This is a small excerpt from the upcoming book (DV), The Oaths of God: An Introduction to Biblical Covenantalism. The last section is taken from The Words of the Covenant, Vol. 1. God expects men to perform their oaths (Num. 30:2). But He also advises refraining from them (Jam. 5:12). Since men cannot know what the future holds, he ought not to swear oaths (cf. Judg. 11:30-31; Eccles. 5:5). Jesus wants His followers not to swear oaths but to simply …
Blog Posts
This list only concerns theological books. I read other things. For example, I am making my way through the Brother Cadfael novels by Ellis Peters. These are well constructed, witty, and beautifully written mysteries set in the 12th Century. My brother Craig Henebury has authored two thrillers, Sleep and Benjamin Grey and the Cricklewood Mansion. I think both are worthy of your perusal. I also made forays into some secular assessments of the world, especially the pervasiveness and damage of …
The book of 2 Corinthians is probably my favorite book of the NT – at least this week. But whatever week it is 2 Corinthians will always be at or near the top of my list. It is filled with purple passages and infused with hope. It was the first book I preached through when I came to my present congregation. Here are my picks for the top commentaries on this great epistle: Outside the Top Ten there are fine …
A review of Josiah D. Boyd, God Under Oath: Reading the Bible Through Its Covenants, Proclamation Press, 2025, 101 pages, paperback. This little book is an attempt – successful at that – to provide readers of the Bible with a logical, understandable, and relatable study of the biblical covenants. It is not wooden or stolid, but upbeat and geared to pass on important information in an easy to read and pleasing format. A great deal of thought has gone into …
Years ago (where has time gone?) I wrote a review of the book Cornelius Van Til: Reformed Apologist and Churchman by John R. Meuther (P&R, 2008). Here is the review. I was surfing some of my old contributions and came across a little interaction with a reviewer of my review – a fan of Karl Barth. I thought the interaction was quite helpful, and so, as I have not published much on apologetics for a while, I thought I’d give …
PART EIGHT: Communion with God by John Owen There are many people who are wary of buying a book by a Puritan author and getting stuck in the mud from a combination of old English and heady theology. An certainly, if I were to be asked to give an example of just such an author, I think I might serve up Thomas Goodwin as my “for instance.” Thomas Goodwin is held up by those that know as one of the …
Here is an excerpt from the shorter book I am writing called The Oaths of God: An Introduction to Biblical Covenantalism. I have already said that the concept of “covenant” is of great importance to rightly comprehending the Bible. In this chapter I will argue for the enormous importance and impact of God’s covenants. Let’s begin by looking at the covenant with Abraham. I will make you a great nation; I will bless you and make your name great; and …
PART SEVEN: Sir Richard Baker’s Meditations & Disquisitions Upon Certain Psalms This review was written some years ago, but it fits well into the present project, so I decided to include it here. I hope I will be forgiven for posting a preexisting book review in the series, but the book is one of the most famous Puritan works and really had to be included. The review is of the recent edition of the work, John Owen, Communion with the Triune …
PART THIRTEEN Romans 9:4 and Israel-Only Covenants? Many dispensationalists cite Romans 9:4 as proof that the covenants are only given to Israel, with the Church having no part in them. The verse reads: who are Israelites, to whom pertain the adoption, the glory, the covenants, the giving of the law, the service of God, and the promises… I think there is a case for using this verse to fend off those, like the present writer, who believe that the Church is party to the …
PART TWELVE Let me begin by saying that those brothers with whom I disagree, whether they deny outright any involvement of the Church with the New covenant, or whether they believe the Church participates in the New covenant are due a respectful hearing. This is not the most important subject of Christian Theology. However, the relation of the Church to the New covenant is significant. And that is why I have written these articles. Now it is time to engage …
