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The Covenant of Redemption

Discussion in 'Baptist Theology & Bible Study' started by Iconoclast, Jun 30, 2020.

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  1. Iconoclast

    Iconoclast Well-Known Member
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    Was reading this today and thought it might help some;

    The Covenant of Redemption and Grace refers to the eternal, redemptive purpose of the triune God to save sinners. The unconditional nature of this covenant is revealed in the following terms, which stretch from eternity past to eternity future:


    election (Acts 13:48; Eph. 1:3–4; 1 Thess. 1:3–5; 2 Thess. 2:13).

    Predestination (Rom. 8:29–39; Eph. 1:5, 11).

    Redemption (Matt. 1:21; Mk. 10:45; Rom. 3:24–25; 1 Cor. 1:30; 2 Cor. 5:14–17; Eph. 1:6–7; Heb. 9:12),

    Effectual Calling (Jn. 6:37, 44; Acts 18:27; Rom. 8:28; 1 Cor. 1:24),

    Regeneration (Ezk. 11:19–20; 36:25–27; Jn. 3:3; Rom. 8:7–8; 2 Cor. 4:3–4; Eph. 2:4–5, 22–24; Col. 3:9–10),

    Conversion (Eph. 2:8–10),

    Adoption (Rom. 8:17–23; Gal. 4:5; Eph. 1:5),

    Justification (Rom. 3:21–28; 4:1–5; 5:1–2),

    Sanctification (Rom. 5:12–6:23; 8:1–16; Gal. 5:16–17, 22–23; Heb. 12:14)

    and glorification (Rom. 8:17–23, 29–39; 1 Jn. 3:1–4).

    This covenant is unconditional because it rests in the eternal decree of God and does not depend upon man’s ability or faithfulness for its initiation, maintenance or conclusion.


    It is termed the Covenant of Redemption because it is redemptive in nature.
    It is termed the Covenant of Grace because in this covenant man is considered as a sinner and must be saved by grace alone. Should any human ability enter into this covenant, it would necessarily become a covenant of works (Rom. 11:5–6).

    The Covenant of Grace refers to the eternal redemptive purpose of the triune God to save sinners.


    In order to redeem sinners, God the Son became incarnate, not merely as Savior and Redeemer, but also necessarily and pointedly as Representative Man.

    The Covenant of Grace was especially made with the Lord Jesus Christ—the “Second Man” (in contrast to the “First Man,” Adam) and the “Last Adam” (in contrast to the “First Adam”) (Rom. 5:12–21; 1 Cor. 15:21–22, 45–47).
    By our Lord’s active obedience [his perfect life lived in conformity to the Law and its fulfillment] and passive obedience [his vicarious suffering and death, which paid the Law’s penalty, removed its curse, and answers to the righteousness of God, Rom. 1:16–17; 3:24–26; 2 Cor. 5:21; Gal. 3:13],

    those whom he represents are delivered from the curse of the law (Gal. 4:4–5; 3:13),
    justified and reconciled to God (Acts 13:38–39; Rom. 5:1–11; Heb. 9:12),

    predestined to be conformed to the image of God’s Son (Rom. 8:29; Eph. 1:5),

    and infallibly, fully and finally redeemed (Rom. 8:23, 29–39).

    Are you included in this covenant?
    From A Baptist Catechism with Commentary, by W.R. Downing
     
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  2. Iconoclast

    Iconoclast Well-Known Member
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    This looks interesting Iconoclast, do you have a bit more to get me started?

    Yes, right here-
    Quest. 67: Who are the Divine Persons involved in the Covenant of Grace, and what is their respective work?

    Ans: The Divine Persons involved in the Covenant of Grace are the Father, who elects, predestinates, effectually calls, justifies and adopts the elect;
    the Son, who is their Mediator, Surety, Redeemer and Great High Priest;

    and the Holy Spirit, who applies to the elect the redemption purchased by Christ. Gal. 4:4–6.

    4But when the fullness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, 5to redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons.

    6And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father. Rom. 8:33–34.
    33Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God's elect? It is God that justifieth. 34Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us. Gal. 4:6. And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father. See also: the scriptural references in Questions 64–66; Jn. 16:7–14; Rom. 8:1–17; 1 Cor. 2:9–14; 12:4–13; 2 Cor. 3:3–6, 17–18; Gal. 5:16– 18, 22–23; Eph. 1:13–20; 4:30–32.


