ST601/1 Covenant Theology (2 hrs) Summer 2017 Course Description An examination of covenant theology from exegetical and historical perspectives. Consideration is given to such issues as the relation of the Old and New Testaments, the significance of the covenants for sacramental theology, and the hermeneutics of Dispensationalism and Theonomy. Emphasis is placed on the role of the biblical doctrine of the covenants in preaching and pastoral ministry. Class Schedule Monday through Thursday, 9am-4pm June 12-15, 2017 Student Evaluation Final exam (worth 80% of final grade), which will cover both material delivered in lecture as well as material from reading assignments. Final exam due 17 July 2017 Exam will be posted via Canvas and should be submitted via e-mail. Completion of all required reading (worth 20% of final grade). Reading report is due with the final exam on 17 July 2017. Indicate the percentage at the top of your exam. If you do not indicate a percentage, you will not get credit. Academic Policies Class academic policies are those that are outlined in the current RTS Course Catalog (grading scale, class attendance policy, conduct, and examination policies). Recording Class Lectures You are permitted to tape class lectures for note taking purposes or in the event that you miss a portion of a class day (students are responsible for getting a member of the class to tape the lecture for them). You may not under any circumstances post recorded lectures on-line or share them with anyone outside of class. Students who violate this rule will result in failure of the course. Recordings are for personal use only. Obtaining Class Lecture Notes in the Event of an Absence You are responsible for obtaining lecture notes in the event of your absence from a fellow student. The professor will not provide lecture notes. Failure to Submit Required Assignments In the event that you fail to turn in required assignments, you will receive the grade of an F. In the event that you need a time extension, you must obtain an official extension request form from the administration, which must be approved by the professor and academic dean. If an extension is granted you will receive an INC until all assignments are completed. Extensions will be granted only in the event of extenuating circumstances such as severe illness or death in the family.
Required Reading Boston, Thomas. A View of the Covenant of Works from the Sacred Records (Edinburgh: John Gray, 1775). https://archive.org/details/viewofcovenantof01bost Muller, Richard A. Toward the Pactum Salutis: Locating the Origins of a Concept, Mid- America Journal of Theology 18 (2007): 11-65. http://www.midamerica.edu/uploads/files/pdf/journal/muller18.pdf Brandon Crowe, The Last Adam: A Theology of the Obedient Life of Jesus in the Gospels (Grand Rapids: Baker, 2017). Fesko, J. V. Last Things First: Unlocking Genesis with the Christ of Eschatology (Fearn: Christian Focus, 2007). Fisher, Edward. The Marrow of Modern Divinity (Fearn: Christian Focus, 2015). Van Asselt, Willem. Expromissio or Fideiussio? A Seventeenth-Century Theological Debate Between Voetians and Cocceians about the Nature of Christ s Suretyship in Salvation History, Mid-America Journal of Theology 14 (2003): 37-57. http://www.midamerica.edu/uploads/files/pdf/journal/14-vanasselt.pdf Lecture Schedule Topic Time Day Required Reading Intro: Definition 9-10am Jun 12 Covenant of Redemption Historical Survey 11-12pm Muller, Toward the Pactum Salutis ; Van Asselt, Expromissio or Fideiussio? Historical Survey 1-2pm Exegetical Foundations 2-3pm Doctrinal Formulation 9-10am Jun 13 Doctrinal Formulation 10-11am Covenant of Works Historical Survey 11-12pm Boston, A View of the Covenant of Works; Fesko, Last Things First, 39-114. Historical Survey 1-2pm Exegetical Foundations 2-3pm Exegetical Foundations 9-10am Jun 14
Doctrinal Formulation 11-12pm Doctrinal Formulation 1-2pm Covenant of Grace Historical Survey 2-3pm Fisher, Marrow of Modern Divinity; Fesko, Last Things First, pp. 115-204 Exegetical Foundations 9-10am Jun 15 Exegetical Foundations 10-11am Doctrinal Formulation 11-12pm Doctrinal Formulation 1-2pm 2-3pm 3-4pm
Student Learning Outcomes Master of Divinity (Although separated to represent individual outcomes, the following are necessarily integrated.) 1. A Mind for Truth A. Broadly understands and articulates knowledge, both oral and written, of essential biblical, theological, historical, and cultural/global information, including details, concepts, and frameworks. (Articulation-oral &written) B. 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.) (Scripture) C. Significant knowledge of Reformed theology and practice, with emphasis on the Westminster Standards. (Reformed Theology) 2. A Heart for God A. Demonstrates a love for the Triune God that aids the student s sanctification. (Sanctification) B. Burning desire to conform all of life to the Word of God. (Desire for Worldview) C. Embraces a winsomely Reformed ethos. (Includes an appropriate ecumenical spirit with other Christians, especially Evangelicals; a concern to present the Gospel in a God-honoring manner to non-christians; and a truth-in-love attitude in disagreements.) (Winsomely Reformed) 3. For Servant Leadership A. Ability to preach and teach the meaning of Scripture to both heart and mind with clarity and enthusiasm. (Preach) B. Knowledgeable of historic and modern Christian-worship forms; and ability to construct and skill to lead a worship service. (Worship) C. 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. (Shepherd) D. Ability to interact within a denominational context, within the broader worldwide church, and with significant public issues. (Church/World)
Course Objectives Related to MDiv* Student Learning Outcomes Course: Professor: Campus: Date: MDiv* Student Learning Outcomes Rubric Mini-Justification In order to measure the success of the MDiv curriculum, RTS has defined Ø the following as the intended outcomes of the student learning process. Ø Moderate Each course contributes to these overall outcomes. This rubric shows the Ø Minimal contribution of this course to the MDiv outcomes. *As the MDiv is the core degree at RTS, the MDiv rubric will be used in this syllabus. Ø None Articulation (oral & written) Broadly understands and articulates knowledge, both oral and written, of essential biblical, theological, historical, and cultural/global information, including details, concepts, and frameworks. Must be able to explain the biblical and historical arguments for covenant theology. Scripture Reformed Theology 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. Will exegete the biblical text. This course explores the historic Reformed understanding of covenant theology Sanctification Desire for Worldview Winsomely Reformed Preach Worship Demonstrates a love for the Triune God that aids the student s sanctification. Burning desire to conform all of life to the Word of God. Embraces a winsomely Reformed ethos. (Includes an appropriate ecumenical spirit with other Christians, especially Evangelicals; a concern to present the Gospel in a God-honoring 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 Christianworship forms; and ability to construct and skill to lead a worship service. Moderate Minimal Covenant theology equips the student to love God and desire to serve him more. We are covenantal creatures, hence they bear on our Christian life. Students should present the truth without offense, which is esp. relevant in this course where there are so many different views. Not a main emphasis of the course, but will note the implications of covenant theology for preaching throughout. Only incidental coverage of such issues appear in this course. Shepherd Church/World 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 Moderate Relevant but not covered in great detail in this course. Again, as disputed issues, greater knowledge of covenant theology will help equip students to engage others on these doctrines.