Covenant Theology: A Reformed Baptist Primer

As somebody who studied covenant theology at a Presbyterian seminary, I thought this was a very cogent view of the covenants and it did a great job of presenting a covenant theology which does not end up inevitably at infant baptism. The primary way he does this is by viewing the latter covenants in terms of their office: the Mosaic covenant is the prophetic covenant; the Davidic coventant is the kingly covenant; and the covenant with the Levites is the priestly covenant, corresponding to the offices of Christ as prophet, priest, and king. The Levitic covenant is rarely discussed in covenant theologies, but Van Dorn shows that this covenant explains easily how one can subscribe to covenant theology and not baptize infants.The one complaint I had was when Van Dorn was explaining the Atonement. Van Dorn breaks this into objective and subjective elements, explaining that objectively the cross made every person on earth forgiveable, but subjectively only the elect who receive Christ by faith subjectively experience the benefits of that atonement. While I know many of the other reviews here found this the best section of the book, this seems like an Amyraldian scheme to me. I suspect most Reformed Baptists would subscribe a traditional Calvinist scheme. This doesn't really affect the overall covenantal framework of the book, but it does fill several pages of the book with what I think is error.Van Dorn affirms Sabbatarianism, but does not choose between LBC 1689 and Heidelberg's view of Sabbath. He also presents a nice (though brief) defense of the Regulative Principle.

I really enjoyed this book! It was easy to understand and was a great refresher on the Reformed Baptist covenant theology. Perfect for people who are new to covenant theology. It makes understanding covenant theology a lot easier. The primary way he does this is by viewing the latter covenants in terms of their office: the Mosaic covenant is the prophetic covenant; the Davidic coventant is the kingly covenant; and the covenant with the Levites is the priestly covenant, corresponding to the offices of Christ as prophet, priest, and king.I was surprised he discussed the Levitic covenant which in a sense is separate from the Mosaic covenant, it is a covenant in a covenant. It is rarely discussed in covenant theologies, but Van Dorn did a great job on it. If your new to Reformed Baptist and interested in the covenant theology. This is most likely the best one to start with. He keeps it basic and very easy to read..

I really enjoyed this book! It was easy to understand and was a great refresher on the Reformed Baptist position. Doug is very good in presenting his proof texts and references, so you can check things out for yourself (like the Bereans).

Absolutely amazing work. Must read for anyone who wants a right view of redemptive history, salvation, and God. Excellent arguments for the perspective of Reformed Baptists, and thoroughly exegeted and biblically supported.

Was very helpful - in fact I'm wanting to read it again. I appreciate the way it's written for the average guy!

Very good "primer" to wet ones appetite to go and study more. Very biblical approach and pastoral grace. Worth your time!

If you want to understand covenant theology from a Reformed Baptist point of view, this would be the book to read.

Well written and to the point. Perfect for people new to covenant theology. Makes understanding covenant theology a lot easier.