    COMMENTARY It has been traditional to hold that the Covenant of Grace was made between God the Father (Jn. 6:37, 44; 17:1–4; Rom. 8:28–32; Eph. 1:3–14) and God the Son (Jn. 14:6; 17:1–4; Rom. 3:21–26; 5:1–21; Rom. 6:1–14; 1 Cor. 15:20–22, 4–47; Eph. 1:6–7; 1 Tim. 2:5; Heb. 10:1–18; 1 Jn. 2:1–2), who acted on behalf of the elect as their Mediator, Surety and Representative, i.e., that this covenant essentially involved two Persons of the triune Godhead. However, all three Persons of the Godhead are inherently and necessarily involved in this eternal, redemptive purpose.
    The Holy Spirit must necessarily be included as the Person who applies the redemptive work of the Lord Jesus Christ to the elect in time and experience (Jn. 16:7–14; Rom. 5:5; 6:4–5; 8:1– 17, 26–27; 2 Cor. 1:22; 3:17–18; Gal. 4:5–7; 5:16–18, 22–23; Eph. 1:12–14). The Holy Spirit, in other words, makes salvation and Christian experience necessary realities. The redemptive work of election, predestination, effectual calling, adoption and justification are ascribed in particular to God the Father. See Questions 68–69, 81, 92–93. The redemptive work of the Lord Jesus Christ is that of Mediator, Surety, Redeemer, Savior and Great High Priest.
     
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  3. AustinC

    AustinC Well-Known Member

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    While I believe God has always saved by grace through faith, I don't read of any covenant God made with man that is titled the Covenant of Grace. Point to a passage in the Bible where God establishes the Covenant of Grace.
     
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  4. Iconoclast

    Iconoclast Well-Known Member
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    Hello Austin;

    The initial promise is Gen 3:15...we see it in Hebrews10:

    9 Then said he, Lo, I come to do thy will, O God. He taketh away the first, that he may establish the second.

    10 By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.

    11 And every priest standeth daily ministering and offering oftentimes the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins:

    12 But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God;

    13 From henceforth expecting till his enemies be made his footstool.

    14 For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified.

    15 Whereof the Holy Ghost also is a witness to us: for after that he had said before,

    16 This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, saith the Lord, I will put my laws into their hearts, and in their minds will I write them;


    17 And their sins and iniquities will I remember no more.

    18 Now where remission of these is, there is no more offering for sin.

    It has been traditional to hold that the Covenant of Grace was made between God the Father (Jn. 6:37, 44; 17:1–4; Rom. 8:28–32; Eph. 1:3–14) and God the Son (Jn. 14:6; 17:1–4; Rom. 3:21–26; 5:1–21; Rom. 6:1–14; 1 Cor. 15:20–22, 4–47; Eph. 1:6–7; 1 Tim. 2:5; Heb. 10:1–18; 1 Jn. 2:1–2), who acted on behalf of the elect as their Mediator, Surety and Representative, i.e., that this covenant essentially involved two Persons of the triune Godhead. However, all three Persons of the Godhead are inherently and necessarily involved in this eternal, redemptive purpose.
     
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  5. Mikey

    Mikey Active Member

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    I have tripidation with the covenant aspect of the Covenant of Redemption. I fully agree with the eternal plan of salvation, and that each person of the Trinity has a specific role in Redemption, but not sure about the need or evidence for the covenant.
    All covenants that i read in the scriptures is between man and God, whilsts the "covenant of redemption" moves away from that.

    Do you have any scripture eveidence for specifically that a covenant was made between the Trinity?
     
    #5 Mikey, Jun 30, 2020
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  6. AustinC

    AustinC Well-Known Member

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    Here are my red flags:
    1) Hebrews 10 is establishing Jesus as the high priest who established the New Covenant. I still am having a hard time seeing a second "Covenant of Grace" in that passage
    2) You appeal to tradition as a reason to hold to the Covenant of Grace. Tradition, not established in scripture should, in my opinion, be held lightly.
     
