Discontinuity to Continuity: A Survey of Dispensational and Covenantal Theologies

Praise for Discontinuity to Continuity

We all know that we understand specific verses better if we have a good understanding of the larger landscape and context of the Bible. But what larger perspective is correct? Ben Merkle takes us on a wonderfully instructive tour of six different theological systems. He describes objectively each view and then provides an assessment of each position. I believe this is one of the most useful books on the market today. Students, pastors, and professors will have a better grasp of various theological options that have proven convincing to evangelicals. A most important contribution!

–Thomas Schreiner, James Buchanan Harrison Professor of New Testament Interpretation and Biblical Theology at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, Louisville, KY

Those interested in evangelical theology are usually aware of Dispensationalism and Covenant Theology, and in more recent years Progressive Covenantalism and Christian Reconstructionism. But understanding the nuances of these systems and how they relate to each other often has been elusive. Fortunately, Benjamin Merkle has offered a helpful and concise explanation and comparison of each of these views. While admitting he has his own perspective, Merkle fairly presents each of the systems and uses many primary sources in doing so. This contributes to scholarly discussion by allowing a fair sideby‐ side look at each of the various positions.

–Mike Vlach, Associate Professor of Theology, The Master’s Seminary

In no other book I know of will you find a clearer presentation of these competing hermeneutical systems. Merkle is well-informed, insightful, even-handed, and precise in highlighting the critical distinctives of each system – all this while remaining concise and plainly accessible. All sides will find this analytical summary helpful.

–Fred G. Zaspel, pastor, Reformed Baptist Church in Franconia, Pennsylvania; adjunct professor of systematic theology, Southern Baptist Theological Seminary

In this needed volume, Merkle deftly describes the contours of major theological systems. Students reading this book will both better understand their own theological assumptions as well as accurately understand those who differ from them. In Merkle you will find a teacher who can summarize, analyze, and communicate with excellence. It's no accident that Dr. Ben Merkle's upper-level hermeneutics seminar is affectionately called "Ninja Hermeneutics."

–Rob Plummer, Collin and Evelyn Aikman Professor of Biblical Studies, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary

Many of us don’t even realize when we read the Bible that we have certain presuppositions about how it all fits together. Yet how we relate the OT to the NT not only informs how we view Jesus, but also how we apply scripture to the Church today. Thankfully Benjamin Merkle provides a fair-minded description of a range of approaches, including different forms of dispensationalism and classic Covenant Theology. Listen to Merkle to better understand not only other traditions, but maybe even your own.

–Kelly M. Kapic, Professor of Theological Studies, Covenant College

Merkle successfully accomplished the difficult task of bringing us up-to-date on the major theological systems of today. This book is a clear, concise, and charitable resource that will help us understand the whole counsel of God, which will strengthen our confidence in our great Triune God who makes and keeps his promises in Christ.

–Oren Martin, Assistant Professor of Christian Theology, Boyce College

Shaped in the classroom and written with solid research and clear and compelling prose, this valuable introduction surveys six of evangelicalism’s major theological systems on the spectrum from discontinuity to continuity. Merkle effectively silences his own perspective and writes with a goal to inform rather than persuade. Whether treating classic, revised, or progressive dispensationalism on the one hand or progressive covenantalism, covenant theology, or Christian reconstructionism on the other, he allows key holders of the main views to answer the same questions and address the same topics, whether dealing with basic hermeneutics, the relationship of the covenants, the Israel-church relationship, or the nature of the kingdom of God. The pages also help the reader understand how each system handles the New Testament use of the Old. Better than any other book of which I am aware, this volume describes evangelicalism’s different perspectives on how the whole Bible progresses, integrates, and climaxes in Christ.

–Jason S. DeRouchie, Research Professor of Old Testament and Biblical Theology, Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary