Understanding Biblical Covenants: God's Promises and Redemption

 

Summary

The focus today is on understanding the covenants of the Bible, which are foundational to the entire scope of Divine revelation. The concept of covenant is integral to how God reveals His Word and His plan. While Reformed theology often emphasizes covenant theology, the importance of covenants is recognized across all branches of theology. The Bible frequently speaks about covenants, yet there is often confusion about their meaning. For instance, the terms "Old Testament" and "New Testament" are often used interchangeably with "old covenant" and "new covenant," but they are not exact synonyms. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for a deeper comprehension of Scripture.

Biblical revelation is progressive, meaning it unfolds gradually over time. This progression is not corrective but additive, with covenants serving as the structure that carries this unfolding revelation. A covenant involves an agreement, and while cultural examples like political, industrial, and marriage contracts share similarities with biblical covenants, they differ significantly. Biblical covenants are established on Divine sanction, rooted in God's promises, and are inherently religious.

The key function of biblical covenants in redemption history is the relationship between promise and fulfillment. We exist as a church and as people because God has made and kept promises to His people. God is a covenant keeper, unlike humans who are covenant breakers. His promises are everlasting and unchanging. For example, when God made a promise to Abraham, it was fulfilled in the birth of Christ, as Mary recognized in the Magnificat.

Living by faith, rather than by sight, is challenging because we do not see God. Faith involves trusting God's promises, even when circumstances seem hopeless. God has proven Himself supremely trustworthy throughout history. The first covenant, known as the covenant of redemption, occurs within the Triune Godhead. This covenant involves an agreement among the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit regarding the plan of redemption. The Father sends the Son, who accomplishes redemption, and the Holy Spirit applies this work to believers. Redemption is a Trinitarian work, conceived before creation, and is not an afterthought or plan B.

In the economy of redemption, Christ's obedience is distinguished between active and passive. Active obedience involves Christ fulfilling the law's requirements, while passive obedience involves His suffering and submission to God's judgment. Both aspects were agreed upon in eternity, highlighting the covenant of redemption between the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

Key Takeaways:

1. The Integral Role of Covenants: Covenants are foundational to understanding God's revelation and redemption plan. They are not mere agreements but divine promises that shape the unfolding of biblical history. This understanding helps us see the Bible as a cohesive narrative of God's faithfulness. [01:06]

2. Progressive Revelation: God's revelation is progressive, adding layers of understanding over time without correcting previous revelations. This progression is carried by covenants, emphasizing the importance of seeing the Bible as a unified story of redemption. [02:26]

3. God's Faithfulness in Promises: Unlike human covenants, which are often broken, God's covenants are unbreakable. His promises are eternal and trustworthy, providing a foundation for our faith and existence as His people. [08:49]

4. The Covenant of Redemption: This covenant within the Trinity highlights the eternal agreement among the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit regarding redemption. It underscores the unity and purpose of the Godhead in the salvation plan. [16:47]

5. Active and Passive Obedience of Christ: Christ's obedience is twofold: actively fulfilling the law and passively suffering for our sins. This dual obedience is essential for our redemption and was agreed upon in the eternal covenant of redemption. [21:21]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:31] - Introduction to Covenants
- [01:06] - Importance of Covenants in Revelation
- [01:48] - Distinctions Between Old and New Covenants
- [02:26] - Progressive Revelation
- [03:12] - Understanding Covenants
- [03:51] - Covenants in Culture
- [04:38] - Political and Industrial Contracts
- [05:17] - Commercial and Marriage Contracts
- [06:00] - Biblical vs. Cultural Covenants
- [07:27] - Divine Sanction in Covenants
- [08:02] - Promise and Fulfillment
- [09:33] - Living by Faith
- [11:43] - The First Covenant
- [13:10] - Covenant of Redemption
- [16:47] - Trinitarian Work of Redemption
- [18:45] - Active and Passive Obedience of Christ

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide: Understanding the Covenants of the Bible

Bible Reading:
1. Genesis 12:1-3 - God's covenant with Abraham
2. Luke 1:46-55 - The Magnificat, where Mary acknowledges God's promise to Abraham
3. John 6:38-40 - Jesus speaks about being sent by the Father

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Observation Questions:

1. What is the significance of covenants in the Bible, and how do they differ from cultural contracts like political or industrial agreements? [06:00]