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  7. Iconoclast

    Iconoclast Well-Known Member
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    No... There is one Covenant of redemption throughout time.
    Initially, it is a Covenant made before Creation before the world was. The triune God covenanted to do this.

    When God begins to progressively unfold this Covenant to man, it is spoken of as The Covenant of grace.

    Jesus is our Great eternal High Priest who not only is The High Priest, but the sacrifice , mediator, and surety.
     
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  8. AustinC

    AustinC Well-Known Member

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    I think where we would differ is that I wouldn't call it a covenant and I am not following your verses as establishing a Covenant of Grace.
    I do believe scripture supports the Sovereign choice of God to save his elect by grace through faith from Adam to the last child is adopted. I just don't call it the "Covenant of Grace."
     
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  9. Alan Gross

    Alan Gross Well-Known Member

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    A MAN AFTER GOD'S HEART ( and mine; Bless you).
     
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  10. Alan Gross

    Alan Gross Well-Known Member

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    One Covenant of Grace is what is manifested in Two General Administrations, displayed in The Old Testament and The New Testament.
     
  11. Alan Gross

    Alan Gross Well-Known Member

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    I got a ton.

    ( 1.1 ) The GODHEAD Has ALWAYS Been ACTIVE and OPERATED from ETERNITY PAST.

    13
    Select ( 1.2 ) The GODHEAD has DETERMINED HIS PURPOSE Regarding The WORLD. ( 1.2 ) The GODHEAD has DETERMINED HIS PURPOSE Regarding The WORLD.

    25
    Select ( 1.3 ) The ETERNAL GODHEAD DETERMINED the Rejection of Some Angels and of Some Men. ( 1.3 ) The ETERNAL GODHEAD DETERMINED the Rejection of Some Angels and of Some Men.

    2
    Select ( 1.4 ) THE ETERNAL UNION of The ELECT of The TRIUNE GODHEAD to JESUS CHRIST. ( 1.4 ) THE ETERNAL UNION of The ELECT of The TRIUNE GODHEAD to JESUS CHRIST.

    5
    Select ( 1.5 ) The ETERNAL and IMMANENT ACTS, within The TRIUNE GODHEAD, of The ADOPTION and JUSTIFICATION of God’s Chosen Children. ( 1.5 ) The ETERNAL and IMMANENT ACTS, within The TRIUNE GODHEAD, of The ADOPTION and JUSTIFICATION of God’s Chosen Children.

    1
    Select ( 1.6 ) The TRIUNE GODHEAD MADE The Everlasting Plan of SALVATION. ( 1.6 ) The TRIUNE GODHEAD MADE The Everlasting Plan of SALVATION.

    2
    Select ( 1.7 ) THE EVERLASTING COVENANT OF GRACE, by The TRIUNE GODHEAD, AMONG and BETWEEN THE FATHER, AND THE SON, AND THE HOLY SPIRIT. ( 1.7 ) THE EVERLASTING COVENANT OF GRACE, by The TRIUNE GODHEAD, AMONG and BETWEEN THE FATHER, AND THE SON, AND THE HOLY SPIRIT.

    1
    Select ( 1.8 ) THE PART WHICH GOD THE FATHER TAKES, as The First Person in the TRIUNE GODHEAD, IN THE ETERNAL COVENANT of GRACE. ( 1.8 ) THE PART WHICH GOD THE FATHER TAKES, as The First Person in the TRIUNE GODHEAD, IN THE ETERNAL COVENANT of GRACE.

    1
    Select ( 1.9 ) THE PART JESUS CHRIST THE SON OF GOD, THE SECOND PERSON in The TRIUNE GODHEAD, HAS TAKEN IN THE ETERNAL COVENANT of GRACE. ( 1.9 ) THE PART JESUS CHRIST THE SON OF GOD, THE SECOND PERSON in The TRIUNE GODHEAD, HAS TAKEN IN THE ETERNAL COVENANT of GRACE.

    1
    Select ( 1._10 ) JESUS CHRIST, THE SECOND PERSON in The TRIUNE GODHEAD, AS THE COVENANT HEAD OF THE ELECT. ( 1._10 ) JESUS CHRIST, THE SECOND PERSON in The TRIUNE GODHEAD, AS THE COVENANT HEAD OF THE ELECT.

