The New Covenant in the Old Testament (OT721) RTS-O Summer 2019 J. Nicholas Reid, D.Phil. Class meets July 8-12 from 1-4pm. COURSE DESCRIPTION (According to the RTS Website) In this course, students will consider key texts relating to the promise of the New Covenant. Students will read in Hebrew key passages from Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Ezekiel. These passages will be considered exegetically, theologically, and historically. Further, key theological themes and points of continuity and discontinuity will also be discussed, including the Holy Spirit in the Old and New Covenants. COURSE DETAILS 1. Grading Schedule. The letter grading scale for this course is institutional catalogue and is summarized below. A (97-100) 4.00 A- (94-96) 3.66 B+ (91-93) 3.33 B (88-90) 3.00 B- (86-87) 2.66 C+ (83-85) 2.33 C (80-82) 2.00 C- (78-79) 1.66 D+ (75-77) 1.33 D (72-74) 1.00 D- (70-71) 0.66 F (below 70) 0.00 I (incomplete) W (withdraw) S (satisfactory) P (passing)
2. Attendance and Late Assignments. Attendance and prepared participation is required. If class is not attended, the student s final grade will be affected. Late assignments are reduced one letter grade per day. 3. Special Needs. In order to ensure full class participation, any student with a disabling condition requiring special accommodations (e.g. tape recorders, special adaptive equipment) is strongly encouraged to contact the instructor at the beginning of the course. 4. Disclaimer. This syllabus is intended to reflect accurately the learning objectives, instructional format and other information necessary for students to appraise the course. However, the instructor reserves the right to modify any portion of this syllabus as may become necessary. Course Requirements Textbooks Hebrew Bible: Biblica Hebraica Stuttgartensia Early Church Saint Athanasius, On the incarnation, Popular Patristics Series, pg. 49-110 St. Irenaeus of Lyons, On Apostolic Preaching, Popular Patristics Series, pg. 39-101 Justin Martyr, Dialogue with Trypho Melito of Sardis, On Pascha, Popular Patristics Series Andrew A. Woolsey, Unity and Continuity in Covenantal Thought: A Study in the Reformed Tradition to the Westminster Assembly, pg. 161-249 (Modern Text Dealing with the Early Church) Reformation to Early Modern Herman Bavinck, Our Reasonable Faith, Ch. 19: The Gift of the Holy Spirit Heinrich Bullinger, A Brief Exposition of the One and Eternal Testament or Covenant of God in Fountainhead of Federalism, ed. Charles S. McCoy and J. Wayne Baker, pg. 99-138 Geerhardus Vos, Biblical Theology, (New Testament Section, Ch. 5) Geerhardus Vos, Reformed Dogmatics, Vol. 4, Ch. 1-2 B.B. Warfield, The Spirit of God in the Old Testament in The Works of B.B. Warfield, Vol. 2, pg. 101-129
Modern Sinclair Ferguson, The Holy Spirit, Ch. 1-3 Richard B. Gaffin Jr., Perspectives on Pentecost: New Testament Teaching on the Gifts of the Holy Spirit, Ch. 2-4 Herman Ridderbos, Paul: An Outline of His Theology, Ch. 6: The New Life Jon D. Levenson, The Love of God: Divine Gift, Human Gratitude, and Mutual Faithfulness in Judaism, pg. 1-197 L. Michael Morales, Who Shall Ascend the Mountain of the Lord: A Biblical Theology of the Book of Leviticus, pg. 279-306 Richard L. Pratt Jr., Infant Baptism in the New Covenant in The Case for Covenantal Infant Baptism, ed. Gregg Strawbridge, pg. 156-174 Stephen J. Wellum, Baptism and the Relationship Between the Covenants, in Believer s Baptism: Sign of the New Covenant in Christ, ed. Thomas R. Schreiner and Shawn D. Wright. B&H Publishing Group, 2006. Schedule May 27 June 10 June 24 July 8 July 8-12 July 26 Class Begins First Discussion Board Assignment Due Second Discussion Board Assignment Due Third Discussion Board Assignment Due; Exegesis Due Class Meets Exegetical Paper Due Assignments 1. Class Participation: Show up to class prepared to participate in discussions. Class time will focus on biblical passages and topics discussed in the reading. (20% of total grade) 2. Reading: Read all assigned books. (20% of total grade) 3. Discussion Board: There will be three discussion boards on Canvas throughout the Summer. The discussion boards are based on the three sets of readings (Early Church, Reformation to Early