2. How does the concept of progressive revelation help us understand the unfolding of God's plan throughout the Bible? [02:26]

3. In what ways does the sermon describe God's faithfulness in keeping His promises, and how is this contrasted with human behavior? [08:49]

4. What is the covenant of redemption, and how does it involve the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit? [16:47]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How does the covenant with Abraham relate to the birth of Christ, as mentioned in the Magnificat? What does this reveal about God's faithfulness? [09:33]

2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that living by faith is challenging, and how does this relate to trusting God's promises? [10:59]

3. How does the concept of active and passive obedience of Christ contribute to our understanding of redemption? [21:21]

4. What does the covenant of redemption reveal about the unity and purpose within the Trinity regarding the plan of salvation? [16:47]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on a time when you struggled to trust in God's promises. What steps can you take to strengthen your faith in His unchanging nature? [10:59]

2. How can understanding the progressive nature of God's revelation help you see the Bible as a unified story of redemption? What changes might this bring to your Bible study habits? [02:26]

3. In what ways can you actively participate in God's covenant promises, both in your personal life and within your church community? [08:02]

4. Consider the dual aspects of Christ's obedience. How can you emulate His active and passive obedience in your daily walk with God? [21:21]

5. How does the concept of the covenant of redemption impact your view of the Trinity and its role in your salvation? How might this understanding influence your prayer life? [16:47]

6. Identify a specific promise of God that you find difficult to trust. What practical steps can you take this week to remind yourself of His faithfulness? [10:59]

7. How can you apply the understanding of biblical covenants to your relationships, ensuring they are rooted in faithfulness and trust? [06:37]

Devotional

Day 1: Covenants as Divine Promises
Covenants in the Bible are not merely agreements but divine promises that reveal God's plan and faithfulness throughout history. They serve as the backbone of biblical revelation, providing a cohesive narrative that underscores God's unwavering commitment to His people. Unlike human agreements, which can be broken, God's covenants are eternal and unbreakable, reflecting His perfect nature. Understanding covenants helps us see the Bible as a unified story of redemption, where each covenant builds upon the previous one, revealing more of God's character and His plan for humanity. [01:06]

"For the mountains may depart and the hills be removed, but my steadfast love shall not depart from you, and my covenant of peace shall not be removed,” says the Lord, who has compassion on you." (Isaiah 54:10, ESV)

Reflection: Consider a promise from God that you find difficult to trust. How can you remind yourself of His faithfulness today?


Day 2: The Unfolding Story of Redemption
God's revelation is progressive, meaning it unfolds gradually over time, adding layers of understanding without negating previous revelations. This progression is carried by covenants, which serve as the framework for the unfolding story of redemption. Each covenant reveals more about God's nature and His plan for humanity, emphasizing the importance of seeing the Bible as a unified narrative. By understanding this progression, we can appreciate the depth and richness of Scripture, recognizing how each part contributes to the whole. [02:26]

"Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world." (Hebrews 1:1-2, ESV)

Reflection: How can you approach your Bible reading to better appreciate the progressive revelation of God's plan?


Day 3: Trusting in God's Unbreakable Promises
God's faithfulness in keeping His promises is a central theme in the Bible. Unlike human covenants, which are often broken, God's covenants are unbreakable and eternal. His promises provide a foundation for our faith and existence as His people, assuring us of His steadfast love and commitment. By trusting in God's promises, we can live by faith, even when circumstances seem hopeless, knowing that He is supremely trustworthy. [08:49]

"Know therefore that the Lord your God is God, the faithful God who keeps covenant and steadfast love with those who love him and keep his commandments, to a thousand generations." (Deuteronomy 7:9, ESV)

Reflection: Identify a situation where you struggle to trust God's promises. What steps can you take to strengthen your faith in His unbreakable word?


Day 4: The Eternal Covenant of Redemption
The covenant of redemption is an eternal agreement within the Trinity, highlighting the unity and purpose of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit in the plan of salvation. This covenant underscores the Trinitarian work of redemption, conceived before creation, and emphasizes that redemption is not an afterthought but a central aspect of God's plan. Understanding this covenant helps us appreciate the depth of God's love and the intentionality behind His redemptive work. [16:47]

"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him." (Ephesians 1:3-4, ESV)

Reflection: How does knowing that redemption was planned before creation impact your understanding of God's love for you?


