Understanding the Covenant of Grace in Redemption

 

Summary

The concept of the covenant of redemption is foundational to understanding God's plan for humanity. This covenant, made between the Father and the Son before time began, sets the stage for the redemption of sinners through the sacrificial death of Jesus Christ. The covenant of grace, which unfolds throughout history, is the manifestation of this pre-temporal agreement. It is seen in various epochs, from Adam to Abraham, Moses, David, and the prophetic anticipation of the new covenant. Understanding this covenant of grace is crucial for unlocking the scriptures and seeing the Bible as a unified narrative rather than disjointed teachings.

For those new to the Reformed faith, it is essential to move beyond the doctrines of grace and delve into the covenant of grace. This understanding will provide a framework for interpreting the Bible as one cohesive story of God's redemptive plan. The covenant of grace is not about two distinct peoples, Israel and the Church, but about one people of God. This perspective challenges dispensational views, which often separate the Old and New Testaments and propose different plans for Israel and the Church.

Reformed theology posits that there is one covenant of grace that operates in both the Old and New Testaments. While there is debate about the future of ethnic Israel, the focus remains on the unity of God's people. The resurrection of Christ is a template for our future hope, demonstrating that God will redeem and renew creation rather than discard it. This hope is rooted in the belief that God will restore what sin has marred, culminating in a new heaven and a new earth.

The priesthood of Christ, superior to the Levitical priesthood, is another key aspect of this covenant. Christ's priesthood, after the order of Melchizedek, fulfills the law's requirements and points to a heavenly reality. This understanding emphasizes the continuity of God's plan and the singularity of His covenant with humanity.

Key Takeaways:

1. The covenant of redemption, made between the Father and the Son, is the foundation of God's plan to redeem sinners through Christ's sacrificial death. This pre-temporal agreement is crucial for understanding the unfolding of the covenant of grace throughout history. [20:26]

2. Embracing the covenant of grace provides a framework for interpreting the Bible as a unified narrative. It moves beyond the doctrines of grace and offers a comprehensive understanding of God's redemptive plan, challenging the notion of separate plans for Israel and the Church. [22:00]

3. The resurrection of Christ serves as a template for our future hope, demonstrating that God will redeem and renew creation rather than discard it. This belief in a new heaven and a new earth underscores the continuity of God's plan and His commitment to restoring what sin has marred. [32:21]

4. Christ's priesthood, after the order of Melchizedek, fulfills the law's requirements and points to a heavenly reality. This understanding emphasizes the continuity of God's plan and the singularity of His covenant with humanity, highlighting the superiority of Christ's priesthood over the Levitical priesthood. [34:22]

5. The cross of Christ is where the glory of God shines most brightly, revealing the reality of the doctrines of grace. It is at the cross that we see the fullness of God's love and grace, transforming what might seem like a dry list of doctrines into a vibrant and life-changing truth. [39:32]

Youtube Chapters:

[00:00] - Welcome
[20:26] - Covenant of Redemption
[21:18] - Introduction to the Covenant of Grace
[22:00] - Unlocking Scripture with the Covenant
[23:34] - One Narrative, One Gospel
[24:36] - Reformed Theology and Israel
[25:06] - Covenant Theology and Israel's Future
[28:10] - Dispensationalism vs. Covenant Theology
[29:20] - Jesus and the Church
[31:30] - Renewed Creation and Resurrection
[34:22] - Christ's Superior Priesthood
[37:06] - Separation on the Cross
[39:32] - Experiencing God's Grace
[40:16] - The Cross as the Pinnacle of Glory

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
1. Romans 8:19-23
2. Hebrews 8:1-5
3. Jeremiah 33:18

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Observation Questions:

1. What is the covenant of redemption, and how does it relate to the covenant of grace as discussed in the sermon? [20:26]

2. How does the sermon describe the unfolding of the covenant of grace throughout biblical history, from Adam to the prophetic anticipation of the new covenant? [20:59]

