Transformed By God: New Covenant Life and Ministry (David Peterson)
Review by Dustin Walters
Most evangelical Christians understand that true change only occurs as a result of heart transformation by Jesus Christ. A biblical understanding of New Covenant life and ministry is likewise concerned with this heart transformation. In Transformed by God: New Covenant Life and Ministry (IVP, 2012), David Peterson asserts that the New Covenant offers a “spiritual, moral, and physical” change.
Peterson served as Oak Hill Theological College’s Principal in London from 1996 to 2007. While there, he also lectured in biblical studies and worship. He is a graduate of the University of London (B.D.), the University of Sydney (M.A.), as well as the University of Manchester (Ph.D.) [1]. In addition to being a scholar, Peterson is an ordained minister. He then is a credible source for his newest book, Transformed by God.
The main purpose of this book is to “expose the way New Testament writers understand and apply New Covenant expectations to the Christian life and ministry” [2]. With six chapters in total, the first four are based on a series of lectures that Peterson gave in May 2011 at the Oak Hill College Annual School of Theology. The last two chapters show how the New Covenant should affect the daily lives of Christians.
Summary
In the book’s introduction, Peterson defines the New Covenant and discusses its profound implications for life and ministry. He writes, “It has profound implications for Christian ministry, with respect to both evangelism and the nurture of believers.” [3] In so doing, Peterson also surveys the Old Covenant.
In chapter 1, “The New Covenant in Jeremiah,” Peterson argues that the New Covenant has its basis in the Old Covenant. Peterson explains that the word covenant occurs twenty-three times throughout Jeremiah in reference to the Sinai covenant when God brought them out of Egypt (11:4). Peterson writes, “Loyalty to God and sincere acceptance of the obligations of His covenant belong together in the teaching of Jeremiah” [4]. While Jeremiah points out that God’s covenant people have broken the covenant, he offers hope that God will send a “new and better covenant” (31:31-34). It is to the reader’s benefit that Peterson begins his book by explaining the Old Covenant before moving to the New Covenant.
Peterson also explores several key themes relative to the Old Covenant, which he calls “messages of hope.” These serve to structure the rest of the book. They include mercy, knowledge and understanding, a new heart, and the nations blessed. Peterson concludes chapter one by focusing on restoration. God desired to renew the Covenant with His people and so accomplished it through Christ. The New Covenant has a glory greater than that of previous covenants. [5].
In chapter 2, “Israel and the Nations Renewed,” Peterson moves from his foundation in Jeremiah to the renewal of Israel and the nations. This is important because it shapes the eschatological views of believers and nonbelievers alike. Unlike many theologians who simply look ahead, Peterson looks back to the Abrahamic Covenant to form his eschatology. There, God promised Abraham that his family and “many nations” would be blessed. The Abrahamic Covenant is a worthy discussion reserved for a later time, but Peterson’s point is this: “The gospel of grace, in the power of the Spirit, nurtures and transforms believing communities, giving them one heart and mind and enabling God’s light to shine through them in the world” [6]. His point is that God started with Israel and continues to work in the lives of “the nations”.
Peterson then transitions in chapter 3, entitled “The Renewal of Worship,” to explore the New Covenant’s implications on worship. As lives are transformed through the New Covenant, worship expands. Peterson shows how worshiping Jesus, the High Priest, is a repeated message in Hebrews. “As believers grow in their understanding and appreciation of his high-priestly ministry, they need to appreciate the benefits on a daily basis,” he writes. He continues, “[H]earts that are strengthened and stimulated by His grace need to respond” [7]. Throughout this chapter, Peterson points out that true worship is based on our hope found in Jesus Christ, and that it should control everyday behavior.
Some of the topics in this chapter might distract some readers about New Covenant Worship. For instance, Peterson mentions apostasy. Those who don’t believe in this doctrine may be tempted to dismiss Peterson and miss the point. Those who do may also miss the point. Peterson simply states that Hebrews’ author argues that apostasy is possible, grace is certain, and judgment awaits the apostate [8]. Despite possible distractions, this chapter is much needed within the Church today. Worshipers must be intentional participants, not passive recipients. According to Peterson, passive worship could lead one to apostasy.
Peterson then discusses “New Covenant Ministry” in chapter 4. He reminds readers that the New Covenant’s glory is greater than the Old Covenant’s. As such, emphasis is placed on New Covenant ministry. Paul faced opposition in his New Covenant ministry because some claimed that the glory of the Sinai (Old) Covenant surpassed that of any other. Peterson then outlines three key themes of New Covenant Ministry, as seen through Paul:
1) Conversion to Christ
2) Ongoing character change effected by the Holy Spirit
3) Continual change through community (or collectively)
This is where the book’s theme really comes to life. Peterson shows how believers are “ministers of the new covenant”. As such, they must model the above characteristics. Because Paul’s goal was to show that Christ is greater than any other, he pointed people to Christ’s glory. So should we! This, according to Peterson, is the goal of New Covenant Ministry: point people to Jesus, not ourselves. In his words, “New Covenant ministry offers something radically new, enabling a transformation of believers collectively ‘from one degree of glory to another’.” [9].
Having laid the biblical foundations in chapters 1-4, Peterson focuses on the New Covenant in daily life in the final two. Peterson discusses “Hearts and Lives Transformed” in chapter 5. He points in particular to Romans 5. The New Covenant is a new way of serving and pleasing God, empowered by His Spirit. The Holy Spirit sustains Christians’ hope, and fosters endurance and character for Christians who experience suffering.
To live under the New Covenant is to live under the Lordship of Christ. Peterson sums up these claims: “Pastorally, therefore, we are encouraged to see how the gospel applied by the Holy Spirit to human hearts, is used by God to transform the disposition and behavior of his people and assure them of God’s grace towards them.” [10]. Ministers and church leaders will especially benefit from this chapter. It is the Gospel of Jesus that transforms people from the inside out, not people. The Gospel, spoken through the Holy Spirit, is the agent of change, whether in the church, the home, or the world.
Finally, Peterson concludes with chapter 6, “The Transforming Knowledge of God.” As believers are challenged by the life-changing Gospel, they grow in their knowledge of God. This is an ongoing process that occurs with the Holy Spirit’s help. Peterson uses the apostle John’s writings to show that New Covenant living occurs as a result of increased knowledge of God.
Recommendation
Transformed by God: New Covenant Life and Ministry is helpful and practical for pastors and church leaders. The material is heavy at times, so note taking may be necessary. Pastors and church leaders need to take seriously the New Covenant. Peterson shows that the New Covenant offers a transformed life and ministry. Ministers and church leaders who read Transformed by God: New Covenant Life and Ministry will be equipped with another tool for effective ministry.
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[1] This information was taken directly from the author’s website. http://davidgpeterson.com/about/, accessed at 8:54 am on February 12, 2013.
[2] David Peterson, Transformed by God: New Covenant Life and Ministry (Downers Grove, IL: IVP Academic, 2012), 15.
[3] Ibid.
[4] Ibid., 20.
[5] Peterson says, “The surprising implication is that the New Covenant will surpass the former covenant in demonstrating the love and faithfulness of God!” Ibid, 31.
[6] Peterson, 76.
[7] Ibid., 102-103.
[8] Ibid., 100.
[9] Ibid., 128.
[10] Ibid., 155.
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About the Author: Dustin Walters is a sophomore at Welch College, studying pastoral ministry. Originally from Hamilton, Alabama, he serves as the sophomore class chaplain. He currently works at UPS as a part-time supervisor. His theological interests include covenant theology and missiology.
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