In the time of the law, this covenant was administered differently than in the time of the gospel. Under the law, it was administered by promises, prophecies, sacrifices, circumcision, the passover lamb, and other types and ordinances given to the Jewish people, all of which foreshadowed Christ to come. These were, for that time, sufficient and efficacious, through the work of the Spirit, to instruct and build up the elect in their faith in the promised Messiah, by whom they received complete forgiveness of sins and eternal salvation. This covenant administration is called the old testament.
Throughout redemptive history, the covenant of grace has slowly been revealed. We can read through the bible and see the covenants made with Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses, David, and others and see that they are the same covenant.
Through the various administrations there “appears” to be different covenants, but upon closer inspection, we can see that it is the unfolding of God’s revelation throughout history.
In the Old Testament, we see the Jewish people sacrificing animals, circumcision, and many other things that are stopped after Christ came. The error in thought is to believe that God used entirely different principles in saving mankind in different time periods.
But if you look closer, all the requirements in the law of Moses, the promises in the Psalms, the prophecies… they all pointed to Christ. They all foreshadowed the coming of the Lord Jesus and in this there is a unity between old and new testaments… there is a unity in the covenant of grace that spans all of redemptive history after the fall of Adam.
As we read today’s confession, let us with thanksgiving, acknowledge the unity of the covenant of grace that has fully been revealed and wholly accomplished through the person of Jesus Christ, our mediator.
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