God's Covenant of Grace: Redemption Through Christ

 

Summary

In our exploration of the biblical doctrine of redemption, we delve into the profound concept of God's covenant with humanity. Humanity, having fallen from grace and become enslaved to sin, was in a state of hopelessness. Yet, God, in His infinite mercy, devised a plan of salvation, revealing it through a covenant—a divine agreement. This evening, we focus on understanding this covenant, particularly the Covenant of Grace, which God established to redeem humanity from sin and restore the broken relationship between God and man.

A covenant, in its simplest form, is an agreement between two parties. However, when it comes to the covenant between God and humanity, it is not a pact between equals. Instead, it is a testament of God's grace, initiated by Him, emphasizing His sovereignty and love. The Covenant of Grace is distinct from the Covenant of Works, which was based on human obedience and was broken by Adam. The Covenant of Grace, however, is based on faith and is fulfilled through Jesus Christ, the mediator of this covenant.

This covenant is administered in two main dispensations: the Old and the New Testament. The Old Testament reveals the covenant through various stages, starting with the promise in Genesis 3:15, the covenant with Noah, and the explicit covenant with Abraham, which laid the foundation for the nation of Israel. The Mosaic covenant, while introducing the law, did not replace the Covenant of Grace but served to highlight humanity's need for salvation through faith.

The New Testament brings the fulfillment of this covenant through Jesus Christ, who embodies the promise of redemption. The law, given through Moses, was never intended as a means of salvation but as a guide to lead us to Christ, emphasizing our need for His grace. The unity of the Old and New Testaments reveals the continuity of God's redemptive plan, which began in Genesis and culminates in Christ.

Key Takeaways:

- The Nature of God's Covenant: God's covenant with humanity is not a mutual agreement between equals but a testament of His grace and sovereignty. It emphasizes His initiative in reaching out to humanity, offering salvation and restoration through His promises. [06:17]

- The Covenant of Grace: Unlike the Covenant of Works, which depended on human obedience, the Covenant of Grace is based on faith and fulfilled through Jesus Christ. It promises God's friendship and salvation, highlighting the centrality of faith in receiving God's blessings. [09:38]

- The Role of the Law: The law given through Moses was not a means of salvation but a guide to lead us to Christ. It reveals our sinfulness and our need for a savior, underscoring the necessity of faith in God's redemptive plan. [36:23]

- Unity of Scripture: The Old and New Testaments are unified in revealing God's redemptive plan. The gospel is present throughout the Bible, beginning in Genesis and culminating in Christ, demonstrating the continuity of God's covenant with humanity. [42:12]

- The Fulfillment in Christ: Jesus Christ is the mediator of the Covenant of Grace, fulfilling God's promises and offering salvation to all who believe. His life, death, and resurrection are the ultimate realization of God's plan to restore humanity to Himself. [38:50]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:11] - Introduction to Redemption
- [00:29] - God's Plan of Salvation
- [01:02] - The Covenant of Redemption
- [01:56] - Understanding Covenants
- [03:37] - Covenant Between God and Man
- [06:01] - Priority of God in the Covenant
- [07:14] - The Certainty of God's Covenant
- [08:19] - The Covenant of Works
- [09:08] - Introduction to the Covenant of Grace
- [10:43] - God's Promise to Be Our God
- [13:23] - Temporal and Spiritual Blessings
- [15:14] - Definition of the Covenant of Grace
- [16:27] - Two Dispensations of the Covenant
- [19:17] - The Pro-Evangel in Genesis
- [23:04] - The Covenant with Noah
- [25:16] - The Covenant with Abraham
- [28:31] - The Mosaic Covenant
- [36:23] - Purpose of the Law
- [38:50] - Fulfillment in Christ
- [42:12] - Unity of the Old and New Testaments

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide: The Covenant of Grace

Bible Reading:
1. Genesis 3:15
2. Genesis 17:1-8
3. Galatians 3:17-18

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Observation Questions:

1. What is the significance of Genesis 3:15 in the context of the Covenant of Grace? How does it foreshadow the gospel? [19:17]

