The Covenant of Redemption

[Martin Marprelate]

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.

The clearest place to find this is in Ephesians 1. In verses 3-14, we see the parts played by each Person of the Trinity in the salvation of mankind. The text is divided into three parts by the phrase, ‘To the praise of His glory.’ There is glory here for Father, Son and Spirit. First, the Father’s part in salvation is displayed in verses 3-6. Then the part of the Son in found in vs, 7-12, and that of the Holy Spirit in vs. 13-14.

References to the Covenant of Grace can be found in various parts of the Bible if one is prepared to look for them as the following examples will show:-

Luke 22:22. “And truly the Son of Man goes as it has been determined……” Determined where and by whom if not in the Covenant of Grace?

John 6:38-39. “For I have come down from heaven, not to do My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me. This is the will of the Father who sent Me, that of all He has given Me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up at the last day.” Christ has been given a people and the task by the Father which He is determined to fulfill. What can this refer to if not the Covenant of Grace?

John 10:16. “And other sheep I have which are not of this fold; them also I must bring, and they will hear My voice; and there will be one flock and one shepherd.” Not, “I will bring,” but, “I must bring.” Our Lord had been given a commission to fulfill.

John 10:17-18. “Therefore My Father loves Me, because I lay down My life that I may take it again. No one takes it from Me, but I lay it down of Myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This command I have received from My Father.” Where did Christ receive this command, the doing of which merited so well the Father’s love? In the Covenant of Grace, of course.

Phil 2:6-8. ‘Who, being in the form of God, did not consider equality with God something to be held onto, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross.’ In the Covenant of Grace, our Lord gave up temporarily that equality with the Father that had existed from all eternity, and became the willing servant of Exodus 21:5-6 and Psalm 40:6-8 in order to rescue those who had been given to Him (John 17:2, 6 ).

Heb 2:13. ‘Here am I and the children whom God has given to Me.’ Given by the Father to the Son in the Covenant of Grace to be redeemed from sin and brought to heaven.

In Isaiah 42:6, Christ is described as the Covenant itself. He is, in His own Person and work, the very substance of it. In Malachi 3:1, He is, ‘The Messenger of the Covenant’ because He came to proclaim it and make it known. In Hebrews 7:22, He is, ‘The Surety of a better covenant.’ Christ came as the representative of fallen Man, being engaged to fulfill the obligations incurred under the Covenant of Works. In Heb 9:15, He is, ‘The Mediator of the New Covenant’ since He has brought about legal satisfaction between God and man so that covenantal blessings are now imparted to those who had previously forfeited them, and He now stands between the two parties, advocating the cause of man to God (1John 2:1 ) and speaking a word of the comfort of God to the weary man (Isaiah 50:4 ).

Some of this from A.W. Pink's The Divine Covenants.

 

[AustinC]

Is not the New Covenant itself the very Covenant of grace?

I have always known it by God's designation in Scripture...The New Covenant. Nowhere do I see God calling something a "Covenant of Grace." Are we simply going to rename covenants we see in scripture?
My concern is not in the truth that God saves by grace. My concern is in labeling a "Covenant of Grace" when there is no specific label in Scripture.

 

[AustinC]

There clearest place to find this is in Ephesians 1. In verses 3-14, we see the parts played by each Person of the Trinity in the salvation of mankind. The text is divided into three parts by the phrase, ‘To the praise of His glory.’ There is glory here for Father, Son and Spirit. First, the Father’s part in salvation is displayed in verses 3-6. Then the part of the Son in found in vs, 7-12, and that of the Holy Spirit in vs. 13-14.

References to the Covenant of Grace can be found in various parts of the Bible if one is prepared to look for them as the following examples will show:-

Luke 22:22. “And truly the Son of Man goes as it has been determined……” Determined where and by whom if not in the Covenant of Grace?

John 6:38-39. “For I have come down from heaven, not to do My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me. This is the will of the Father who sent Me, that of all He has given Me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up at the last day.” Christ has been given a people and the task by the Father which He is determined to fulfill. What can this refer to if not the Covenant of Grace?

John 10:16. “And other sheep I have which are not of this fold; them also I must bring, and they will hear My voice; and there will be one flock and one shepherd.” Not, “I will bring,” but, “I must bring.” Our Lord had been given a commission to fulfill.

John 10:17-18. “Therefore My Father loves Me, because I lay down My life that I may take it again. No one takes it from Me, but I lay it down of Myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This command I have received from My Father.” Where did Christ receive this command, the doing of which merited so well the Father’s love? In the Covenant of Grace, of course.

Phil 2:6-8. ‘Who, being in the form of God, did not consider equality with God something to be held onto, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross.’ In the Covenant of Grace, our Lord gave up temporarily that equality with the Father that had existed from all eternity, and became the willing servant of Exodus 21:5-6 and Psalm 40:6-8 in order to rescue those who had been given to Him (John 17:2, 6 ).