3. According to the sermon, what is the significance of Christ's priesthood being after the order of Melchizedek rather than the Levitical priesthood? [34:22]

4. How does the sermon explain the relationship between the resurrection of Christ and the future hope of a new heaven and a new earth? [32:21]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How does understanding the covenant of grace as a unified narrative help in interpreting the Bible, according to the sermon? [22:00]

2. What are the implications of viewing the Church and Israel as one people of God under the covenant of grace, as opposed to separate entities? [22:43]

3. In what ways does the sermon suggest that the resurrection of Christ serves as a template for the renewal of creation? [32:21]

4. How does the sermon describe the superiority of Christ's priesthood, and what does this mean for the continuity of God's plan? [34:22]

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Application Questions:

1. The sermon suggests that understanding the covenant of grace can unlock the scriptures for us. How might this perspective change the way you read the Bible? [22:00]

2. Reflect on the idea that the Church and Israel are one people of God. How does this perspective challenge or affirm your previous understanding of biblical history? [22:43]

3. The sermon emphasizes the hope of a renewed creation. How does this hope influence your view of the world and your role in it? [32:21]

4. Considering Christ's priesthood after the order of Melchizedek, how does this understanding affect your view of Jesus' role in your life? [34:22]

5. The sermon highlights the cross as the pinnacle of God's glory and grace. How can you more fully embrace and reflect on the significance of the cross in your daily life? [39:32]

6. How can the concept of the covenant of grace help you in conversations with others who may have a dispensational view of the Bible? [28:10]

7. Reflect on a time when you felt disconnected from God's plan. How does the sermon’s message about the continuity of God's covenant encourage you in those moments? [31:30]

Devotional

Day 1: The Eternal Covenant of Redemption
The covenant of redemption is a profound theological concept that underscores the eternal agreement between the Father and the Son to redeem humanity. This covenant, established before the foundation of the world, is the cornerstone of God's redemptive plan. It is through the sacrificial death of Jesus Christ that this covenant is fulfilled, offering salvation to sinners. Understanding this pre-temporal agreement is crucial for grasping the unfolding of the covenant of grace throughout history. This eternal covenant assures believers of God's unwavering commitment to their redemption and highlights the depth of divine love and purpose. [20:26]

Ephesians 1:4-5 (ESV): "Even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love he predestined us for adoption to himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will."

Reflection: How does knowing that God planned your redemption before the world began impact your understanding of His love and purpose for you today?


Day 2: The Unified Narrative of Scripture
Embracing the covenant of grace provides a framework for interpreting the Bible as a unified narrative. This perspective moves beyond the doctrines of grace and offers a comprehensive understanding of God's redemptive plan. It challenges the notion of separate plans for Israel and the Church, emphasizing instead the unity of God's people throughout history. By viewing the Bible through the lens of the covenant of grace, believers can see the continuity of God's work from the Old Testament to the New Testament, revealing one cohesive story of redemption. [22:00]

Galatians 3:28-29 (ESV): "There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. And if you are Christ's, then you are Abraham's offspring, heirs according to promise."

Reflection: In what ways can you begin to read the Bible as a single, unified story of God's redemptive plan rather than a collection of separate teachings?


Day 3: The Hope of Renewed Creation
The resurrection of Christ serves as a template for our future hope, demonstrating that God will redeem and renew creation rather than discard it. This belief in a new heaven and a new earth underscores the continuity of God's plan and His commitment to restoring what sin has marred. The resurrection assures believers that their future is secure and that God's ultimate purpose is to restore all things. This hope encourages Christians to live with an eternal perspective, trusting in God's promise to make all things new. [32:21]

Romans 8:21-23 (ESV): "That the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to corruption and obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God. For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now. And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies."

Reflection: How does the promise of a renewed creation influence the way you view your current circumstances and the world around you?