2. How does the covenant with Abraham in Genesis 17 differ from the Covenant of Works made with Adam? [25:16]

3. According to the sermon, what role does the law given through Moses play in God's redemptive plan? [36:23]

4. How does the sermon describe the unity between the Old and New Testaments in revealing God's redemptive plan? [42:12]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. In what ways does the Covenant of Grace emphasize God's initiative and sovereignty in offering salvation to humanity? [06:17]

2. How does the sermon explain the relationship between faith and the promises of God in the Covenant of Grace? [09:38]

3. What does the sermon suggest about the purpose of the law in leading us to Christ, and how does this understanding affect our view of the Old Testament? [36:23]

4. How does the fulfillment of the Covenant of Grace through Jesus Christ impact the believer's relationship with God? [38:50]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on the idea that God's covenant is a testament of His grace and sovereignty. How does this understanding influence your daily walk with God? [06:17]

2. The Covenant of Grace is based on faith. How can you actively cultivate and strengthen your faith in your current life circumstances? [09:38]

3. The sermon highlights the law as a guide to lead us to Christ. How can you use the teachings of the Old Testament to deepen your understanding of your need for a savior? [36:23]

4. Consider the unity of Scripture as presented in the sermon. How can you incorporate both the Old and New Testaments into your personal Bible study to gain a fuller picture of God's redemptive plan? [42:12]

5. Jesus Christ is the mediator of the Covenant of Grace. In what ways can you live out the reality of this covenant in your interactions with others this week? [38:50]

6. The sermon mentions the promise of God being our God and us being His people. How does this promise affect your identity and purpose as a believer? [11:33]

7. How can you share the message of the Covenant of Grace with someone in your life who may not yet understand or believe in it? What steps can you take to initiate that conversation? [15:14]

Devotional

Day 1: God's Covenant: A Testament of Grace
The nature of God's covenant with humanity is a profound testament of His grace and sovereignty. Unlike human agreements, which are often between equals, God's covenant is initiated solely by Him, emphasizing His initiative in reaching out to humanity. This divine agreement offers salvation and restoration through His promises, highlighting His love and mercy. The Covenant of Grace is a clear demonstration of God's desire to restore the broken relationship between Himself and humanity, offering a path to redemption through faith. [06:17]

Isaiah 55:3 (ESV): "Incline your ear, and come to me; hear, that your soul may live; and I will make with you an everlasting covenant, my steadfast, sure love for David."

Reflection: In what ways can you actively listen for God's voice today, acknowledging His initiative in your life and responding to His call of grace?


Day 2: Faith as the Foundation of the Covenant of Grace
The Covenant of Grace stands in contrast to the Covenant of Works, which was based on human obedience and was broken by Adam. This new covenant is based on faith and is fulfilled through Jesus Christ, the mediator. It promises God's friendship and salvation, emphasizing the centrality of faith in receiving God's blessings. Through faith, believers are invited into a relationship with God, where His promises are realized, and His grace is experienced. [09:38]

Galatians 3:14 (ESV): "So that in Christ Jesus the blessing of Abraham might come to the Gentiles, so that we might receive the promised Spirit through faith."

Reflection: How can you deepen your faith today to fully embrace the promises of the Covenant of Grace in your life?


Day 3: The Law as a Guide to Christ
The law given through Moses was never intended as a means of salvation but as a guide to lead us to Christ. It reveals our sinfulness and our need for a savior, underscoring the necessity of faith in God's redemptive plan. The law serves to highlight humanity's need for salvation through faith, pointing to the ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ. By understanding the purpose of the law, believers can appreciate the depth of God's grace and the necessity of Christ's sacrifice. [36:23]

Romans 7:7 (ESV): "What then shall we say? That the law is sin? By no means! Yet if it had not been for the law, I would not have known sin. For I would not have known what it is to covet if the law had not said, 'You shall not covet.'"

Reflection: In what ways can you allow the law to guide you to a deeper understanding of your need for Christ today?


