The Keys To The Two Kingdoms: Covenantal Framework As The Fundamental Divide Between VanDrunen And His Critics -- By: John A. Wind
Journal: Westminster Theological Journal
Volume: WTJ 77:1 (Spring 2015)
Article: The Keys To The Two Kingdoms: Covenantal Framework As The Fundamental Divide Between VanDrunen And His Critics
Author: John A. Wind
WTJ 77:1 (Spring 2015) p. 15
The Keys To The Two Kingdoms:
Covenantal Framework As The Fundamental Divide Between VanDrunen And His Critics
John Wind is a Ph.D. student at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Ky. This article is a revised version of a paper he presented at the annual meeting of the Evangelical Theological Society held in Baltimore, Md., November 19-21, 2013.
I. Introduction
The debate within Reformed circles between a “two kingdoms” view and a neo-Calvinist or “one kingdom” view is one recent expression of the ongoing debate over the relationship between Christianity and culture.1 In this article I will focus on the writings of one advocate of the two kingdoms position, David VanDrunen, professor of systematic theology and Christian ethics at Westminster Seminary California. I will first examine some common criticisms of VanDrunen, demonstrating that these differences between VanDrunen and his critics are either on secondary matters or are mainly misunderstandings rather than significant differences. I will then argue that the fundamental divide between VanDrunen and his critics is their differing conceptions of the covenantal framework of Scripture. I will attempt to clarify this, at times, contentious debate, as well as, hopefully, to further our understanding of the covenantal framework of Scripture.
II. Summary Of VanDrunen’s Two Kingdoms Doctrine
VanDrunen’s basic argument is that Scripture reveals God as ruling all creation as king, but that his rule is administered by means of two distinct covenants that establish two different kingdoms.2 The members of one kingdom
WTJ 77:1 (Spring 2015) p. 16
consist of all humanity—both believers and unbelievers—enjoying the benefits of God’s gracious rule expressed in general providence and preservation, temporal blessings shared by all people commonly. This kingdom is a common grace kingdom administered through the Noahic Covenant established by God with all humanity as revealed in Gen 9. God governs this common grace kingdom by means of general revelation and the natural law which is written on every human heart by virtue of their creation in the image of God, a law which, though suppressed to varying degrees by sinful humanity, is nonetheless the common point of moral reference between all people, whether believers or unbelievers, living together within broader society.
The members of the second kingdom consist only of true believers who are in Christ, having experienced new birth by the Holy Spirit, enjoying the benefits of God’s graci...
Click here to subscribe