Encountering Christ in the Covenants: An Introduction to Covenant Theology

Encountering Christ in the Covenants has been written for people who are new to covenant theology and want to better understand how the great covenants in Scripture reveal Christ. Readers will be helped by the many references to the Reformed confessions and catechisms which are interspersed throughout the pages of this book. The study questions which follow each chapter are designed so that the book can be used in small group study.

“Sometimes we make basic concepts more difficult. ‘Covenant’ is not only a recurring topic in Scripture, but the way in which the biblical plot is structured. Often it helps when those explaining it have discovered a doctrine rather than inherited it. That is certainly evident in this book. I hope it enjoys a wide readership!”
-MICHAEL HORTON, J. Gresham Machen Professor of Systematic Theology and Apologetics, Westminster Seminary California.

“The revival of interest in the doctrine of the biblical covenants is bearing the fruit of some excellent books on the subject over the past several decades. McManigal has provided a rich coverage of this central doctrine by winsomely presenting his material from a pastoral perspective. The narrative style follows the unfolding biblical story in ten thorough chapters culminating in the new covenant with a surprise ending dealing with the sacraments of baptism and the Lord’s Supper. Finally, its christological focus makes it a standout book. I highly recommend this book as a primer in covenant theology for instruction in the local church, but it will also serve well as an apologia to give to those who are unfamiliar with, or perhaps even disagree with, covenant theology.
” -DR. GREGORY EDWARD REYNOLDS is the pastor of Amoskeag Presbyterian Church in Manchester, New Hampshire; author of The Word Is Worth a Thousand Pictures: Preaching in the Electronic Age (2001); and editor of Ordained Servant: A Journal for Church Officers.

“Pastor Dan McManigal’s Encountering Christ in the Covenants introduces the covenantal structure of the whole Bible’s story of redemptive history, showing how each advance in God’s covenant bond with his people leads closer and closer to Jesus Christ, the mediator of the new covenant and the focus and fulfillment of all the covenants. Encountering Christ combines clear explanation with theological richness, providing spiritual nurture for mind and soul.”
-DENNIS E. JOHNSON, Ph.D. Professor of Practical Theology, Westminster Seminary California.

“Dan McManigal has provided the Church with a much-needed book. The book is a rare balance between solid biblical truth and a writing style that is a delight to read. His chapters flow effortlessly and if the reader wants to ignore the footnotes, he or she may--although I strongly advise you to read them, for they are filled with essential works. The reader will also be greatly aided by the fact that the writing is always in conversation with Scripture. In short, this work offers a valuable tool that explains a key to open and understand the warp and woof of the Word of God”
-DR. RON GLEASON, Ph.D. is the pastor of Grace Presbyterian Church in Yorba Linda, California and author of Herman Bavinck: Pastor, Churchman, Statesman, and Theologian (2010).