I am currently listening to some of Reverend Lloyd-Jones' "Great Biblical Doctrines" series of sermons, which I have enjoyed so far and would recommend listening to. The latest I have listened to is "The Covenant of Grace in the Old Testament." While some think the Covenant of Grace only came into existence after the resurrection, Reverend Lloyd-Jones demonstrates that the covenant has actually been in effect in one form or another since the fall of Adam and Eve in Genesis 3:14. Looking at its earlier manifestations in the Old Testament, how do they prefigure the revelation of its fullness in Christ Jesus?
1. The Adamic covenant demonstrates God's divine mercy and kindness. Though both Adam and Eve ate of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil that they were warned not to eat lest they should die, the Lord did not make a full end of them but did exile them from the Garden of Eden as a result. They were made enemies with Satan, new burdens were imposed on them and the ground was cursed as a result of their transgressions (Genesis 3:15-19). However, "the Lord God made for Adam and for his wife garments of skins and clothed them." (Genesis 3:21 ESV). This new covenant, which introduced pain and difficulty into the lives of Adam and Eve, still demonstrated God's mercy in the sparing of their lives and the provision for their clothing. This mercy is ultimately fulfilled in God redeeming Adam's original sin through the second Adam, Jesus Christ.
2. The covenant with Noah demonstrates God's intent for peace with his creation. After the flood the Lord hung up a rainbow in the skies that symbolized his agreement never to bring another flood to destroy creation. This was symbolic of a limited passing over, whose complete fulfillment is found in Christ, our Passover lamb.
3. The Sinaitic covenant shows the love of God for his people by blessing them with knowledge of his ways. The intent of the introduction of the law (or one of them) was for the Israelites to be as a beacon unto the nations in righteous conduct and uprightness, that they may serve as a model to the nations and testify to the righteousness of the Lord. This knowledge of the law and the doing of it also brought blessing (Psalm 1). Although the Israelites failed to uphold the law this does not mean the law was unjust, far from it (Romans 3:4). However, in Christ the law was ultimately fulfilled and through the Holy Spirit indwelling us we are able, through the process of sanctification, to come to a full knowledge and practice of the law in Christ Jesus through faith.
As we see the limited revelations of the Covenant of Grace in the Old Testament serve as a precursor to its complete revelation and divine fulfillment in Christ Jesus. I would recommend listening to the sermon as I found it very informative.
1. The Adamic covenant demonstrates God's divine mercy and kindness. Though both Adam and Eve ate of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil that they were warned not to eat lest they should die, the Lord did not make a full end of them but did exile them from the Garden of Eden as a result. They were made enemies with Satan, new burdens were imposed on them and the ground was cursed as a result of their transgressions (Genesis 3:15-19). However, "the Lord God made for Adam and for his wife garments of skins and clothed them." (Genesis 3:21 ESV). This new covenant, which introduced pain and difficulty into the lives of Adam and Eve, still demonstrated God's mercy in the sparing of their lives and the provision for their clothing. This mercy is ultimately fulfilled in God redeeming Adam's original sin through the second Adam, Jesus Christ.
2. The covenant with Noah demonstrates God's intent for peace with his creation. After the flood the Lord hung up a rainbow in the skies that symbolized his agreement never to bring another flood to destroy creation. This was symbolic of a limited passing over, whose complete fulfillment is found in Christ, our Passover lamb.
3. The Sinaitic covenant shows the love of God for his people by blessing them with knowledge of his ways. The intent of the introduction of the law (or one of them) was for the Israelites to be as a beacon unto the nations in righteous conduct and uprightness, that they may serve as a model to the nations and testify to the righteousness of the Lord. This knowledge of the law and the doing of it also brought blessing (Psalm 1). Although the Israelites failed to uphold the law this does not mean the law was unjust, far from it (Romans 3:4). However, in Christ the law was ultimately fulfilled and through the Holy Spirit indwelling us we are able, through the process of sanctification, to come to a full knowledge and practice of the law in Christ Jesus through faith.
As we see the limited revelations of the Covenant of Grace in the Old Testament serve as a precursor to its complete revelation and divine fulfillment in Christ Jesus. I would recommend listening to the sermon as I found it very informative.
