Assessment Task 2: Comparative Analysis of Old and New Testament Covenants in Relation to the Kingdom of God
Assessment Overview
This assessment task requires students to critically compare the Old and New Testament covenants, focusing on their portrayal of the Kingdom of God, the death and resurrection of Christ, sin, and faith. The task builds on foundational biblical studies from Weeks 4-6, encouraging analysis of theological continuity and progression. Submit a 1,500–2,000-word essay that integrates scriptural evidence and scholarly perspectives.
Learning Outcomes
- Evaluate theological themes across Old and New Testaments.
- Analyse the role of covenants in biblical revelation of God’s kingdom.
- Demonstrate skills in exegesis and comparative theology.
Task Description
Write a structured essay that addresses the following key areas:
- Outline the distinct emphases of the Old Testament (e.g., God’s dealings with Israel, promises of a Messiah) and New Testament (e.g., fulfillment in Christ, inclusion of Gentiles) covenants.
- Discuss how both covenants reveal the Kingdom of God, using examples like the Garden of Eden and parables of Jesus.
- Examine the death and resurrection of Christ as the pivotal bridge between covenants, referencing Hebrews and prophetic foreshadowing.
- Compare treatments of sin (law vs. grace) and faith (obedience vs. relationship) across testaments.
- Conclude with implications for contemporary Christian theology.
Incorporate at least 8 scholarly sources, including primary biblical texts (use NIV or ESV translations). Ensure 20% of content engages peer-reviewed journal articles.
Submission Requirements
- Word count: 1,500–2,000 words (excluding references).
- Formatting: 12pt Times New Roman, 1.5 spacing, APA 7th edition.
- Include title page, contents, and reference list.
- Submit via Turnitin by Week 8, 11:59 PM.
- Extensions require documentation; late penalty 10% per day.
Marking Rubric
| Criteria | Fail (0-49%) | Pass (50-64%) | Credit (65-74%) | Distinction (75-84%) | High Distinction (85-100%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Understanding of Covenants (30%) | Limited grasp; major inaccuracies. | Basic description; some errors. | Accurate outline; minor gaps. | Nuanced comparison; strong scriptural links. | Insightful synthesis; original theological depth. |
| Analysis of Kingdom of God (25%) | Superficial; ignores progression. | Simple links; descriptive. | Clear connections; some exegesis. | Critical evaluation; metaphorical depth. | Perceptive; integrates eschatology. |
| Christ’s Death/Resurrection (20%) | Inadequate; misses typology. | Basic summary; few references. | Solid links to OT shadows. | Strong typology; Hebrews focus. | Transformative interpretation; sacrificial theology. |
| Sin/Faith Integration (15%) | Confused; law/grace mismatch. | Lists differences; uncritical. | Balanced view; relevant verses. | Coherent theology; grace emphasis. | Profound; relational dynamics. |
| Structure/Scholarship (10%) | Poor; uncited; errors. | Adequate; some sources. | Logical; APA mostly correct. | Cohesive; 8+ sources. | Exemplary; flawless referencing. |
Sample Response Study Bay
The Old Testament lays the foundation for God’s kingdom through covenants with Abraham and Moses, promising land and law as shadows of eternal reign. In Genesis 1-3, Eden represents the ideal kingdom where humanity rules under God’s authority, disrupted by sin yet pointing to restoration. The New Testament fulfills this in Christ’s inauguration of the kingdom, as seen in Matthew 4:17 where he proclaims its nearness. Jesus’ death and resurrection bridge the covenants, transforming Passover lambs into the ultimate sacrifice, per John 1:29. Scholars note this progression underscores God’s unchanging purpose amid progressive revelation (Dempster, 2020, doi:10.1177/0142064X19888059). Faith shifts from ritual obedience to personal trust, enabling Gentiles entry. Contemporary believers thus live as kingdom citizens, embodying grace over law.
References (APA 7th Edition)
- Dempster, S. E. (2020). Genesis for normal people: A guide to the most ancient story ever told. BibleProject. https://bibleproject.com/resources/genesis-for-normal-people/
- Hays, R. B. (2019). Echoes of scripture in the Gospels. Baylor University Press. https://doi.org/10.1515/9781481305259
- McKnight, S., & Mauro, J. B. (2021). The kingdom conspiracy: Returning to the radical mission of the local church. Brazos Press.
- Poythress, V. S. (2022). The Lordship of Christ: Serving our Savior all of the time, in all of life, with all our heart. Crossway. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1740-9985.2022.01645.x
- Smith, C. R. (2023). Old Testament theology: A fresh approach. InterVarsity Press.
