What defines Progressive Covenantalism in theological terms?

Definition and Historical Context

Progressive Covenantalism is a theological framework that seeks to understand how God’s redemptive plan develops through the biblical covenants, culminating in the New Covenant established by Jesus Christ. It sits between traditional dispensational models and covenant theology, sustaining elements of both continuity and discontinuity throughout Scripture. This approach recognizes the unfolding revelation of God’s promises—from their early inception in Genesis to their ultimate fulfillment in the New Testament—and affirms that each covenant adds new dimensions without nullifying previous truths.

Although the terminology gained broader usage in more recent centuries, the concept draws from the Church’s historical grappling with how Old Testament promises transfer (or do not transfer) to believers under the New Covenant. In effect, Progressive Covenantalists uphold a rich biblical storyline that respects the contextual differences of each covenant while maintaining their ultimate unity in Christ.

Core Theological Foundations

1. Christ as Fulfillment

Jesus Christ is viewed as the center of all covenants—from the promise of a savior in Genesis 3:15 to the revelation of the final, eternal kingdom in Revelation. The Progressive Covenantalist perspective weaves Christ’s person and work into each covenant’s purpose, affirming the continuity of God’s redemptive plan. As Paul writes, “For no matter how many promises God has made, they are ‘Yes’ in Christ” (2 Corinthians 1:20).

2. Unity of Scripture

Progressive Covenantalism holds firmly that Scripture interprets Scripture, which solidifies the Old and New Testaments as one cohesive revelation of God’s purposes. Hebrews 1:1–2 declares, “On many past occasions and in many different ways, God spoke to our fathers through the prophets. But in these last days He has spoken to us by His Son.” All covenants point forward or backward to Christ’s redemptive work, revealing an unbroken thread of divine action.

3. The People of God

Those who hold to Progressive Covenantalism typically see the people of God across both Old and New Testaments in a fluid continuity. Jews who trusted in God’s Old Testament revelations and Gentiles who believe the gospel (Romans 1:16) ultimately unite in Christ. This unity does not erase ethnic distinctions but affirms that salvation is always by grace through faith (Ephesians 2:8).

The Biblical Covenants

1. The Creation Covenant

God’s initial relationship with humankind—rooted in creation—is sometimes referred to as the Creation Covenant. While Scripture does not use the explicit term “covenant” in early chapters of Genesis, the principle is observed in passages like Genesis 2:15–17, in which certain obligations and blessings appear. Progressive Covenantalism views this as a foundational structure for humanity’s relationship with God, setting the stage for human responsibility and dependence on the Creator.

2. Noahic Covenant

In Genesis 9:8–17, God establishes a covenant with Noah after the Flood. This universal covenant upholds the preservation of the world and underscores God’s mercy toward humankind. Progressive Covenantalists regard this covenant as part of God's overarching plan, demonstrating that despite human sin, God provides continuance and a sphere for redemption’s outworking.

3. Abrahamic Covenant

Genesis 12:1–3 and Genesis 15:1–21 detail God’s promise of land, offspring, and blessing to Abraham. Progressive Covenantalists see this covenant as a cornerstone for the unfolding story of redemption. The physical seed (descendants of Abraham) foreshadows the spiritual seed—those who share Abraham’s faith in the promises of God (Romans 4:16)—and signals blessings that find their ultimate fulfillment in Christ (Galatians 3:16).

4. Mosaic Covenant

The Mosaic Covenant (Exodus 19–24) establishes laws and commandments for Israel’s covenant relationship with Yahweh. Progressive Covenantalism notes that this covenant highlights divine holiness and exposes the need for atonement, preparing hearts for the ultimate sacrifice and priesthood of Christ (Hebrews 9:11–14).

5. Davidic Covenant

God’s promise to David in 2 Samuel 7:12–16 centers on the establishment of an eternal dynasty. Progressive Covenantalists interpret this as ultimately fulfilled in Jesus Christ, the “Son of David” (Matthew 1:1), who sits enthroned forever.

6. The New Covenant

As revealed in Jeremiah 31:31–34 and fulfilled in Jesus’ death and resurrection (Luke 22:20), the New Covenant institutes forgiveness of sins and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit (Ezekiel 36:26–27). Progressive Covenantalism underscores the centrality of this covenant, which brings to fruition the promises of the older covenants and establishes God’s people as a Spirit-empowered community united in Christ (Galatians 3:28–29).