Heb 2:13. ‘Here am I and the children whom God has given to Me.’ Given by the Father to the Son in the Covenant of Grace to be redeemed from sin and brought to heaven.

In Isaiah 42:6, Christ is described as the Covenant itself. He is, in His own Person and work, the very substance of it. In Malachi 3:1, He is, ‘The Messenger of the Covenant’ because He came to proclaim it and make it known. In Hebrews 7:22, He is, ‘The Surety of a better covenant.’ Christ came as the representative of fallen Man, being engaged to fulfill the obligations incurred under the Covenant of Works. In Heb 9:15, He is, ‘The Mediator of the New Covenant’ since He has brought about legal satisfaction between God and man so that covenantal blessings are now imparted to those who had previously forfeited them, and He now stands between the two parties, advocating the cause of man to God (1John 2:1 ) and speaking a word of the comfort of God to the weary man (Isaiah 50:4 ).

Some of this from A.W. Pink's The Divine Covenants.

With all due respect, you are prooftexting to create a covenant where God has not obviously created one.
Why would God feel obligated to make a covenant with man that He would extend unmerited favor to man? Does he need to make such a covenant with man or is it His Sovereign right to save as He so chooses?
God tells us of His means of salvation "by grace through faith" but I am not seeing a covenant God is making with man surrounding grace. Your verses have not convinced me regarding the accuracy of your postulation.

 

[percho]

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.

I have said before, IMHO

In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began; Gal 1:2

That promise was made for the sinless Son of God to be born of a virgin woman.

Hebrews 1:2 Hebrews 5:5 Col 1:18, then unto the sons PL of God Romans 8:17 Titus 3:7 Romans 8:29 IMHO The Son born of woman who gave his life is the inheritor via resurrection out of death, incorruptible. Hebrews 1:4,5 Rom 1:4 & Romans 8:29

However IMHO something is missing in the whole thread. Before the foundation of the world what was the primary purpose for the covenants? It is first seen in Genesis 3:15 IMHO salvation, redemption isn't the primary purpose but the means. unto the purpose.

Consider:
Genesis 3:15 And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.
1 John 3:8 He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil.
Hebrews 2:14 Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil;
Romans 16:20 And the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly (that is, Quickly, by the redemption of the body). The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.

IMHO the devil, Satan, needed to be destroyed before the foundation of the world.

 

[percho]

Maybe my favorite verse.

Known unto God are all his works from the beginning of the world. Acts 15:18

 

[Iconoclast]

I have always known it by God's designation in Scripture...The New Covenant. Nowhere do I see God calling something a "Covenant of Grace." Are we simply going to rename covenants we see in scripture?
My concern is not in the truth that God saves by grace. My concern is in labeling a "Covenant of Grace" when there is no specific label in Scripture.

In Psalm 25:14, what Covenant is that?

What is the essence of the Covenant:
I will be to you a God, you will be to me a people.
On What basis?....works or grace?
You have already indicated it is grace.
God alone establishes His Covenant with His sheep.
Abram was put to sleep when God alone passed through the divided animal .Abram did not do anything, The work was God's.
Early on in Genesis God speaks of it this way:
I will establish MeeY COVENANT with you.
It was graced to man, not merited.
Take the time to work through Pink's writing on it.

 

[Iconoclast]

Maybe my favorite verse.

Known unto God are all his works from the beginning of the world. Acts 15:18

Hello Percho,
You see it clearly,thanks for this solid post.
This way of viewing the bible gives it a proper framework showing the plan from start to finish.

 

[Barry Johnson]

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

This system should have never gotten off the ground because there is no 'eternal decree '

 

[AustinC]

In Psalm 25:14, what Covenant is that?

What is the essence of the Covenant:
I will be to you a God, you will be to me a people.
On What basis?....works or grace?
You have already indicated it is grace.
God alone establishes His Covenant with His sheep.
Abram was put to sleep when God alone passed through the divided animal .Abram did not do anything, The work was God's.
Early on in Genesis God speaks of it this way:
I will establish MeeY COVENANT with you.
It was graced to man, not merited.
Take the time to work through Pink's writing on it.

Verse 10 tells us which covenant. In this case, David is referring to the Mosaic Covenant and the law.
Psalm 25:10-14
All the paths of the Lord are steadfast love and faithfulness, for those who keep his covenant and his testimonies. For your name’s sake, O Lord, pardon my guilt, for it is great. Who is the man who fears the Lord? Him will he instruct in the way that he should choose. His soul shall abide in well-being, and his offspring shall inherit the land. The friendship of the Lord is for those who fear him, and he makes known to them his covenant.

