“Reformed Covenant Theology: A Systematic Introduction” is the title of a book written by Dr. Harrison Perkins, and published by Lexham Academic in 2024. This post provides an introduction to Reformed Covenant Theology, along with a roundup of recent book reviews, and podcasts discussing the book.
Introduction to Reformed Covenant Theology
As it’s title suggests, this book provides a systematic and comprehensive exploration of Covenant Theology from a Reformed perspective. The book focuses on how Christ and his work are central to the covenant relationship between God and his people. Dr. Perkins writes from a scholarly perspective, with a pastors heart. (Full disclosure: Harrison was my pastor at Oakland Hills Community Church (OPC) in the Detroit area, where I served alongside him as a deacon.)
The book is noted for its accessibility despite its depth, making it suitable for both scholars and laypersons interested in theology. It addresses key debates within covenant theology, offering clarity on the distinctions between the covenant of works and the covenant of grace, the unity of the covenant of grace across its various administrations, and the centrality of Christ in all of Scripture. Perkins’ approach is not only scholarly but also deeply pastoral, emphasizing how covenant theology shapes the Christian life, offering frameworks for spiritual growth, biblical reading, and church life.
Readers can expect to gain insights into how covenants shape our relationship with God, with Perkins guiding through complex theological concepts — with a focus on practical application for Christian living. The book has been well-received, with endorsements from notable figures in Reformed theology who appreciate its thoroughness, clarity, and pastoral warmth.
A Systematic Approach
Perkins aims to provide not just a recounting of the biblical narrative but to engage systematically with the biblical texts to highlight the covenantal connections throughout Scripture. The book is praised for weaving together biblical, historical, and systematic theology into what has been described as a “rich tapestry,” offering readers a contemporary account of the Bible’s unifying structure through the lens of covenant theology.
The book provides a systematic introduction to five main topics:
- The Covenant of Works
- The Covenant of Redemption
- The Substance of the Covenant of Grace
- The Administration of the Covenant of Grace
- Living in God’s Covenant of Grace
The methodology and tools of systematic theology are deliberately used in the framework of this book so that topics are thoroughly covered — moving beyond academic debate to meaningful understanding that touches the heart.
NOTE: Covenant Theology is sometimes abbreviated as CT in this article.
Credo Magazine’s Book of the Year (2024) in Systematic Theology
Credo Magazine said: “In the heat of the theological retrieval currently underway, evangelical theology must not lose its mooring in the magisterial Reformation and particularly its covenantal framework. Perkins demonstrates the deep catholicity of Reformed theology, yet without hesitating to highlight its distinctiveness from both medieval scholasticism, on the one hand, and modern theology on the other. Here the idea of covenant receives a thorough biblical, dogmatic, metaphysical and – not least – pastoral treatment.”
2024 Top 10 Book Awards
Kevin DeYoung includes Dr. Perkins’ book in his top 10 list for 2024, with the following recommendation: “In recent years, we’ve seen several excellent books on covenant theology. This new one from Harrison Perkins — an OPC pastor and part-time systematics professor — is unique in that it approaches the topic as systematic theology rather than mainly as biblical or exegetical theology (both approaches have their place). Perkins is an excellent young scholar-pastor, and this volume should serve as a valuable textbook for pastors and students for many years.”
Keith Mathison, of Ligonier and Reformation Bible College, lists Reformed Covenant Theology on his top 10 books for 2024. Mathison’s blurb: “Harrison Perkins’s book … discusses the major elements of covenant theology from the perspective of systematic theology. This makes it somewhat easier, for example, to see the similarities and differences between Reformed covenant theology and Roman Catholic theology.”
Finally, Tim Challies, the uber-Christian-blogger, in his list of 10 Christian Mega-Projects says: “Harrison Perkins shows how Christ and his work are the heart of [the] covenant relationship. Since God lives in covenant with his redeemed people, covenant theology provides a framework for Christians to grow in their life with God, to read the Bible, and to love the church.”
A Critical Review by Dr. Reluctant
Paul Martin Henebury, a native of Manchester, England, and currently a pastor in northern California has written one of the only “critical reviews” of Dr. Perkins book I could find. This article includes reference to it for the sake of being fair and balanced. Henebury says: ” ‘Dr. Reluctant’ is a pseudonym given me by my friends. It relates to the subject of Dispensationalism, of which I am both an adherent and dismayed critic.”
In his review (part 1) Henebury admits: “even though I don’t come within a hundred miles of Perkins in my understanding of God’s covenants, I am mightily impressed with his ability to present CT so persuasively. Naturally, I was not persuaded, but the author deserves a lot of credit.”