Key Distinctives

1. Progressive Revelation

Each successive covenant expands or clarifies God’s redemptive plan without negating prior covenants. Instead, each covenant adds depth and scope, leading ultimately to Christ’s redemptive work.

2. Fulfillment in Christ

Many of the covenantal types, shadows, and ceremonial practices find their resolution and completion in Jesus, who is the “mediator of a better covenant” (Hebrews 8:6).

3. One Covenant People

Progressives typically view Israel and the Church not as separate peoples of God but part of one covenant people across redemptive history. Faith in God remains constant, whether in anticipation of the Messiah under the Old Covenant or in fulfillment under the New.

4. Ethical Continuity and Discontinuity

Moral laws, such as those rooted in God’s character, carry forward into the New Covenant; ceremonial or civil laws unique to Israel’s national identity under the Mosaic Covenant are fulfilled in Christ’s sacrificial work and no longer apply in the same manner (Romans 10:4).

Scriptural References and Exegesis

Numerous passages inform the theology of Progressive Covenantalism. In Romans 9–11, Paul explains how Israel’s history reveals God’s sovereign plan, incorporating Gentiles into the promises given to the patriarchs. Acts 15 records the Jerusalem Council’s decision regarding Gentiles, illustrating the continuity of God’s people while clarifying the new covenantal relationship that transcends ethnic boundaries.

Positions on the kingdom of God also factor in significantly. Luke 1:32–33 affirms that Jesus will receive the throne of David, and conclusive statements such as Revelation 21:3 show God dwelling eternally among His people. These passages illustrate a “now, not yet” dimension, acknowledging that Jesus inaugurated the kingdom while believers wait for its consummation.

Practical Implications

1. Worship and Church Life

Because the New Covenant fully establishes a gathered community under Christ, congregations focus on doxology (dignifying God’s holiness), discipleship, and the centrality of the gospel in all teaching. Baptism and the Lord’s Supper replace Old Covenant rites, underscoring the renewal and unity believers share through Christ’s death and resurrection.

2. Biblical Interpretation

Reading the Bible as a unified account of God’s unfolding plan helps interpreters see Christ in the Old Testament and appreciate how Old Testament truths remain relevant, yet refined, under the New Covenant. Progressive Covenantalists often employ a wide range of exegetical methods, highlighting context, authorial intent, and the revelation of Christ as the “key” to the Scriptures (Luke 24:27).

3. Ethical Decision-Making

Moral and spiritual mandates carry through from Old to New Testament when grounded in God’s unchanging character. Therefore, living righteously (1 Peter 1:14–16) remains a mark of covenant fidelity for believers today, motivated by grace rather than strict adherence to ceremonial regulations.

Addressing Critiques

Some question whether Progressive Covenantalism sufficiently distinguishes Israel’s national promises from the Church’s inheritance. However, proponents maintain that God’s promises to Israel—land, kingship, and blessing—achieve their ultimate purpose in Christ and extend to Gentile believers who share Abraham’s faith (Romans 4:13–17). This perspective sees no cancellation of God’s promises but an expansion that encompasses all who turn to Him in faith.

Others suggest that Progressive Covenantalism blurs lines with either dispensationalism on one hand or covenant theology on the other. Yet advocates emphasize that they chart a middle course, affirming that each previous covenant stands valid in its time, while teaching that Christ’s New Covenant brings fulfillment so comprehensive that it reshapes how the people of God live and worship.

Conclusion

In theological terms, Progressive Covenantalism defines how the biblical covenants progressively reveal and advance God’s redemptive plan, culminating in Jesus Christ’s atoning work and resurrection. Each covenant unveils further dimensions of God’s promises, showing an unbroken trajectory from Adam, through Noah, Abraham, Moses, and David, arriving at the New Covenant instituted by Christ.

By affirming the unity of the people of God throughout redemptive history and upholding the final authority of Scripture (Matthew 4:4), Progressive Covenantalism underscores the comprehensive love and wisdom of God displayed in every stage of the covenantal storyline. As the redeemed community, believers today stand inheritors of these promises, participating in God’s grand design to “bring everything together in Christ” (Ephesians 1:10).