.
In September, we enjoyed two longform articles from Stephen Wellum. In the first, he outlined the hermeneutical commitments of Progressive Covenantalism. Then in that article and the second, he walked through each of the biblical covenants. These two long forms served as the anchors of our month, and set the stage for three podcasts with him.
Throughout the rest of the month, we provided one, two, and sometimes three articles on each of the biblical covenants. These individual articles were paired with articles on typology, various covenantal systems, and biblical ethics—to name a few. In all, the month of September (with a some overflow into October) consisted of more than two-dozen articles on Progressive Covenantalism.
And for us, at Christ Over All, this past month served our readers as both an introduction to Progressive Covenantalism and a development of that same system, which Stephen Wellum and Peter Gentry have been articulating since they wrote the first edition of Kingdom through Covenant. In fact, for those interested in considering Progressive Covenantalism further, there will be a session at the Evangelical Theological Society on the subject (see pg. 40 in the program). And in the near future, another volume of essays are in the works.
Meanwhile, Christ Over All will continue to be a place that develops Progressive Covenantalism, applying it to all aspects of theology—biblical, systematic, historical, political, and pastoral. (You can see our founding documents for more on this matter).
Progressive Covenantalism
For a full listing of the articles from the last five weeks, check out the list below and take a look at any you missed. If you are just starting with this list, begin with Steve Wellum’s two-part longform, followed by the pieces on hermeneutics and typology, and Richard Lucas’s comparison of 1689 Federalism with Progressive Covenantalism.
Then, every biblical covenant is considered, including the often-overlooked Levitical covenant. If you want to know what those covenants are and how they relate to the biblical canon, these articles will be a great start. Finally, the month concludes with Andrew Walker’s multi-part essay on ethics from a progressive covenantal framework. Add to this the podcasts, and you have well-formed primer on Progressive Covenantalism.
In case you missed anything, below are all our articles and podcasts from this past month, with the longform anchor pieces in red.
What is Progressive Covenantalism? Part 1 By Stephen Wellum • Longform Essay
The ultimate storyline of the Bible finds its fulfillment in Jesus Christ, but how does this story develop and advance? It does so through the unfolding of various covenants which progressively reveal God’s redemptive plan for his people. READ ESSAY
2.39 Stephen Wellum • Reading • “What is Progressive Covenantalism? Part 1” By Stephen Wellum • Podcast Reading
The ultimate storyline of the Bible finds its fulfillment in Jesus Christ, but how does this story develop and advance? It does so through the unfolding of various covenants which progressively reveal God’s redemptive plan for his people. LISTEN TO PODCAST
How to Interpret the Covenants and the Nature of Typology: A Companion Article By Stephen Wellum • Concise Article
To rightly interpret the Bible, we must read it on its own terms. This means paying careful attention to the covenantal structure of Scripture and its various promise-shaped types. READ ARTICLE
The Differences Between Typology and Allegory By Brent Parker • Concise Article
Is typology a twin of allegory? A distant cousin? Or something far different? READ ARTICLE
Dispensational and Covenant Theology By Stephen Wellum • Concise Article
Since Progressive Covenantalism charts a course between dispensational and covenant theology, understanding these two popular views clarifies Progressive Coventalism’s distinct contributions. READ ARTICLE
Progressive Covenantalism and 1689 Federalism: Comparing Baptist Covenantal Theologies By Richard Lucas • Concise Article
How is Progressive Covenantalism different from 1689 Federalism? And do these Baptist covenantal theologies differ from reformed covenant theology? READ ARTICLE
2.40 Stephen Wellum, David Schrock, Trent Hunter • Interview • “What is Progressive Covenantalism? Part 1” By Stephen Wellum, David Schrock, Trent Hunter • Podcast Interview
The ultimate storyline of the Bible finds its fulfillment in Jesus Christ, but how does this story develop and advance? It does so through the unfolding of various covenants which progressively reveal God’s redemptive plan for his people. LISTEN TO PODCAST
The Creation Covenant According to Progressive Covenantalism: Laying the Right Foundation By Richard Lucas • Concise Article
Sound structures require firm foundations. Therefore, when constructing biblical and systematic theology, it’s critical to rightly understand the creation covenant, the building block upon which each succeeding covenant will rest. READ ARTICLE
The Noahic Covenant within Progressive Covenantalism (Part 1) By Michael Carlino • Concise Article
How does the Noahic Covenant fit into Scripture? Both by hearkening back to the original creation covenant and by looking ahead to the consummation of the new creation at Christ’s return. READ ARTICLE
The Noahic Covenant within Progressive Covenantalism (Part 2) By Michael Carlino • Concise Article
The Noahic Covenant is certainly an expression of God’s common grace but not exclusively so. Indeed, it also demonstrates his saving grace as it showcases his steadfast love and previews a greater salvation to come. READ ARTICLE
God’s Covenant with Abraham By Peter J. Gentry • Concise Article
What are the key points of the Abrahamic Covenant? And how does it fit in the larger storyline of Scripture? READ ARTICLE