    1
    Select ( 1._11 ) JESUS CHRIST, THE SECOND PERSON in The TRIUNE GODHEAD, THE MEDIATOR OF THE COVENANT. ( 1._11 ) JESUS CHRIST, THE SECOND PERSON in The TRIUNE GODHEAD, THE MEDIATOR OF THE COVENANT.


    ( 1._12 ) JESUS CHRIST, THE SECOND PERSON in The TRIUNE GODHEAD, is The SURETY of The ETERNAL COVENANT of GRACE.

    1
    Select ( 1._13 ) JESUS CHRIST, THE SECOND PERSON in The TRIUNE GODHEAD, is THE TESTATOR of THE ETERNAL COVENANT of GRACE. ( 1._13 ) JESUS CHRIST, THE SECOND PERSON in The TRIUNE GODHEAD, is THE TESTATOR of THE ETERNAL COVENANT of GRACE.

    1
    Select ( 1._14 ) THE CONCERN The HOLY SPIRIT OF GOD, THE THIRD PERSON in The TRIUNE GODHEAD, HAS IN THE ETERNAL COVENANT OF GRACE. ( 1._14 ) THE CONCERN The HOLY SPIRIT OF GOD, THE THIRD PERSON in The TRIUNE GODHEAD, HAS IN THE ETERNAL COVENANT OF GRACE.

    1
    Select ( 1._15 ) THE PROPERTIES OF THE ETERNAL COVENANT OF GRACE, Among and Between God The Father, God The Son and God The Holy Spirit. ( 1._15 ) THE PROPERTIES OF THE ETERNAL COVENANT OF GRACE, Among and Between God The Father, God The Son and God The Holy Spirit.

    1
    Select ( 1._16 ) THE COMPLACENCY AND DELIGHT GOD HAD IN HIMSELF, as God The Father, God The Son and God The Holy Spirit, Among and Between EACH DIVINE PERSON in The GODHEAD, BEFORE ANY CREATURE WAS CREATED. ( 1._16 ) THE COMPLACENCY AND DELIGHT GOD HAD IN HIMSELF, as God The Father, God The Son and God The Holy Spirit, Among and Between EACH DIVINE PERSON in The GODHEAD, BEFORE ANY CREATURE WAS CREATED.
     
  12. Iconoclast

    Iconoclast Well-Known Member
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    Hello Austinc,

    I am glad we have some agreement. Let,s take some time to explore it.
    What is your understanding of God as a covenant keeping God?
     
  13. Mikey

    Mikey Active Member

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    sorry i am unable to access the links you have posted, says i need to login. do you have another source? Also i agree with much of what i can gleam from the titles you've posted, what i'm particularly focused on is evidence of the "covenant" being made rather than a eternal plan
     
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  14. Iconoclast

    Iconoclast Well-Known Member
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    Divine Covenants
    A.W. Pink
    The everlasting covenant, with its shadowings forth His temporal covenants, form the basis of all His dealings with His people. Many proofs of this are to be met with in Holy Writ.

    For example, when God heard the groanings of the Hebrews in Egypt, we are told that He remembered his covenant with Abraham, with Isaac and with Jacob (Exodus 2:24; cf. 6:2-8). When Israel was oppressed by the Syrians in the days of Jehoahaz, we read, And the Lord was gracious unto them, and had compassion on them, and had respect unto them, because of his covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob (2 Kings 13:23; cf. Psalm 106:43-45).

    At a later period, when God determined to show mercy unto Israel, after He had sorely afflicted them for their sins, He expressed it thus, Nevertheless I will remember my covenant with you in the days of your youth (Ezekiel 16:60). As the psalmist declared, He has given meat unto them that fear him: he will ever be mindful of his covenant (111:5).


    If some think we have exaggerated the ignorance which now obtains upon this subject, let them put the following questions to their best-informed Christian friends, and see how many can give satisfactory answers.
    What did David mean when he said, Although my house be not so with God; yet he has made with me an everlasting covenant, ordered in all things, and sure: for this is all my salvation (1 Samuel 23:5?

    What is meant by The secret of the Lord is with them that fear him, and he will show them his covenant (Psalm 25:14)?