Day 5: Christ's Dual Obedience in Redemption
Christ's obedience is twofold: actively fulfilling the law's requirements and passively suffering for our sins. This dual obedience is essential for our redemption and was agreed upon in the eternal covenant of redemption. By understanding Christ's active and passive obedience, we can appreciate the depth of His sacrifice and the completeness of His work on our behalf. This understanding encourages us to live in gratitude and obedience, reflecting His love and sacrifice in our daily lives. [21:21]

"And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross." (Philippians 2:8, ESV)

Reflection: In what ways can you emulate Christ's obedience in your own life today? What specific actions can you take to reflect His love and sacrifice?

Quotes


I think it's very important for us to understand at the outset that the whole concept of covenant is integral; it's foundational. It's basic to the whole scope of Divine revelation. We could even say, for example, that the way God that reveals His Word and His plan biblically is through the structure of various covenants. [00:00:51]

Now, let me just say again, that the biblical revelation that we encounter in Scripture is progressive; that is, there's a gradual unfolding of God's revelation. He doesn't give it all to us in the book of Genesis. But as history moves through time, God gives more and more and more revelation of Himself and of His plan of redemption. [00:02:26]

The first question that we ask about covenants is "What are they? What is a covenant?" And again, there is a little bit of confusion there. We understand that a covenant involves some kind of agreement. And just in church this past week, I was talking to our congregation about the way in which covenants are foundational to our very culture and to our very lives. [00:03:19]

Now again, the key function in terms of redemption and redemption history of a covenant in the Bible is the relationship between promise and fulfillment. When I say that the basic structure of redemptive history that we see in the Scripture is covenant, what I'm simply saying is that we exist as a church, we exist as people because God has made promises to His people, and He has kept those promises. [00:07:54]

Now again, I say that because the hardest thing in the world for the Christian is to live by faith, rather than by sight. It's difficult because we never see God. We have not been eyewitnesses of the resurrection like the first century apostles were. You know, we live on the basis of the testimony of those who went before us, and we are to walk by faith. [00:09:42]

And so, we see the Son coming from heaven to do the will of the Father in this world because the two of them from all eternity, God the Father and God the Son, are in perfect agreement about the mission that the Son will fulfill in this world -- that the Father and the Son are one in their eternal purpose -- and you could add to that also the Holy Spirit who's also in complete agreement with the Father and the Son in God's plan of redemption. [00:16:33]

So, we have to talk about this prior covenant that takes place within the Godhead among the Persons of the Trinity: the Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost. And so, we often will say that in the economy of redemption, it's the Father who sends the Son into the world to redeem His people; it's the Son who accomplishes that redemption by His work of obedience; and it is the Holy Spirit then who applies the work of Christ to the people. [00:17:04]

Now, when we talk about the working out of the covenant of redemption, again, in historic reformed theology, not only in reformed theology, but in other Protestant theology you'll hear as well, a distinction is made with respect to the obedience of the second Person of the Trinity, or the obedience of Christ the God-Man; is a distinction between what is called the perfect-active obedience and the perfect-passive obedience. [00:18:38]

The active obedience has to do with Christ working as the second Adam, willingly placing Himself under the requirements of the law, and takes upon Himself that responsibility in our behalf, and actively obeys every commandment that God requires from human beings. [00:19:20]

And so then, we distinguish that from the passive obedience. In the passive obedience -- you can't make this an absolute distinction because he actively submits Himself to being passive to the requirements of the Father, and this has to do with His suffering. His active obedience is that obedience by which He achieves perfect righteousness and thereby merits redemption for His people. [00:21:21]

And all of this, of course, was agreed upon in eternity before the Logos ever became flesh and dwelt among us. Christ agreed to do the work necessary for our redemption. That's why we call it the covenant of redemption between the Father and the Son and then by extension, also the Holy Spirit. [00:22:57]

Redemption, biblically -- and we have to understand this from beginning to end -- is a Trinitarian work. And again, the point of the covenant of redemption is that this idea of redemption is not an afterthought in the plan of God -- a plan B -- whereby God is going to correct the mess He made out of creation. No, before He even creates the world, He has an eternal purpose of redemption, of redeeming His people in this world, and that is in complete agreement among all three Persons in the Godhead. [00:23:55]

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