What a wonderful book that serves as an introduction to Covenant Theology. If you're having trouble getting your head around this, this is the first place to stop. ( )

I would not call this an entry level book, but rather one that's more academically focused. There were large portions of it I had difficulty understanding, and I wouldn't consider myself a novice in my understanding of Covenant Theology. So if you're up to doing some real study, then I can recommend this book to you. As far as I know, it may be unique as a contemporary book that goes into depth on the system of Covenant Theology. I just wish it were more of a primer on the subject than it is. ( )

Horton's "intro" may not seem to be such to many readers. That said, Horton does introduce the reader to the important Biblical motif of the Covenant however nuanced that introduction may be.

Horton offers what I think to be a helpful articulation of the two historical covenants made with man. He discusses the prelapsarian covenant of works made with Adam (and reinstituted through Moses at Sinai) and the postlapsarian covenant of grace which Horton demonstates is revealed more and more though the covenants made with Noah, Abraham, David, and ultimatly Christ.

Hortons discussion of "Two Mothers" is helpful in understanding the importnace of distinguishing between the COW and the COG (and thefore the hermeneutical tool of Law/Gospel). I found his last chapter on "New Covenant Obedience" to be most fruitful and encouraging. This "intro" will challenge the newbie and be a great resource to those already well read on the subject.

Horton does rely on his mentor (Kline) a bit but certainly offers his own thoughts on the subject of Covenant Theology and demonstrates well the understanding of the Reformed theologians since Calvin. Because the covenants are a key (if not the key) way in which YHWH has revealed himself relationaly to his people, understaning how they relate to one another, and ulitmatly how they point to Jesus is importnat; for that reason I hightly recomend this book to all who want to better undertand the Bible and the God who has there made himself known. ( )

this is a good intro to Covenant Theology, but... I disagree with his idea that many Covenants are actually testaments. In addition, it requires more backgroudn in Biblical theology than does Williamsons "Far as the Curse is Found" ( )