    What does the Lord mean when He speaks of those who take hold of my covenant (Isaiah 56:6)?

    What does God intend when He says to the Mediator: As for you also, by the blood of your covenant, I have sent forth your prisoners out of the pit wherein is no water?


    To what does the apostle refer when he says, That the covenant, that was confirmed before of God is (or "to") Christ (Galatians 3:17)?


    Before attempting to furnish any answers to these questions, let us point out the nature of a covenant: in what it consists. "An absolute agreement between distinct persons, about the order and dispensing of things in their power, unto their mutual concern and advantage" (John Owen). Blackstone, the great commentator upon English law, speaking of the parts of a deed, says, "After warrants, usually follow covenants, or conventions, which are clauses of agreement contained in a deed, whereby either party may stipulate for the truth of certain facts, or may bind himself to perform, or give something to the other" (Vol. 2, p. 20). So he includes three things: the parties, the terms, the binding agreement. Reducing it to still simpler language, we may say that a covenant is the entering into of a mutual agreement, a benefit being assured on the fulfillment of certain conditions.

     
    #14 Iconoclast, Jun 30, 2020
    Last edited: Jun 30, 2020
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  15. Alan Gross

    Alan Gross Well-Known Member

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    I have adapted various men's work and edited them for the modern reader.

    This is the first one that has to do specifically with The Covenant of Grace.

    Others can be assessed on the left hand menu.

    There may be some more here: ! Aware of the Godhead Master Index of Portfolio

    I work from this above site and it is usually a little more logical in the index.

    I seek to make copies of the originals, as well as, reference them and recommend everyone MAKE COPIES of ANY of THE ORIGINALS ( or mine) because, as you know, they can disappear fro the net, for NO REASON.


    1.6.i The Triune Godhead’s Eternal Plan and Agreed Council for the Salvation of Men SHOWN Among and Between The Three Divine Persons.

    I have nothing to sale and actually have not increased my email followers in all the time I have linked various blogs for here, so, I'm hardly profiting, etc.

    I want the world to profit by being TOLD the TRUTH of THE BIBLE.

    “The Counsel of the LORD
    Stands For Ever,
    the Thoughts of His Heart
    to all generations.”
     
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  16. AustinC

    AustinC Well-Known Member

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    As I look at it, God makes covenant with whom he chooses. The covenant is sealed by the shedding of blood.
    I see God making a covenant with Adam regarding a promise of a Redeemer. God sheds blood by clothing Adam and Eve in animal skins.
    God makes a covenant with Noah, promising never to destroy the entire world by flood (which is why the next destruction is by fire).
    God makes a covenant with Abram and walks between the two halves of meat, swearing his promised one will come through Abram's offspring.
    God makes a covenant with Moses at Mt Sinai and provides the law that condemns all so they know they need the promised Redeemer.
    God makes Covenant with David, establishing the promised one comes through the line of David.
    God gives foreshadowing of the New Covenant to Jeremiah and Ezekiel and seals that covenant with the blood of His Son, the Redeemer.
    Covenants are a sealed promise, not to be broken by those making the covenant. This is why God makes the covenant with Himself because God knows that humans will break the covenant on their end.

    So, while I recognize and see God acting and saving by grace, through faith, I do not see that as a covenant that God makes to men in which he cannot go back on his covenant.

    Now, does God extend grace to men in every covenant he makes? Yes. But, that fact does not make all these covenants a "Covenant of Grace." It means that God chooses to be gracious to men, whereas he does not choose to do this for fallen angels.

    So, the idea of a "Covenant" of Grace is something I have never read in scripture, therefore I question that it is found in scripture, even though God extending grace oozes from all of scripture.
     
  17. Iconoclast

    Iconoclast Well-Known Member
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    Yes
    2tim1:9
    Jn6:37-44
    Hebrews2:11-16
    Rev13:8
     
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  18. Iconoclast

    Iconoclast Well-Known Member
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    Read post 14
     
  19. Yeshua1

    Yeshua1 Well-Known Member
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    Believe that would be implied, as in the Covenant of works between Adam and God!
     
  20. Yeshua1

    Yeshua1 Well-Known Member
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    Is not the New Covenant itself the very Covenant of grace?
     
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