The continuity vs. discontinuity debate in theology refers to differing perspectives on how the Old and New Testaments relate to one another. Specifically, it deals with the question of whether there is fundamental continuity or discontinuity between Israel and the church.
Those who hold to a continuity perspective see a fundamental unity between Israel and the church. In this view, the church is seen as the culmination of God’s purposes for Israel, with Jesus as the fulfillment of Old Testament hopes. Continuity advocates emphasize the essential harmony between the Testaments, arguing that we should interpret the New Testament in light of the Old.
In contrast, discontinuity advocates contend that there is a fundamental break between Israel and the church. Whereas Israel was earthly, carnal, and under the law, the church is seen as heavenly, spiritual, and under grace. Discontinuity views typically stress the newness brought about by Christ, arguing for clear distinction between Israel and the church. This perspective interprets the New Testament without recourse to the Old Testament.
This debate has significant implications for biblical theology, hermeneutics, covenant theology, dispensationalism, law and gospel, and more. Tracing its historical development can shed light on the discussion.
History of the Continuity vs. Discontinuity Debate
The continuity vs. discontinuity debate emerged early in church history. Several key figures shaped initial discussions regarding Israel and the church’s relationship.
Early Church Period
During the early church period, the dominant perspective emphasized continuity between Israel and the church. Key figures included:
- Irenaeus – viewed the church as the ongoing vehicle of God’s saving purposes established with Israel.
- Augustine – saw the church as the historic people of God, extending promises to Israel.
- Thomas Aquinas – argued that the New Covenant fulfilled and extended the Old Covenant.
The early church generally resisted radical discontinuity views. Israel and the church were seen as fundamentally continuous, though the church represented fulfillment of OT promises.
Protestant Reformation
During the 16th century Protestant Reformation, views shifted toward greater discontinuity between Israel and the church:
- Martin Luther – distinguished law and gospel, contrasting the Old and New Covenants.
- John Calvin – affirmed unity of divine purpose, yet stressed discontinuities between Israel and church.
- Anabaptists – rejected continuity with Israel due to focus on believers church.
The Reformers emphasized discontinuity in reacting against medieval Catholicism. Grace came to be contrasted sharply with law, and the church was distinguished from Israel.
Post-Reformation Era
In subsequent centuries, Protestant views continued to emphasize discontinuity:
- Puritans – stressed radical difference between Old and New Covenants due to covenant theology.
- Pietists – sharpened law/gospel distinction, downplaying the Old Testament.
- J.N. Darby – as father of dispensationalism, distinguished Israel and the church based on literal interpretation.
By the 18th-19th centuries, the discontinuity perspective dominated Protestantism. Israel and the church were viewed as essentially unrelated.
20th Century Developments
In the 20th century, the continuity view experienced resurgence:
- Karl Barth – affirmed unified covenant of grace spanning OT and NT, rejecting radical discontinuity.
- Oscar Cullmann – influential “salvation history” approach stressing unified divine action.
- George Eldon Ladd – argued for “already/not yet” biblical theology seeing continuity in God’s kingdom program.
As a result of these developments, many 20th century scholars advocated revised continuity perspectives, reacting against the radical discontinuity of Protestant orthodoxy. The continuity view regained prominence as a live option.
Key Elements of the Continuity View
Those advocating continuity between Israel and the church emphasize several key elements:
Unified Plan of Salvation
Continuity advocates argue that God has always saved people in the same way, by grace through faith. Salvation by grace did not begin in the New Testament. There is essential unity to God’s saving activity throughout Scripture.
For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast (Ephesians 2:8-9).
People of God
The church is seen as the ongoing people of God, extending and fulfilling God’s purpose for Israel. Old Testament Israel finds its climax and continuation in the New Testament church.
But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. Once you were not a people, but now you are God’s people (1 Peter 2:9-10).
Covenant Theology
Continuity advocates emphasize the unified covenant of grace, with the New Covenant fulfilling the promises of the Old. The covenants build on one another as part of God’s singular redemptive purpose.
For all the promises of God find their Yes in [Christ] (2 Corinthians 1:20).
Kingdom of God
The kingdom of God is seen as the central theme linking Old and New Testaments. God’s kingdom progressively unfolds, until finally consummated in Christ.
Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand (Matthew 4:17).
Typology
Typological interpretation is employed to demonstrate unity between the Testaments. Old Testament persons, events, and institutions are seen as types foreshadowing greater fulfillment in Christ.
These things took place as examples for us (1 Corinthians 10:6).
These key elements allow continuity advocates to affirm fundamental unity between the Testaments and the people of God across history. The church emerges organically from Israel, fulfilling OT anticipation.
Key Elements of the Discontinuity View
Those who argue for discontinuity between Israel and the church also identify several distinguishing elements:
Law vs. Grace
Whereas Israel lived under law, the church lives under grace. This represents a fundamental change in God’s dealings with humanity and approach to salvation.
For sin will have no dominion over you, since you are not under law but under grace (Romans 6:14).
Old vs. New Covenant
The Mosaic Covenant has been superseded by the New Covenant inaugurated by Christ. This brings an end to the previous system associated with law, temple, priesthood, and sacrifice.
In speaking of a new covenant, he makes the first one obsolete (Hebrews 8:13).
Earthly vs. Heavenly
While Israel’s identity and blessings were earthly in nature, the church has a heavenly identity and hope. Distinctions between Jew/Gentile and circumcision/uncircumcision are erased.
Our citizenship is in heaven (Philippians 3:20).
Literal Interpretation
Consistent literal interpretation of Old Testament passages about Israel leads to separating Israel from the church. Promises to national Israel will be fulfilled literally.
And so all Israel will be saved (Romans 11:26).
