Covenant Theology, Theological, Quotes, Shane Becker
Scriptures Speak of it as Though it Were Two!
"Since there is but one covenant, and the Scriptures speak of it as though it were two, we must consider in what particulars the old and new covenants agree and in what they differ." Dr. Zacharias Ursinus
“24Now this may be interpreted allegorically: these women are two covenants. One is from Mount Sinai, bearing children for slavery; she is Hagar.” Galatians 3:24
“For if that first covenant had been faultless, there would have been no occasion to look for a second.” Hebrews 8:7
“In speaking of a new covenant, he makes the first one obsolete. And what is becoming obsolete and growing old is ready to vanish away.” Hebrews 8:13.
Shane Becker.
Reference:
"Commentary on the Heidelberg Catechism" by Dr. Zacharias Ursinus.
Presbyterian and Reformed Publishing Company
Phillipsburg, New Jersey.
Quote from page 99. Chapter title, "The Covenant of God", Section Title, "In what do the Old and the New Covenant agree, and in what do they differ?” Book is a reproduction of the Second American Edition which was printed at Columbus, Ohio in 1852.
26 Jan 2007 Shane Becker
Hi Shane.
Great to get to know you via the net.
I wonder if we will be able to meet one day, this side of God’s eternal kingdom?
I’ve been memorising Hebrews and have got to Hebrews 4 and am finding soem verses there which I could understand a Covenant Theologian being very happy about.
For example:
Hebews 4:2 For we also have had the good news proclaimed to us, just as they did; but the message they heard was of no value to them, because they did not share the faith of those who obeyed.
Hebrews 4:6 Therefore since it still remains for some to enter that rest, and since those who formerly had the good news proclaimed to them did not go in because of their disobedience, 7 God again set a certain day, calling it “Today.”
I’m intrigued by the Old Covenant message being called “Good News.”
Thanks again for your encouragement David.
Good effort to memorise Hebrews!
I understand the Old Covenant proclaimed much of the gospel in picture form (sacrifices, etc). We now behold the gospel with unveiled face. Under the Old Covenant the gospel and the glory was there yet veiled (2 Corinthians 3 ).
Also, of course, while the gospel was veiled under the Old Covenant, the gospel promise presented to Abraham who believed and it was credited to Him as righteousness, was still present to those under the Old Covenant. The Old Covenant never annulled the former Covenant based on promise and the example of Abraham who believed. This is the argument of Galatians 3.
So the Abrahamic Covenant (Gospel Covenant) was still in place even while the law covenant (”ministry of death” - 2 Corinthians 3:7 ) was operating (Galatians 3).
That’s how I understand that even those under the Old Covenant had the Gospel proclaimed to them, 1. By the Abrahamic Covenant, and 2. By the pictures within the Old Covenant itself.
In Christ,
Shane.