A Critique of New Covenant Theology

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It is not often that I offer a dual book review, however, considering the issue and its historicity, I felt compelled to present two books covering both sides of the same issue. Richard Barcellos presents the relevant and Biblically applicable obedience to God's laws found in the Old Covenant. On the other hand, Tom Wells and Fred Zaspel present what is known as New Covenant Theology which is becoming increasingly popular. It is not necessarily a book about "anti-nomianism" but, rather, a book about the logical priority of the New Covenant laws over Old Covenant laws. In fact, any and all Old Covenant laws are all but voided in this belief system, including the Ten Commandments. I strongly urge any Christian who struggles with law-keeping to purchase both books and study both in the light of Scripture. You will certainly hear more about New Covenant Theology in the days ahead so be prepared to understand it, defend it or warn against it.

New Covenant Theology (NCT) is a movement that seeks to steer a middle road between Covenant Theology and Dispensational Theology. The end product, among other things, is the denial of the perpetuity of the Ten Commandments for Christians.

This book seeks to both critique the major tenets of NCT and support the perpetuity of the Decalogue under the New Covenant from an exegetical basis. It argues that NCT goes astray at the point of exegesis. It also argues that NCT has misread historical theology in some crucial areas. The book ends with pertinent challenges to NCT.

If you are interested in the issues related to continuity and discontinuity between the testaments, the relationship between the various biblical covenants, and the function of the Ten Commandments in redemptive history, then this book is for you.

?Wells does a fine job of analyzing some of the historical and broadly theological issues, while Zaspel concentrates on a careful exegesis of key New Testament texts?especially the pivotal Matthew 5:17-20. The combination is impressive and persuasive. ? Their careful biblical argument needs to be taken into account as the task of reforming our traditions in light of the witness of Scripture goes forward." From the Foreword by Douglas J. Moo ?If there is any hope of a meeting of minds, let alone of a resolution of the issues, it takes time, patience, intellectual humility, a willingness to be corrected, and thoughtful and empathetic listening combined with accurate and understated articulation of each party?s understanding. And those are the values of this book. ? perhaps, in the mercy of God, we will discover, in time, that some genuine steps have been taken toward theological agreement.? D. A. Carson

?Tom Wells and Fred Zaspel have moved us along the road ? of profitable discussion. They have shown unity with their contending brethren on many points while making clear the leading principles of NCT and setting in bold relief some of the major implications of those principles. Some of us who may not agree with all aspects of the position as articulated here, nevertheless hope that this book gains a wide and respectful reading.? Tom Nettles

Tom Wells is a resident of West Chester, OH (Cincinnati area) where he has been a pastor of The King?s Chapel for 28 years. He has spent his entire adult life in Christian ministry, including evangelistic work and various Bible teaching roles. He is the author of a number of books including ""A Vision for Missions"", ""Christian, Take Heart"", ""God is King"", and ""Faith the Gift of God"". In earlier years he was the regular speaker on several radio ministries originating in Cincinnati and Dallas, Texas. Pastor Wells has been married for 41 years and he and his wife, Luann, have three children.

Fred G. Zaspel is Senior Pastor of Cornerstone Church of Skippack, PA, following many years as Senior Pastor of Word of Life Baptist Church in Pottsville, PA. He is also adjunct Lecturer in Religious Studies at Pennsylvania State University, Schuylkill Campus. He holds two M.A. degrees, a Th.M., and is currently a Ph.D. candidate. He lives in Orwigsburg, PA, with his wife and their two children."

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