The covenant of grace is an important theme throughout Scripture, connecting God's redemptive intentions from Genesis all the way to Revelation. The Westminster Larger Catechism offers some crucial insights through its inquiries, particularly Questions 33 and 34. These questions encourage us to examine the nature of God's covenant with His followers and reveal the differences in how this covenant was administered over time, always pointing to the promise of salvation ultimately fulfilled in Christ.
The discussion begins with Question 33:
Question 33: Was the covenant of grace always administered after one and the same manner?
Answer: The covenant of grace was not always administered after the same manner, but the administrations of it under the Old Testament were different from those under the New.
Over the years, I have noticed that this is a point of some confusion. For some reason, people tend to believe that salvation functions differently in the Old Testament vs. the New Testament, as if there were more than one means of salvation. We need to recognize the differences that come with progressive revelation. We need to recognize that while the covenant is God's unwavering promise, its expression has changed throughout various historical periods. Understanding this complexity enriches our appreciation of God's salvation narrative.
The Old Testament Administration of the Covenant of Grace
Question 34 elaborates on this theme:
Question 34: How was the covenant of grace administered under the Old Testament?
Answer: The covenant of grace was administered under the Old Testament, by promises, prophecies, sacrifices, circumcision, the Passover, and other types and ordinances, which did all fore-signify Christ then to come, and were for that time sufficient to build up the elect in faith in the promised Messiah, by whom they then had full remission of sin, and eternal salvation.
In the Old Testament, the covenant of grace unfolded through various symbols and rituals designed to guide the hearts of the faithful toward the anticipated arrival of Christ. Some of these were people who pointed toward Christ. We refer to these people as types, meaning that something about their life and work is meant to teach us something and point toward Jesus. For example, Moses is seen as a type of Christ in that he is both prophet and ruler. Another means of this is the various feasts and festivals that were established in the Old Testament. For example, God instructed the Israelites to sacrifice a lamb during the Passover, symbolizing the coming Lamb of God. Approximately 1,300 years later, Jesus is recognized as the perfect Passover lamb, whose sacrifice brings redemption.
The various ways of administering the covenant were purposeful. As we are taught in Romans 8:28, God is working all things together for the good of his people. These types and symbols prepared God’s people to transition from anticipation to realization of His redemptive promise. Throughout the Old Testament, believers were sustained in their hope for a Messiah who would bring total forgiveness and everlasting life.
The Nature of Old Testament Promises and Types
The promises in the Old Testament were conveyed through direct revelations, prophetic messages, and the law. For instance, each lamb or grain offering served a dual role: it taught the people the weightiness of sin while also directing believers’ attention toward the future fulfillment of God’s promises.
Prophecies about the Messiah were specific. For example, Isaiah 53:5 describes Him as “pierced for our transgressions," providing a concrete image of a Savior who would suffer so His people could live. The explicit nature of such prophecies offered hope during difficult times, anchoring believers in faith as they awaited His coming.
Further, practices like circumcision and the Passover were instituted as visible markers of belonging to the covenant community. They served not only as reminders of God’s faithfulness but also created a longing for the future fulfillment of His promises. For example, the sign of circumcision, established with Abraham, underlined God's commitment, while the Passover established a narrative of deliverance that culminated in Jesus’ sacrifice.
The Shift in Administration with the New Covenant
Christ’s arrival signified a significant shift in the expression of the covenant of grace. In the New Testament, the promises of old became a reality.
Hebrews 10:1 states, “For since the law has but a shadow of the good things to come instead of the true form of these realities, it can never, by the same sacrifices that are continually offered every year, make perfect those who draw near.”
The Old Testament sacrifices were only shadows pointing to Christ's definitive sacrifice. Verse 4 of the same passage clarifies that the Old Testament Sacrifices were incapable of taking away sin. The purpose was to point people to the final sacrifice that would once and for all accomplish that task. For us as Christians, understanding this shift solidifies the belief that redemption is a continuing story throughout Scriptures that finds its climax in Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection.
The Unchanging Nature of God's Salvation Plan
Despite the different administrations, one truth remains: God has continuously provided a single plan for salvation. The promise of redemption is unwavering because it stems from God’s unchanging nature. It is first told to us in Genesis 3:15, showing us that even from the beginning the Lord has a plan to rescue his people from their sins.
This covenant of grace highlights God’s eternal commitment to His people. The Old Testament’s symbols and rituals were not merely formalities; they fostered faith in the coming Savior. Approximately 73% of Old Testament prophecies relate to Christ find fulfillment in the New Testament, showcasing the intricacies of God's plan.
Believers in both the Old and New Testaments share a unified faith in Christ. For those living before Christ, trust in God's promises was paramount; they awaited a Savior who would come to fulfill the prophetic words and meet their needs for redemption.
Living in the Light of the Fulfilled Promise
For believers today, the ramifications of this unified master plan resonates throughout our daily lives. Reflecting on the anticipatory promises of the Old Testament enhances our understanding of faith and the significance of God's overarching redemptive history. It inspires gratitude for His grace, fully realized in Christ, and calls us to live lives that mirror this truth.
As we embrace Christ’s completed work, believers are reminded to actively share the transformative power of the gospel. This requires words. Like the warnings of the Old Testament prophets, we must call a dead and dying world to repentance. At the same time, it is not words alone. Just as the signs of the Old Testament nurtured the faith of earlier believers, our lives today should testify to the impact of God's grace.
Final Thoughts
The covenant of grace reveals God’s unwavering intent to reconcile with humanity. Insights from the Westminster Larger Catechism help us see how this covenant unfolded throughout history.
As we reflect from our vantage point post-Cross, we find assurance that the full promise of salvation is fulfilled in Jesus Christ. This realization should empower us to share the good news rooted in God’s faithful covenant, offering hope and redemption to a world in desperate need. We need to tell people of our Savior's virgin birth, perfect life, atoning death, and powerful resurrection.
Understanding the depths of God's covenant of grace fortifies our theological roots, enriches our spiritual lives, and equips us to engage meaningfully with a world eager for the message of Christ—the anchor of our faith and the completion of God's everlasting promise.
Soli Deo Gloria
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