Henebury’s review is lengthy and detailed. See also part 2, part 3, and part 4.
Reviewed in the Ordained Servant by T. David Gordon
Ordained Servant (the official OPC publication for elders and deacons in the OPC) published a review by T. David Gordon, in the January 2025 issue about The Covenants.
“The volume is very strong in interacting with alternative views, both within Reformed covenant theology and without. Perkins appears equally comfortable with the early church (Irenaeus and Augustine), the medieval church (Anselm and Aquinas), the Reformational theologians (Calvin, Witsius, Turretin, Perkins, Bavinck, and Vos), and living contemporaries. The coverage is remarkably thorough and engaging, and the critical reasoning is acute. The book is full of rich biblical theology and precise exegesis, as Perkins explains important New Testament texts in light of the Old Testament texts they develop.”
Gordon concludes: “If I had to recommend a single volume to introduce someone to Reformed covenant theology, this would be it. It not only employs clearer English than Witsius’s The Economy of the Covenants (1677 original in Latin), but it also engages ancient, medieval, and contemporary theologians more thoroughly than Witsius did, and demonstrates remarkable fluency and competence in the several important disciplines of systematic theology, biblical theology, and exegetical theology.”
Reviewed in New Horizons by Ethan J. Bolyard
OPC Pastor Ethan Bolyard wrote a review of the book that was published in the February 2025 edition of New Horizons. Pastor Bolyard points out a few areas where some Reformed readers might differ
Perkins relies heavily on a “hypothetical” (or “contingency”) reading of Romans 2:13 and the surrounding verses, which he treats at length in an appendix. Although his position is historically defensible, it is worth noting that many Reformed stalwarts—including Martin Bucer, John Ball, Thomas Manton, Herman Witsius, Wilhelmus à Brakel, and Petrus van Mastricht—held a “real” interpretation of verses 5–11 if not also of verses 12–16 (see Mark Jones’s foreword to Gaffin, By Faith, Not by Sight, x–xi).
Likewise, given the book’s emphasis on the sharp antithesis between works and grace, it is not always clear how a final judgment according to works functions meaningfully for new covenant believers (2 Cor. 5:9–11), nor how the prospect of rewards for obedience (James 1:12) and the threat of sanctions for apostasy (Heb. 10:26–31) genuinely motivate holy living (Heb. 12:14).
Puritan Reader Review
The Puritan Reader published a review on July 5, 2024:
“When compared to other works on covenant theology, such as Meredith Kline’s Kingdom Prologue or O. Palmer Robertson’s The Christ of the Covenants, Perkins’ book stands out for its balance between historical development, biblical exegesis, and practical application. While Kline provides a more technical and scholarly approach, and Robertson offers a comprehensive biblical overview, Perkins integrates these elements into a cohesive narrative that is both informative and applicable to the reader’s faith and practice.”
“Perkins’ use of the Bible is exemplary. He consistently grounds his arguments in Scripture, providing extensive biblical references and thoughtful interpretations. His approach ensures that his conclusions are firmly rooted in the biblical text, making his theological assertions credible and compelling.”
Reformed Covenant Theology – Reformed Forum Webinar
In the video (webinar) above, Camden Bucey and Carlton Wynne discuss the book and ask Dr. Perkins about it. Perkins reveals his motivation and goals in writing: Providing scholarship about covenant theology that’s helpful for the whole church, and bridging theological discussions across traditions. An important goal was to demonstrate historical continuity with early church teachings, and build bridges between theological perspectives. (He accomplishes this quite well, for example, in the ‘Confessions Index’ (p. 481,482) which cross references sections of the book with the 3 Forms of Unity, Helvetic Confession, and Westminster Standards.)
Going Beyond Mere Typology
In the webinar dialogue Perkins explains how he is seeking common ground between Reformed and Baptist traditions, challenging narrow interpretations of covenant theology. He explains how Christ’s redemptive work applies retroactively, demonstrating how Old Testament believers received salvation through the promised Messiah. The dialogue includes a humorous analogy of Moe’s restaurant menu items (burritos) to explain covenant administrations. This is followed by a playful discussion about theologian Taco Hajo Vanden Honert (1666-1740) — referenced on page 83 of the book.
Challenges to Covenant Theology
As the webinar continues Camden Bucey asked Dr. Perkins “What do you think are some of the most pressing challenges facing covenant theology from the reformed and Presbyterian world?”
