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1 Arrangement Of The Biblical Covenants
Every biblical framework and theological system recognizes the prominent place given in the scriptures to the covenants. However, not every one agrees on the number, meaning and arrangement of the covenants. Here are four of the most popular views: Modern Dispensationalism—originating with John Darby in the early to mid 19th century, this system of teaching has become one of the leading views of 21st century Evangelicalism. It arranges eight covenants in “time-tight compartments”, each serving a primary and distinct role within a specific timeframe of history. New Covenant Theology—originating with those who were dissatisfied with the arbitrary time frames of Dispensationalism, this school of thought is one of the more recent theological developments. It arranges six covenants in a “stair-case advancement”, each serving a primary,…
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2 The Spiritual And Perpetual Covenants—Works And Redemption
Some of the points I cover in this teaching video: I believe the major biblical covenants may be arranged under two headings: (1) Two spiritual and perpetual covenants—Redemption and Works; (2) Four earthly and temporary covenants—Noahic, Abrahamic, Mosaic and Davidic. The New Covenant, properly speaking, is not an actual covenant, but rather, an explanation of the Covenant of Redemption to the Jewish people as a nation, within the context of the Mosaic economy and its laws. In this study, an explanation is given for the two spiritual and perpetual covenants: First, aligning these covenants with the Framework of Sovereign Grace; Second, emphasizing how the Covenant of Redemption is one and the same with the Covenant of Grace; Third, showing why the Covenants of Works and…
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3 The Earthly And Temporary Covenants: Part 1
Some of the points I cover in this teaching video: The Presbyterians and the Traditional Reformed Baptists believe God established a conditional covenant of grace with sinners (Gen 3:14,15), the substance of which is one and the same with the succeeding covenants, administered differently at various stages in history. The 1689 Federalists, a branch of the Reformed Baptist movement, believe God promised to establish a conditional covenant of grace with sinners (Gen 3:14,15), the pledge of which was renewed in each of the succeeding covenants, and finally established on mount Calvary with the death of Christ. I do not believe the scriptures support this notion of a conditional covenant of grace, and therefore the covenantal frameworks of the foregoing groups are erroneous. In my view,…
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4 The Earthly And Temporary Covenants: Part 2
Some of the points I cover in this teaching video: In the previous study, I began to explain my view concerning the four earthly and temporary covenants—the thread which ties them together is the promise of the coming Messiah. It was for this reason God made a covenant with men such as Noah, Abraham, Moses and David, each of whom belonged to or were connected with the Messiah’s bloodline. And, it is for this reason each of these covenants is directly linked to the Messiah’s coming into the world, whether it be that of His first or second coming. For this study, I explain the significance of the Messiah’s bloodline. It is through this family lineage God the Father prepared a body for His Son.…
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5 The Earthly And Temporary Covenants: Part 3
Some of the points I cover in this teaching video: Having explained the significance of the Messiah’s bloodline in the previous study, I distinguish between two “elect” groups of people recorded in the scriptures—the physically elect and the spiritually elect. The physically elect are those persons belonging to the Messiah’s bloodline leading to the incarnation of Christ. The spiritually elect are those persons belonging to Father’s saving purpose in the redeeming grace of Christ. The physically elect were secured earthly blessings under earthly covenants, whereas the spiritually elect are secured heavenly blessings under the spiritual covenant of redemption (grace). After making these distinctions, I concentrate the remainder of the study on the covenant God made with Noah. Its laws and blessings are highlighted, together with…
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6 The Earthly And Temporary Covenants: Part 4
Some of the points I cover in this teaching video: I continue in this study to explain the parameters around which God entered covenant with Abraham, Moses and David—the basic terms, promised blessings and limited duration for each covenant is set forth. Jared Smith, Muntinlupa, PH (15/12/2022)