What is Progressive Covenantalism? Part 2 By Stephen Wellum • Longform Essay
The biblical covenants which give shape to Scripture finally culminate in the New Covenant established by Jesus Christ. What does this mean for the church, God’s New Covenant people? READ ESSAY
2.41 Stephen Wellum • Reading • “What is Progressive Covenantalism? Part 2” By Stephen Wellum • Podcast Reading
The biblical covenants which give shape to Scripture finally culminate in the New Covenant established by Jesus Christ. What does this mean for the church, God’s New Covenant people? LISTEN TO PODCAST
The Law of Moses—The Mosaic Covenant Viewed Through Progressive Covenantalism (Part 1) By Ardel Caneday • Concise Article
Christians have long disputed how the Mosaic Law applies to the church today. How does Progressive Covenantalism answer this important question? READ ARTICLE
The Law of Moses—The Mosaic Covenant Viewed Through Progressive Covenantalism (Part 2) By Ardel Caneday • Concise Article
Paul writes that the law is good if one uses it lawfully (1 Tim. 1:8). So how do Christians, who are no longer under the Mosaic Law, use the law rightly? READ ARTICLE
Applying the Law of Moses to the Christian Life By Joshua M. Greever • Concise Article
Are Christians obligated to obey the Old Testament laws? How does one apply these laws to a believer under the new covenant? READ ARTICLE
The Levitical Covenant (Part 1): Returning a Priceless Work of Art to the Bible By David Schrock • Concise Article
Like a long-forgotten treasure, the Levitical Covenant has nearly slipped into obscurity. We seek to recover it here, examining its beauty and placing it back amongst its covenantal counterparts. READ ARTICLE
The Levitical Covenant (Part 2): Three Truths About the Levitical Covenant By David Schrock • Concise Article
If the Levitical covenant is the shell, then the Mosaic covenant is the yolk. But this is a shell that reinforces the weakness of the Mosaic covenant in preparation for something even greater. READ ARTICLE
2.42 Stephen Wellum and David Schrock • Interview • “What is Progressive Covenantalism? Part 2” By Stephen Wellum and David Schrock • Podcast Interview
The biblical covenants which give shape to Scripture finally culminate in the New Covenant established by Jesus Christ. What does this mean for the church, God’s New Covenant people? LISTEN TO PODCAST
The Levitical Covenant (Part 3): The Priestly Nature of the New Covenant By David Schrock • Concise Article
Jesus Christ is our great high priest and he has transformed his people into a kingdom of priests. How does the Levitical Covenant foreshadow our Savior’s priestly service? READ ARTICLE
Making Sense of Melchizedek Through the Framework of Progressive Covenantalism By Matthew Emadi • Concise Article
“All the world’s a stage, and all the men and women merely players.” Shakespeare was not writing of Scripture, yet it too is a stage on which various figures appear with a part to play. What is Melchizedek’s role in the grand drama of redemptive history? READ ARTICLE
The Davidic Covenant By Jason S. DeRouchie • Concise Article
In the Old Testament, all the prior covenants convene in the Davidic Covenant as God’s plan to regain Fortress Earth culminates in this kingly figure. How does David anticipate the true king who will come from his line? READ ARTICLE
The New Covenant By Joshua M. Greever • Concise Article
In order to truly savor the New Covenant, we must recognize how it both stands in continuity with the previous biblical covenants, yet also stands apart as a uniquely glorious set of promises. READ ARTICLE
Typological Reading Versus Typological Writing (Part One) By Ardel Caneday • Concise Article
As readers, we do not have authority to view a text through any interpretive lens of our choosing. When we speak of typology then, we do not speak of an optional tool by which we can analyze Scripture. Rather, we refer to the Spirit-inspired patterns woven into the text itself. READ ARTICLE
2.43 Stephen Wellum, David Schrock, Trent Hunter • Interview • “What is Progressive Covenantalism? Part 3” By Stephen Wellum and David Schrock • Podcast Interview
The biblical covenants which give shape to Scripture finally culminate in the New Covenant established by Jesus Christ. What does this mean for the church, God’s New Covenant people? LISTEN TO PODCAST
Typological Reading Versus Typological Writing (Part Two) By Ardel Caneday • Concise Article
When we rewind the tape and look at the Old Testament from our New Testament perspective, we see that the story really was about Jesus all along. READ ARTICLE
Ethics through Covenant: A Primer on Progressive Covenantalism and Moral Theology (Part 1) By Andrew T. Walker • Concise Article
As Christians seek to apply Scripture to the ethical questions of daily life, progressive covenantalism provides an interpretive framework that helps produce a unified, comprehensive, and biblical morality. READ ARTICLE
Ethics through Covenant: A Primer on Progressive Covenantalism and Moral Theology (Part 2) By Andrew T. Walker • Concise Article
Is a non-Christian truly married, or does marriage only exist for Christians? Progressive Covenantalism helps us to answer ethical questions such as these. READ ARTICLE
Ethics through Covenant: A Primer on Progressive Covenantalism and Moral Theology (Part 3) By Andrew T. Walker • Concise Article
Does Jesus create a new ethic in the New Covenant? Progressive Covenantalism helps us see the answer is no. Instead, Jesus reveals a greater horizon for the ethic present throughout all of Scripture. READ ARTICLE
Engaging Christian Nationalism
Good things come to those who wait. And we believe that this month is filled with good things, delayed as it was by the extension of Progressive Covenantalism. So, thank you for your patience!
