God’s Covenants
From Adam’s fall to Christ’s perfect obedience: how the covenants of redemption, works, and grace explain salvation.

About this episode
God keeps His promises. From Adam’s fall to Christ’s perfect obedience, His covenants show how He saves His people. Gordan Runyan, John Train, Tom Miller, and David Morris explain the covenants of redemption, works, and grace. They discuss who belongs to the new covenant and where Baptists and Presbyterians disagree. Then they bring the discussion to your church, your family, and your hope of heaven.
With Gordan Runyan, John Train, Tom Miller, David Morris.
Chapters
Choose a time to start listening.
- 0:00Welcome and introductions
- 1:33What is a covenant?
- 4:29Covenants and church order
- 6:44The covenant of redemption
- 9:39God’s plan and foreknowledge
- 12:25Christ willingly undertakes redemption
- 18:07The work of the Holy Spirit
- 21:55The covenant of works
- 25:52Christ's perfect obedience
- 29:34Adam and the hope of heaven
- 31:20Adam's fall, sin, and accountability
- 39:56The covenant of grace
- 44:36Who belongs to the new covenant?
- 48:03Recommended reading
- 49:43The structure of a covenant
- 51:19Applying Scripture to all of life
- 53:12Closing prayer
- 53:47More Ragtown content
Book / reference
What Is Reformed Theology?
The book that provides the framework for this episode and the series.
Book / reference
The Divine Covenants
John uses Pink’s definition of a covenant. John and Gordan recommend the book again at 48:09. Free PDF and ePub editions are available.
48:09Book / reference
Book of Church Order: The Preaching of God’s Word
Gordan refers to the preaching section of the “Book of Order.” See the Directory for the Public Worship of God, II.A.3.
Book / reference
Redemption Accomplished and Applied
John mentions this title as the discussion turns to the Holy Spirit’s work in applying redemption.
Book / reference
Westminster Confession of Faith, Chapter 7.2
Tom quotes the statement on the covenant of works and the obedience required of Adam.
Scripture
Romans 7:9
Paul’s words about the commandment, sin, and death, discussed in relation to accountability.
Scripture
Hebrews 8:6–13
A better covenant founded on better promises, and the question of who belongs to it.
Book / reference
The Distinctiveness of Baptist Covenant Theology
John and Gordan recommend this comparison of seventeenth-century Particular Baptist and paedobaptist covenant theology.
Book / reference
Kevin DeYoung on covenant theology
Tom recommends a printable “Covenant Primer.” This link opens DeYoung’s Monergism archive; the exact title could not be confirmed.
Book / reference
That You May Prosper: Dominion by Covenant
Gordan recommends this book on the structure of biblical covenants. The discussion then turns to Gary North’s summary of that structure. Free PDF.
Scripture
Exodus 20:1–3
The opening of the Ten Commandments identifies the Lord who delivered His people.
Scripture
2 Corinthians 6:14–18
The warning against being unequally yoked, discussed in relation to marriage and business.
Scripture
Matthew 28:18–20
Christ’s command to make disciples and teach them to obey all that He commanded.
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