The Words of the Covenant: A Biblical Theology, Volume 2: New Testament Continuation

Description

Like many others, I have eagerly anticipated this follow-up to Volume 1 of Paul Henebury’s The Words of the Covenant. And the wait for Volume 2, which we now have before us, has been worth it. Henebury applies his keen and thorough analytical skills to the New Testament. The result is another outstanding work of biblical theology. This book not only explains the story of the New Testament, it shows how the latter Testament is in accord with the intended meaning of the Old Testament prophets. In doing so, he demonstrates great continuity between Old Testament expectations and New Testament fulfillments in Jesus. Henebury’s discussion of the biblical covenants and how these relate to God’s kingdom program is magnificent. This book (along with Volume 1) would be helpful no matter what era in which it was written. But because of current theological trends, it is even more needed today.

We have entered an era in which reliance upon the assumptions of theological systems, with little scriptural support, is winning out over inductive study of Scripture based on sound hermeneutics. This makes Henebury’s contributions even more helpful for the student who wants to know what “the Bible says.” And while Henebury’s findings are often contrary to the current supersessionist and over-spiritualized findings that are rampant today, his conclusions are thoroughly orthodox and consistent with what many fine scholars in church history have also stated. As with Volume 1, I highly recommend this book.
Michael J. Vlach, PhD, Professor of Theology, Shepherds Theological Seminary.

With this volume, Dr. Henebury has completed the important work he began in The Words of the Covenant: OT Expectation, demonstrating that God means what He says and that those who would seek to please Him are not at liberty to reinterpret or morph the plain meaning of what God has said. In that work, he established the importance of the biblical covenants as the only sound framework within which the big picture of the Bible must anchor its interpretation. He also brought an understanding of the natural expectations readers of the Old Testament would have had when Jesus arrived on the scene—an understanding that Jesus did not overthrow, contrary to much teaching today. In this second volume, the work is extended to show that New Testament revelation is consistent with a natural reading of the covenants. It serves as a powerful corrective to the notion that the New Testament is required in order to make sense of the Old. Together, the two volumes ground our reading of the Bible as a unit and establish boundaries beyond which the meaning of the text may not be coaxed. As with everything Dr. Henebury writes, there are important ideas and thought-provoking discussions enriching the journey along the way—even if the reader may not always agree. Highly recommended.
Tony Garland, ThD, Author, A Testimony of Jesus Christ: A Commentary on the Book of Revelation, Founder, SpiritandTruth.org.

It has been said that Dispensationalism is more driven by a proper understanding of God’s covenants than any other biblical truth. Thus, new generations of Bible readers are always in need of a fresh exposition of God’s covenant structure. This reality is particularly true concerning the controversies surrounding a proper interpretation of the New Covenant. Here, Dr. Paul Henebury has provided a helpful exegetical and philosophical explanation and apologetic for the outworking of the New Covenant in biblical history. Dr. Henebury’s readers will certainly benefit from his labors as expressed in the present volume.
Andy Woods, PhD, President, Chafer Theological Seminary, Author, The Coming Kingdom.

Having established in Volume 1 the significance of the much-neglected biblical covenants, Henebury’s second offering convincingly demonstrates covenantal continuity in the New Testament. What the covenants set out in plain terms in the Hebrew Scriptures can be seen to form a major presupposition for the apostolic writers. Along the way, the author gently places a knife to the throat of one or two sacred theological cows. Unsurprisingly, most of the theological heat that Henebury’s work may generate comes down to the issue of Israel and her promised restoration. Henebury believes words mean things, and when those words are God’s, and are formalized in covenants that are “gracious amplifications of plain speech about matters of great importance,” theologian and Bible reader alike should take note. Henebury’s work is important, and I am very grateful that he has committed his insights to two substantial volumes.
Perry Trotter, Author, Israel in the Biblical Worldview.

Paul Henebury is doing something so obvious that you have to marvel that no one has done it before, let alone done it so well. He is avoiding the Scylla of creating extra-textual theological covenants and imposing them on Scripture; and he is avoiding the Charybdis of creating textually-inferred dispensations and imposing them on Scripture. Instead, Paul starts with the directly-textually-identified biblical covenants and lets Scripture structure itself accordingly. This is likely the best and most productive path forward because it relies most directly on the explicit statements of Scripture.
Daniel J. Phillips, Author, God’s Wisdom in Proverbs.

This is the anticipated second volume to Paul Henebury’s magisterial study in the biblical covenants. He continues with the New Testament, introducing us to our covenant Messiah, Jesus Christ, and the ministry He completed in the Four Gospels. He then explores the unfolding of Christ’s covenant ministry in the theology of Paul, the general epistles, and the capstone of the Apocalypse. Dr. Henebury’s work covers the important passages and themes relating to God’s covenant purposes with humanity and specifically His chosen people. I believe the reader will be truly enriched as I was as his book steers our hearts and minds through the New Covenant that our majestic Savior fulfilled bringing mankind eternal salvation.
Fred Butler, Volunteer Coordinator, Grace To You Radio Ministries.

Paul Henebury’s The Words of the Covenant, Volume 2 is a thought-provoking and rigorous work that will challenge readers to reconsider how the biblical covenants are essential to understanding the entire biblical narrative. Henebury masterfully uncovers the profound continuity between Old and New Testament revelations, demonstrating that God’s promises are steadfast and foundational to His redemptive plan. His deep engagement with Scripture and incisive analysis push beyond surface-level interpretations, offering fresh insights into God’s covenantal framework. I have thoroughly enjoyed this book, and highly recommend it to anyone seeking a clearer understanding of the Bible’s overarching storyline and the covenants that shape it.
Peter Goeman, PhD, Associate Professor of Old Testament, Shepherds Theological Seminary.