Book Review: The Fulfillment of the Promises of God (Covenant Theology)

Covenant theology has become an increasingly common concept among circles that bear the name “reformed” in a variety of ways, and rightly so. It has been one of the defining marks of reformed theology since its inception during the sixteenth century and has stood the test of time as a sure footing on which to do much other theology. Covenant theology is important, and many people have known that for quite some time.

Among those who call themselves “reformed,” however, there is hardly a consensus on a view of the biblical covenants or what covenant theology even is. Factions and strains of differing views, some large and some small, exist everywhere. Books abound to represent each of these. In the thick of the covenantal cloud there has been one gaping hole: a book on the foundations of covenant theology as articulated in the Westminster standards. Richard Belcher has provided us with such a book.

In The Fulfillment of the Promises of God, Belcher unfolds the continuity and symmetry of the biblical covenants as espoused in the Westminster standards. His style is clear, concise, and to the point. He strikes an excellent balance between thorough academic research and accessible communication. Belcher also writes in a refreshingly objective manner, one that aims to present the facts purely as they are in the pages of Scripture. All critiques and arguments are done in their proper place, enabling the reader to think clearly as he reads.

A unique but remarkable feature of this book is his irenic and accurate presentations of other views within the realm of covenantalism. He deals with the nuances of O. Palmer Robertson and John Murray, touches on Federal Vision, and devotes a considerable length of time to analyzing Meredith Kline. At the end, he even includes a section on progressive covenantalism and the ways it is having an impact today in broader evangelical circles.

One notable section is Belcher’s interaction with the covenantal and confessional Baptists. Since the seventeenth century, Baptists have had a strong covenantal heritage as carried on through their confessions of faith and the writings of men such as Nehemiah Coxe. He also interacts with modern proponents of baptist covenant theology such as Jim Renihan, Samuel Renihan, and Walt Chantry. For someone trying to discern key details of the Abrahamic covenant and the covenant of grace that would push them in either a Baptist or paedobaptist direction, this section is especially helpful—it certainly was for me. Belcher retains an objective tone throughout and offers a considerate and friendly critique at the end.

The Fulfillment of the Promises of God is an excellent book, but it might be a challenge for a new Christian to read. An ideal setting for this book would be someone who is familiar with the concepts of covenant theology already but who is hungry to learn more. It would also be excellent in a seminary classroom setting. For someone well versed in the doctrine of the covenants as laid out in the Westminster standards, the book might not bring many new things to light, but it certainly would be a helpful review. Definitely go grab a copy!

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Belcher, Richard P. The Fulfillment of the Promises of God: An Explanation of Covenant Theology. Ross-Shire, Great Britain: Christian Focus Publications, 2020.