Lesson 6: The Covenantal Horizon

1. The Four Main Disciplines of Theology
2. Biblical theology
3. Systematic theology
4. Historical theology
5. Practical theology
6. Definition of the Covenantal Horizon
7. The horizon that interprets each unit of Scripture as part of God’s unfolding plan of redemption in Christ
8. Goal of the Covenantal Horizon
9. To correctly place a passage of Scripture within the biblical story, so we can see and savor how it points to Jesus
10. Two Metaphors for Interpreting the OT in Relation to the NT
11. The Bible is like an oak tree in that the acorn of the OT grew naturally and organically into the oak tree of the NT; therefore, we must consciously read the OT in light of its fulfillment in the NT.
12. The Bible is like a detective novel in that it contains two narratives, the OT and NT, the latter of which reveals the mystery and the structure of the former; therefore, we must read the Bible backwards to fully understand it.
13. Using Rich Resources to Discover and Discuss Biblical the Covenantal Horizon
14. The two questions
15. The temporal question: When does my passage take place within the plotline of redemptive history?
16. The thematic question: What theme in my passage should I trace through the plotline of redemptive history?
17. Principles
18. A good resource’s underlying presuppositions are biblical.
19. A good resource matches your abilities.
20. A good resource helps you accomplish your purpose.
21. Process
22. Read
23. Start by reading some free articles.
24. Then purchase and read an introductory book.
25. Buy and read more advanced books to keep delving deeper.
26. Rummage
27. Answer the temporal question: correctly place your passage on the biblical timeline
28. Answer the thematic question:
29. Identify a theme.
30. Explore that theme.

The Five Horizons Cheat Sheetpdf

This cheat sheet summarizes each horizon: its goal, and the steps required to study it (e.g. the microscope and telescope questions).

Other Introductory Resources

3 Introductory Articles to Biblical Theology

The best free introduction to biblical theology I know of; taken from the NIV Biblical Theology Study Bible

What Is Biblical Theology? A Guide to the Bible’s Story, Symbolism, and Patterns

James M Hamilton Jr.

The Whole Message of the Bible in 16 Words

Chris Bruno