Starting on Monday, October 9, we begin a series of podcasts investigating Christian Nationalism. With Columbo, the unassuming 1970s detective, as our guide, we are seeking to ask “just one more thing,” as we talk to host of proponents and opponents of this thing called Christian Nationalism (CN for short).
In addition to those who are directly involved with the discussion, we are talking to a number of church historians to better understand the history leading up to the recent interest in political theory, public theology, and Christian Nationalism. Equally, we are seeking to understand the history of America and its relationship to Christianity.
In order, here is the list of podcast interviewees.
- John Wilsey
- Kevin DeYoung
- Mark David Hall
- Andrew Walker
- Tom Ascol
- Douglas Wilson
- Stephen Wolfe
- Joe Boot and Andrew Sandlin
- Scott Aniol
- Timon Cline
- Jonathan Leeman
- Albert Mohler
- Andy Naselli
Already we have recorded more than half of these conversations. And Lord willing, we will record the rest over the next month. In all, we hope to provide a full slate of voices, taken from both sides, so that we can hear what people actually believe and why. We know there have been many pointed (and heated) arguments for and against Christian Nationalism.
Certainly, we won’t cover every corner, or ask every question, nor will all of our listeners/readers that we’ve given some individuals a platform to speak. But hopefully, this month’s theme will facilitate a discussion on “Christian Nationalism” (or Christian Nationalisms) that pushes us back into the Bible and the best of church history. Indeed, there is much to learn from the Protestant tradition, as well as our Reformed Baptist position. Equally, there are important arguments being made today. And our aim this month is to bring that discussion forward in a format that is less heated than Twitter (or X) and more conversational than a battery of essays. (Those will come next month).
In October, our plan is to ask questions and hear the answers so that in November we can offer something of a constructive analysis. To hear a full introduction to the month, take twenty minutes to listen to Trent Hunter and me discuss Christ Over All’s approach to the month. You can also hear Columbo himself speak about Christian Nationalisms.
After that initial podcast, plan to listen to the rest of the podcasts this month. We are reducing our written output in October, so that we can focus on our podcasts, including a transcription of each discussion. This is not our normal format, but the one we decided on for this theme.
When the month is over, we will return to our normal format of written articles, supplemented by podcasts. But for the next four weeks, it will be podcast-heavy. So be sure to subscribe to our podcast on your favorite podcast player, click the “like” button there (this increases web traffic so others can find us), and spread the word of this month’s theme.
We are excited to offer this month. And we pray it may serve the church well.
An Appeal to Speak Slowly and Listen Carefully
As honest brothers and sisters attempt to articulate a view of the church and state, whether it is from the past, in the present, and for the future, we know there will be different (and competing) visions. We don’t offer this month with a triumphant spirit that says “we know best, and others are the worst.” Instead, we put forward these interviews with the hope that understanding will be increased, even as greater clarity may lead to greater disagreement.
For Christ Over All, our aim is not to reconcile competing parties who hold strongly opposed positions. Our aim is to understand why those positions are different and which is best with regards to Scripture, history, ecclesiology, political theory, and more. If that sounds like a project you would be interested in, please follow along.
Additionally, if there is interest in partnering with Christ Over All with financial support in 2024, please let us know. We are currently looking for churches and partners in the ministry to help us produce this kind of evergreen content for free. But to do that, we need the help of interested readers and listeners. If that is you, you can give online or you can get in touch with us to discuss other ways to help the ministry.
Long story short, we grateful to God for all those who have encouraged us in the first year of this ministry, and we pray that this upcoming month will encourage you to engage the culture with solid biblical and theological resources for the good of the church and the nation in which it stands.
May the Lord who reigns on high be pleased with our labors this month, and may these podcasts, articles, and other resources serve to remind all of us that Christ is Lord. In all things let us exalt Christ!