Modern, and Modern). Students are to make one post either expounding on an idea from the reading or asking a question based on the reading. They must also post a reply to at least one post from another student. (1 Post + 1 Reply = 2 total posts per Discussion Board) Discussion Board posts are due by the first day of class. (20% of total grade) 4. Exegesis: Students are to sign up on Canvas for one of the two groups of texts to translate. Each group includes 61 verses. Students will then choose two of their translations to write a 1-page brief of exegetical conclusions drawn from their time in the text. This is due by the first day of class. (20% of total grade) Group 1: Ezek. 36: 1-38; Ezek. 37: 15-28; Ezek. 34: 25-31; Joel 2:28-29 Group 2: Ezek. 18: 1-32; Is. 54:1-17; Ezek. 11:14-21; Jer. 31:31-34 5. Exegetical Paper: Students will write an exegetical paper based on one of the texts they translated (1750-2000 words). You may expand upon a brief you have previously written. Papers are due July 26 at 11:59pm. (20% of total grade)
Course Objectives Related to MDiv Student Learning Outcomes With Mini-Justification Course: Genesis-Joshua (OT508) Professor: Dr. J. Nicholas Reid Campus: Orlando Date: Fall 2018 MDiv Student Learning Outcomes Articulation (oral & written) Scripture Reformed Theology Sanctification Broadly understands and articulates knowledge, both oral and written, of essential biblical, theological, historical, and cultural/global information, including details, concepts, and frameworks. Significant knowledge of the original meaning of Scripture. Also, the concepts for and skill to research further into the original meaning of Scripture and to apply Scripture to a variety of modern circumstances. (Includes appropriate use of original languages and hermeneutics; and integrates theological, historical, and cultural/global perspectives.) Significant knowledge of Reformed theology and practice, with emphasis on the Westminster Standards. Demonstrates a love for the Triune God that aids the student s sanctification. Rubric Mini-Justification Minimal None Briefs and Exegetical Paper enable the student to practice articulating a topic. 1. Texts of the Old Testament will be discussed. 2. Interpretive strategies stressed throughout 3. Engagement with original languages. Historic Reformed faith and theological implications of the text stressed throughout. 1. The Biblical text is an ordinary means by which God communicates grace. 2. Text will be applied throughout Desire for Worldview Winsomely Reformed/ Evangelistic Preach Worship Shepherd Church/World Burning desire to conform all of life to the Word of God. Desire to conform worldview to the Biblical text Embraces a winsomely Reformed ethos. (Includes an appropriate ecumenical spirit with other Christians, especially Evangelicals; a concern to present the Gospel in a Godhonoring manner to non-christians; and a truth-in-love attitude in disagreements.) Ability to preach and teach the meaning of Scripture to both heart and mind with clarity and enthusiasm. Knowledgeable of historic and modern Christian- worship forms; and ability to construct and skill to lead a worship service. Ability to shepherd the local congregation: aiding in spiritual maturity; promoting use of gifts and callings; and encouraging a concern for non-christians, both in America and worldwide. Ability to interact within a denominational context, within the broader worldwide church, and with significant public issues. Minimal Minimal Academic integrity and warm piety expected when engaging the ideas of others. The course attempts to give the student knowledge of the biblical text and to prepare the student to engage secondary literature with discernment. The regulative principle is informed by Scripture. The biblical text informs all aspects of church service. The Scriptures remain applicable to all aspects of life.