Perkins identifies two primary challenges facing covenant theology in the Reformed and Presbyterian world. First, there is a lack of clarity about covenant terminology and usage, with different groups interpreting covenant concepts differently. He highlights the need to balance the understanding of grace and works, emphasizing that covenant theology can help explain how grace is free while also maintaining a call to godly living.
The second challenge involves practical application of covenant theology in contemporary church life. Perkins argues that churches should use covenant theology to address two critical issues: explaining the importance of church membership and understanding the means of grace. He suggests that covenant theology can help churches teach why committed church (covenant community) membership matters and demonstrate how God meets His people through the ordinary means of grace, combating the modern tendency to minimize church membership.
Reformed Covenant Theology for Dummies
In this Presbycast episode (above), my former colleague at The Aquila Report, Brad Isbell demonstrates his wry sense of humor, while discussing the book with Perkins and Derrick Brite. After some small talk, they jump into a serious (but entertaining) discussion of the book. Here’s a summary of the main ideas talked about in the podcast.
Understanding covenant theology is not necessary for salvation, but is helpful for understanding biblical redemptive history. Also, it provides a framework for understanding the relationship between Old and New Testaments. (Testament is a synonym for covenant, but covenant is actually the best biblical term to use.)
Definition of Covenant
Several definitions of ‘covenant’ are mentioned in the book, however, Perkins provides a simple explanation in the podcast: “A formal relationship between persons, particularly between God and humanity.”
Covenant Theology’s Role, Relationships, Redemption
The discussion emphasizes that covenant theology isn’t just a framework, but integral to understanding the Bible’s narrative, particularly how it ties together redemptive history through the covenants. Perkins explains the Covenant of Works (pre-fall) and contrasts it with the Covenant of Grace (post-fall), discussing how these concepts help explain the relationship between law and gospel. The group discusses the Covenant of Redemption, delving into the trinitarian aspect of salvation, where the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit have roles in the plan of salvation, emphasizing Christ’s eternal mediation.
Practical Implications: The dialogue shifts to how covenant theology impacts pastoral ministry, stressing the importance of the ordinary means of grace in the life of the church and individual believers.
Reformed Covenant Theology – Reviewed by another Dispensationalist
It’s actually difficult to find a negative review of Dr. Perkins book. (I couldn’t find any negative reviews, even on Goodreads.) However, because I’m trying to be fair and balanced, I’m posting this book review video (above) by Pastor Shawn Willson (Rev. Reads). Pastor Willson clearly approaches the Bible from a dispensationalist framework, and yet recommends the book.
Rev. Reads expresses a paradoxical relationship with the book’s content — agreeing with many foundational truths of Reformed theology while simultaneously finding significant points of disagreement. He acknowledges the shared Protestant beliefs such as salvation by faith alone, through grace alone, in Christ alone, and the authority of the Bible. However, he express confusion over how some claims of covenant theology are derived from these biblical foundations.
Pastor Willson’s review highlights the educational value of the book for those outside the Reformed tradition, stating that it clarifies many aspects of covenant theology that might otherwise be misunderstood or confusing. He emphasizes the book’s approachable and pastoral tone, which uses illustrations to make complex theological points more relatable. This makes the book highly recommendable for both those within and outside the Reformed community, serving as a valuable reference for understanding or debating covenant theology. In conclusion, he appreciates the book’s utility for pastors and theological students, suggesting it’s a must-have for anyone interested in or needing to understand covenant theology, even if they ultimately disagree with its tenets.
Conclusion
It’s now quite obvious that Reformed Covenant Theology is a very well written and helpful book. There’s not a whole lot more I can add, however, as time allows (at some point in the future) I hope to provide a study guide.
Related Links and Resources
- Reformed Covenant Theology with Dr. Harrison Perkins – on the Heidelcast podcast – published 24-Mar-2024 ~ reviewed on 27-Jan-2025
- An Interview With Harrison Perkins – on the Guilt Grace and Gratitude podcast – published on 25-Apr-2024 ~ reviewed on 26-Jan-2025
- Why Reformed Covenant Theology Matters – A conversation about the book on the Mortification of Spin podcast with Todd Pruitt and Carl Trueman – published 23-Oct-2024 ~ reviewed 26-Jan-2025
- RTS Webinar on Covenant Theology – An online discussion hosted by C.L. Pierce and Ligon Duncan of Reformed Theological Seminary – Dr. Duncan wrote the forward to the book. – Published on 5-Aug-2024 ~ reviewed on 26-Jan-2025
Published on 26-Jan-2025; updated with additional related links on 4-Feb-2025; updated again on 29-Oct-2025.