On July 11, 2024, we recorded a webinar with Harrison Perkins, author of Reformed Covenant Theology: A Systematic Introduction (Lexham Academic). This event explored the multifaceted nature of covenant theology, examining how it relates to other branches of exegetical and theological study.

Discover how covenant theology is informed by exegetical, biblical, and systematic theology and how it in turn influences other disciplines. Whether you’re a theologian, pastor, student, or simply interested in deepening your knowledge of Reformed theology, this webinar promises to provide valuable insights and foster enriching discussions.

Chapters

• 00:00:00 Introduction
• 00:05:12 Perkins on Reformed Covenant Theology
• 00:29:00 Covenant Theology and the Theological Encyclopedia
• 00:41:19 Advancing beyond Mere Typology
• 00:54:34 The Most Pressing Challenges to Covenant Theology
• 00:58:24 Thoughts on a Republication of the Covenant of Works
• 01:05:47 Types “Resembling” the Covenant of Works
• 01:21:08 Conclusion

Harrison Perkins speaks about Samuel Miller’s views on Presbyterianism. Dr. Perkins has edited a new edition of Miller’s Presbyterianism: Its History, Doctrine, Government, and Worship, which has been published by Log College Press.

Samuel Miller, the first professor of Ecclesiastical History and Church Government at Princeton Theological Seminary and a prolific author, published this introduction and defense of Presbyterianism in 1835. Originally titled Presbyterianism: The Truly Primitive and Apostolical Constitution of the Church of Christ, Miller covers the basics of Presbyterian belief and practice, grounding his material in the Scriptures primarily and church history secondarily.

Dr. Harrison Perkins is Stated Supply at Oakland Hills Community Church in Farmington Hills, Michigan
Visiting lecturer in systematic theology at Edinburgh Theological Seminary and online instructor at Westminster Theological Seminary. He is the author of Catholicity and the Covenant of Works: James Ussher and the Reformed Tradition, of which he spoke on Christ the Center episode 677.

Chapters

• 00:00:00 Introduction
• 00:03:20 Update and Current Projects
• 00:09:35 Editing Samuel Miller’s Presbyterianism
• 00:17:46 Samuel Miller’s Biography
• 00:20:37 The History of Presbyterianism
• 00:33:51 Presbyterian Doctrine
• 00:40:17 The Practicality of Presbyterian Principles
• 00:45:47 Presbyterian Government
• 00:49:23 Presbyterian Worship
• 01:05:23 Conclusion

Participants: Camden Bucey, Harrison Perkins, Jim Cassidy

Harrison Perkins discusses the theology and historical context of James Ussher with particular attention to the development of the confessional understanding of the covenant of works. Ussher was the Church of Ireland Archbishop of Armagh and Primate of All Ireland between 1625 and 1656. He was a prolific scholar and significant church leader.

Perkins is the author of Catholicity and the Covenant of Works: James Ussher and the Reformed Tradition (Oxford University Press). In this book, he demonstrates how Ussher used the covenant of works to inform many of the most important features of his theology. While the covenant of works is most closely identified with the Reformed tradition, Perkins makes the case that when the interconnectedness of the various doctrines is explained, there is a deep catholicity undergirding it. Ussher constructed his understanding of the covenant from traditional teachings that he appropriated from the ancient and medieval church.

Perkins is pastor of London City Presbyterian Church in London and lecturer at Edinburgh Seminary in Edinburgh, Scotland.

Participants: Camden Bucey, Glen Clary, Harrison Perkins