Day 4: The Unity of Scripture in God's Redemptive Plan
The Old and New Testaments are unified in revealing God's redemptive plan. The gospel is present throughout the Bible, beginning in Genesis and culminating in Christ, demonstrating the continuity of God's covenant with humanity. This unity shows that God's plan for redemption was not an afterthought but a consistent theme woven throughout Scripture. By recognizing this continuity, believers can see the Bible as a cohesive narrative of God's love and redemption. [42:12]

Ephesians 1:9-10 (ESV): "Making known to us the mystery of his will, according to his purpose, which he set forth in Christ as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth."

Reflection: How can you see the unity of God's redemptive plan in your own life, and how does this understanding impact your daily walk with Him?


Day 5: Christ as the Fulfillment of God's Promises
Jesus Christ is the mediator of the Covenant of Grace, fulfilling God's promises and offering salvation to all who believe. His life, death, and resurrection are the ultimate realization of God's plan to restore humanity to Himself. Through Christ, the promises of the covenant are made accessible to all, inviting believers into a restored relationship with God. This fulfillment in Christ is the cornerstone of the Christian faith, offering hope and assurance of eternal life. [38:50]

Hebrews 9:15 (ESV): "Therefore he is the mediator of a new covenant, so that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance, since a death has occurred that redeems them from the transgressions committed under the first covenant."

Reflection: How can you live today in the assurance that Christ has fulfilled God's promises, and how does this assurance shape your interactions with others?

Quotes


But God in his infinite grace and love and mercy had looked upon men in pity and had informed him of this great plan and purpose of Salvation and of redemption and last Friday evening we considered the characters and characteristics of this great Plan of Redemption in general. [00:32:45]

A covenant can be defined as an agreement or a PCT which is entered into by two parties, the two parties being more or less on an equal footing. That is the normal customary definition of a covenant. You can make a covenant today; people do make covenants. [00:21:01]

When you come to speak of a covenant between God and man, you have to realize that there are certain modifications of that customary idea of the word covenant. Now in the Bible, you will find covenants made between men. David and Jonathan, you remember, made a covenant. [00:36:17]

The translators of the authorized version had a very definite object in view when they used this word testament. They did so, of course, to emphasize the priority of God. When God makes a covenant with men, it isn’t to equal partners meeting; it is God giving, as it were, his Covenant to men. [00:56:40]

God has introduced certain conditions. He has made his promises; he has told us what he is making possible for us, but he does make a demand upon us. He tells us that we are only going to receive and enjoy these promises under certain conditions, and that is the condition of faith. [00:09:35]

The Great Central promise that God has made to men in the Covenant of Grace, well, you know it really can be put in this way: he has promised to be a god unto men. That’s the great promise: I will be a god unto thee. [00:10:32]

The Covenant of Grace is that arrangement between the Triune God and his people whereby God carries out his eternal purpose and decree of redemption by promising his friendship. Hence, he promises full and free salvation to his people upon the basis of the vicarious atonement of the Lord Jesus Christ. [00:15:02]

The Covenant of Grace can be divided up into two dispensations or, if you prefer it, two administrations. This one great Covenant of Grace is administered and has been administered in two main different ways: the way that is described in the Old Testament, the way that is described in the New Testament. [00:16:22]

The real division of the Bible is this: everything you get from Genesis 1:1 to Genesis 3:14, that’s one division of the Bible. From Genesis 3:15 to the very end is the remainder. That’s the true division. What you’ve got up until Genesis 3:14 is the account of the creation. [00:18:18]

The giving of the Lord La does not mean a return to a covenant of works. The children of Israel made the terrible mistake of thinking it did, but that was their error. It doesn’t mean that. It was simply given in order that the life of the nation should be regulated in certain respects. [00:29:36]

The law was our schoolmaster to bring us to Christ. It wasn’t meant to do more than that. It wasn’t the way of Salvation in and of itself. It never was that. It isn’t that. It never can be that. There is only one way of salvation. [00:36:51]

The gospel begins not in Matthew 1:1 but in Genesis 3:15. Let’s never forget that. So let us go to our Old Testaments and look for the gospel in it. You will find it there almost everywhere in a most amazing and astounding manner. [00:42:48]

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