Again, where does God establish a Covenant of Grace with humans? Where do we see him making this promise to man and then sealing it in blood?

You are free to believe what you will, but such a covenant needs to be very easily seen in God making this covenant with man. I am not trying to be contentious. I am being a Berean with you on this subject.

 

[Iconoclast]

This system should have never gotten off the ground because there is no 'eternal decree '

Deep insight...you have your own narrative.
We would not want truth to divert you from your imagination.

 

[Iconoclast]

Verse 10 tells us which covenant. In this case, David is referring to the Mosaic Covenant and the law.
Psalm 25:10-14
All the paths of the Lord are steadfast love and faithfulness, for those who keep his covenant and his testimonies. For your name’s sake, O Lord, pardon my guilt, for it is great. Who is the man who fears the Lord? Him will he instruct in the way that he should choose. His soul shall abide in well-being, and his offspring shall inherit the land. The friendship of the Lord is for those who fear him, and he makes known to them his covenant.

Again, where does God establish a Covenant of Grace with humans? Where do we see him making this promise to man and then sealing it in blood?

You are free to believe what you will, but such a covenant needs to be very easily seen in God making this covenant with man. I am not trying to be contentious. I am being a Berean with you on this subject.

Austin,
I have used this in the past,

What sport am I describing if I tell you I saw a home run, 21 strikeouts, and a batter got hit with a pitch and charged the pitchers mound?

 

[AustinC]

Austin,
I have used this in the past,

What sport am I describing if I tell you I saw a home run, 21 strikeouts, and a batter got hit with a pitch and charged the pitchers mound?

T-ball

Iconoclast, we are talking about Covenants that God has made with man.
Do you wish to rename the New Covenant and call it "Covenant of Grace?"
Did I not identify the Covenant that David is referring to in the Psalm you quoted?

 

[Iconoclast]

T-ball

Iconoclast, we are talking about Covenants that God has made with man.
Do you wish to rename the New Covenant and call it "Covenant of Grace?"
Did I not identify the Covenant that David is referring to in the Psalm you quoted?

It didn't say it was the Mosaic Covenant in the psalm.
So why did you call it the Mosaic Covenant?

By the way it couldn't be t-ball because there was no picture throwing pitches and t-ball so the batter wouldn't have charged the mound because he got hit with a pitch they headed off the tee right so it wouldn't be t-ball so even that part of your answer was not correct

 

[Yeshua1]

I have always known it by God's designation in Scripture...The New Covenant. Nowhere do I see God calling something a "Covenant of Grace." Are we simply going to rename covenants we see in scripture?
My concern is not in the truth that God saves by grace. My concern is in labeling a "Covenant of Grace" when there is no specific label in Scripture.

There are Covenants between God and Man, one of works. and one of grace!

 

[Yeshua1]

T-ball

Iconoclast, we are talking about Covenants that God has made with man.
Do you wish to rename the New Covenant and call it "Covenant of Grace?"
Did I not identify the Covenant that David is referring to in the Psalm you quoted?

The new One IS the Covenant of Grace!

 

[AustinC]

It didn't say it was the Mosaic Covenant in the psalm.
So why did you call it the Mosaic Covenant?

By the way it couldn't be t-ball because there was no picture throwing pitches and t-ball so the batter wouldn't have charged the mound because he got hit with a pitch they headed off the tee right so it wouldn't be t-ball so even that part of your answer was not correct

God made the covenant with Moses at Mt Sinai.
Where do we find God meeting with man and establishing a Covenant of Grace. The easy way to convince me is to show that interaction with man in scripture. We see the interaction with Adam, with Noah, with Abram, with Moses, with David and with Jeremiah and Ezekiel. With them covenants are made. With whom did God make the covenant of grace?

 

[AustinC]

By the way it couldn't be t-ball because there was no picture throwing pitches and t-ball so the batter wouldn't have charged the mound because he got hit with a pitch they headed off the tee right so it wouldn't be t-ball so even that part of your answer was not correct

Have you been to my kids T-ball games? LOL. I'm just messing with you.

 

[Iconoclast]

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.”

Thanks for the good links and solid input

 

[AustinC]

The new One IS the Covenant of Grace!

God has saved by grace through faith from the beginning, far before the New Covenant was established. Why would we change the New Covenant to rename it "Covenant of Grace?"

 

[Mikey]

God made the covenant with Moses at Mt Sinai.
Where do we find God meeting with man and establishing a Covenant of Grace. The easy way to convince me is to show that interaction with man in scripture. We see the interaction with Adam, with Noah, with Abram, with Moses, with David and with Jeremiah and Ezekiel. With them covenants are made. With whom did God make the covenant of grace?

who was the New Covenant made with?