Day 4: The Superiority of Christ's Priesthood
Christ's priesthood, after the order of Melchizedek, fulfills the law's requirements and points to a heavenly reality. This understanding emphasizes the continuity of God's plan and the singularity of His covenant with humanity. Unlike the Levitical priesthood, Christ's priesthood is eternal and perfect, offering a once-for-all sacrifice for sin. This highlights the superiority of Christ's priesthood and assures believers of their access to God through Him. It invites Christians to rest in the finished work of Christ and to approach God with confidence. [34:22]

Hebrews 7:24-25 (ESV): "But he holds his priesthood permanently, because he continues forever. Consequently, he is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them."

Reflection: In what ways can you rely more on Christ's perfect priesthood in your daily walk with God, knowing He intercedes for you?


Day 5: The Cross as the Pinnacle of Glory
The cross of Christ is where the glory of God shines most brightly, revealing the reality of the doctrines of grace. It is at the cross that we see the fullness of God's love and grace, transforming what might seem like a dry list of doctrines into a vibrant and life-changing truth. The cross is the ultimate demonstration of God's glory, where justice and mercy meet. It calls believers to a deeper appreciation of God's grace and to live in response to the sacrificial love displayed there. [39:32]

1 Corinthians 1:18 (ESV): "For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God."

Reflection: How can you allow the reality of the cross to transform your understanding of God's grace and influence your interactions with others today?

Quotes

The concept of the covenant of redemption would be pre-temporal so it would be an inter-trinitarian covenant, a covenant between the Father and the Son to redeem sinners through the substitutionary death of the incarnate Son. That pactum salutus, that agreement of salvation, is done before creation. [00:20:12]

If you're new to the reformed faith, you know if you're coming out of a broader sort of evangelicalism, you're likely coming into the reformed faith through the doctrines of grace. So you're starting with the sovereignty of God and then you're moving through the beloved tulip, but I would really encourage you to invest energy in reading about and studying the covenant of grace. [00:21:23]

As you understand that covenant of grace, it will unlock scripture for you. It will be such a tool for you to be able to make sense. It's the puzzle box lid for all the pieces of scripture that you encounter, and it will just be so helpful to you. [00:22:00]

The more you get to know the Bible, you need an answer to the question not just what does John teach me, what does Paul teach me, what does Daniel teach me, but how do I put the whole Bible together as one narrative, one gospel. [00:23:20]

Reformed theology does actually address that very issue because it says that there is only one covenant of grace, and it operates in both Old Testament and New Testament. In the Old Testament, the fulfillment in terms of the coming of Jesus is still anticipatory. [00:25:10]

This one plan of having one people with one covenant, dealing with them by one covenant of grace, this is pointing us to seeing that God is not a fickle God who changes his mind. He says that he once declared creation good but once it's spoiled by sin he could happily throw it away. No. [00:31:50]

Satan will not win, evil will not win. What he has declared good and has been marred by sin, he will redeem. Therefore, the biblical hope always has been that there will be a renewed heaven and a renewed earth, the home of righteousness. [00:32:27]

It is not that Jesus comes to life in a completely different body he could leave his old body in the tomb. It is the body in which he was crucified is resurrected and perfected and glorified, and that body is the first fruits of the new creation. [00:32:52]

Christ has a priesthood that is superior to the Levitical priesthood. He could not have been of the tribe of Levi. It's important that his priesthood is of the order of Melchizedek. [00:34:22]

The Levitical priesthood is created to be a copy on earth of a heavenly reality. It is not itself the real ultimate heavenly priesthood, and this is picked up in Hebrews 8 verses 1 to 5, where we read that we have such a great high priest who is in heaven. [00:35:34]

In all creation, the glory of God shines, but nowhere has it shone more brightly than at the cross. It is at the cross that the reality of those doctrines is seen most clearly, and it sounds from the way that that question is framed as though the doctrines can become in your mind a dry list of things. [00:39:46]

That apparently dry list is seen in blazing glory at the cross, transforming what might seem like a dry list of doctrines into a vibrant and life-changing truth. [00:40:23]

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Transcript
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