A Comparison of 5 Views on Theology (part 4)

The following series is meant for fun only. As the different views are explained, they will be caricatures only. As I express my view (very po-mo of me), it is a way for me to interact with all the different views out there. I invite your feedback on either my views or the traditional views.

My view will be identified as the Theology of Hope

View of God’s Redemptive Work
Covenant Theology:
The covenants revealed in Scripture are different administrations of the Covenant of Grace – they are not separate. All of which were derived from the eternal covenant that the Trinity made in eternity.

1) Covenant of Works (creation) with Adam
2) Covenant of Grace with Christ on behalf of the elect (excluding the covenant of works)
3) Covenant of Redemption (some distinguish between Covenant of Redemption with Christ and Covenant of Grace with the elect)

Historic Dispensationalism:
There are Seven Dispensations which mark off periods of time during which God’s specific demands of man differ.
1) Innocence (pre-Fall)
2) Conscience (Adam)
3) Human Government (Noah)
4) Promise (Abraham)
5) Law (Moses)
6) Grace (Christ’s First Coming)
7) Kingdom (Christ’s Second Coming)

Progressive Dispensationalism:
For PD there are Four Dispensations:

1) Patriarchal (Adam to Mt. Sinai)
2) Mosaic (Mt. Sinai to ascension of Messiah)
3) Ecclesial (Church – Ascension to Second Coming of Christ
4) Zionic (Subdivided into 2 phases – Part 1: Millennium, Part: 2 Eternal State.)

New Covenant Theology:
NCT is divided over this subject.
God’s plan of salvation is revealed and administered through the unfolding of biblical covenants in the flow of redemptive history, not through the theologically deduced system of CT’s Redemption schema. All believe that the Mosaic Covenant was with the nation of Israel alone. The New Covenant is the culmination of God’s redemptive plan and fulfills all preceding Covenants.

The Theology of Hope:
Same as NCT but also agrees with CT that the eternal covenant or purpose is the foundation for God’s redemptive plan.