Parenthesis View
The church is a parenthesis or intercalation between God’s past dealings with Israel and future restoration of Israel. This makes the church distinct from Israel.
A partial hardening has come upon Israel until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in (Romans 11:25).
These perspectives lead discontinuity advocates to stress radical newness associated with the gospel era. Clear distinctions must be maintained between Israel and the church.
Implications of the Continuity View
The continuity perspective has significant implications for various theological issues:
Hermeneutics
Seeing fundamental unity between the Testaments affects how Scripture is interpreted. Old Testament passages are understood in light of New Testament fulfillment in Christ.
Covenant Theology
Unity between the biblical covenants is affirmed. The covenant of grace unifies God’s purposes in Scripture. The New Covenant fulfills earlier covenants.
Kingdom of God
God’s kingdom is the unifying theme of Scripture. The New Testament extends the kingdom promises to OT Israel. The church is the instrument of God’s reign.
Israel and the Church
No radical distinction is made between Israel and the church. The church fulfills God’s purposes for Israel, extending spiritual blessings to all nations.
Typology
The Old Testament is viewed as full of types and patterns fulfilled in the New Testament reality in Christ. This affirms interconnection between the Testaments.
Overall the continuity perspective affirms the harmony and unity of Scripture. The Testaments are bound together christocentrically and redemptively.
Implications of the Discontinuity View
The discontinuity view also influences a range of theological perspectives:
Hermeneutics
Scripture is interpreted without recourse to typology or assuming NT fulfillment of the OT. The Testaments are understood discretely.
Covenant Theology
Fundamental differences between Old and New Covenants are stressed. They represent separate ways of relating to God.
Kingdom of God
The kingdom is separated from the church age, pending future literal fulfillment for Israel. The church does not fulfill OT kingdom prophecies.
Israel and the Church
Israel and the church remain fundamentally distinct. The church is a parenthesis in God’s dealings, with Israel’s promises postponed until a future dispensation.
Typology
Typology is avoided or limited to explicit NT statements. The Testaments are not viewed as organically related.
In general, the discontinuity view maintains clear distinction between Israel and the church. Each operates in a separate dispensation of God’s unfolding plan.
Continuity Views and Representatives
There are several major forms the continuity perspective takes:
Covenant Theology – Geerhardus Vos
Covenant theology affirms one unified covenant of grace across Scripture. Key ideas include covenant headship, the obedience of Christ, and the role of sacraments.
Salvation History – Oscar Cullmann
This view sees a unified divine plan working through the stages of Israel’s history culminating in Christ. It emphasizes historical progression and organic growth.
Biblical Theology – D.A. Carson
Biblical theology analyzes the theological themes of the OT on their own terms before showing how they point to Christ. It stresses the continuity of God’s purposes.
Canonical Approach – Brevard Childs
This perspective focuses on the coherence and unity of the biblical canon in its final form. The Testaments mutually interpret one another in a canonical context.
While differing in approach, these views all advocate substantive continuity between the Testaments and the people of God throughout history.
Discontinuity Views and Representatives
Here are some of the major forms of the discontinuity perspective:
Traditional Dispensationalism – Lewis Sperry Chafer
This view sees a fundamental distinction between Israel and the church based on a literal hermeneutic. It emphasizes unique dispensations and God’s program for Israel.
Progressive Dispensationalism – Robert Saucy
This approach maintains distinction between Israel and the church but allows more continuity between dispensations. It can utilize typology and stress inaugurated eschatology.
New Covenant Theology – Tom Wells
This system denies a unified covenant of grace. It sees sharp contrasts between Old and New Covenants, especially relating to law. Continuity in salvation by grace alone is affirmed.
These perspectives maintain fundamental discontinuities between Israel and the church while differing on issues like typology and the role of law.
Assessing the Debate
Evaluating the continuity vs. discontinuity debate requires several considerations:
Biblical Evidence
Which view best accounts for the biblical evidence? Key passages include Romans 9-11, Galatians 3-4, Ephesians 2-3, and Hebrews 7-10. Continuity advocates appeal to NT fulfillment of OT patterns and prophecies. Discontinuity advocates point to distinctions between law/grace, earthly/heavenly, etc.
Hermeneutics
How does each view read the OT in relation to the NT? Continuity perspectives allow the NT to reinterpret the OT. But discontinuity approaches avoid this. Consistently applying a grammatical-historical hermeneutic is critical.
Theological Coherence
Which perspective provides greatest coherence for areas like covenant theology, typology, and eschatology? Both views should be tested against the whole counsel of Scripture.
Presuppositions
To what extent are presuppositions shaping each view? All interpreters have biases. But undue philosophical or theological precommitments can skew interpretation. Presuppositions must be critically examined.
Careful consideration must be given to these dynamics when evaluating the continuity vs. discontinuity debate. Diversity of opinion will likely remain. But biblical fidelity should characterize all perspectives.
Conclusion
The continuity vs. discontinuity debate centers on the fundamental relationship between Israel and the church. Those advocating continuity emphasize the essential unity of God’s redemptive plan across the Testaments. Representatives of this view include covenant theologians, biblical theologians, and canonical scholars. In contrast, discontinuity proponents stress radical differences brought about by the transition from law to grace. Forms of this view include various dispensational approaches and new covenant theology. Each perspective has extensive theological and hermeneutical implications. Careful assessment of biblical evidence, interpretive approaches, theological coherence, and philosophical presuppositions is required. Christians of all persuasions must seek to understand Scripture on its own terms, allowing the text to shape their views. While diversity of opinion will remain on the continuity vs. discontinuity debate, all evangelicals can affirm God’s unified plan to glorify himself through redeeming a people in Christ to serve him forever.