In the last blog I began listing the differences between the Old and New Testaments as given by Calvin. In regards to terms, perhaps it would be better to say Old and New Covenant, instead of Old and New Testament. Old and New Covenants are the terms the churches, particularly the Reformed, use today.
We begin with difference number 4.
1. The fourth difference is explained by Calvin this way. “Scripture calls the Old Testament one of “bondage” because it produces fear in men’s minds; but the New Testament, one of “freedom” because it lifts them to trust and assurance” (Pg., 458).
2. Paul and the author of Hebrews teach our minds that the Old Covenant struck fear in men’s hearts and bound their consciences to observe rituals and ceremonies. However, the New brings joy and freedom in Christ. [Rom 8:15; Heb 12:18-22]
3. Before we go and consider the fifth distinction, let’s remind ourselves that these differences between the Old and New are not disagreements. The Covenant of Grace is one throughout all dispensations. The covenants of the Old Testament are subsidiaries of the Covenant of Grace. The New Covenant explained in the New Testament pages is really the full revelation of the eternal Covenant of Grace. [Heb 13:20; 2 Tim 1:9]
4. All children of God (children of promise, Rom 9:8), belong to the New Covenant. Their hope has always been Jesus Christ and eternal life.
5. Calvin writes, “All the saints whom Scripture mentions as being peculiarly chosen of God from the beginning of the world have shared with us the same blessing unto eternal life” (Pg., 459).
6. Were the shadows (ceremonies & buildings, etc), real? Did the slaughtered beasts forgive sin? Did the sprinkling of the water purify the soul? Was God delighted in burnt offerings? The writers of the New Testament answer these questions by an affirmative, no! (Heb 7-9)
7. Calvin correctly comments, “The holy patriarchs so lived under the Old Covenant as not to remain there but ever aspire to the New, and thus embrace a real share in it. The apostle condemns as blind and accursed those who, content with present shadows, did not stretch their minds to Christ” (Pg., 460). [Rom 2:27-29; Phil 3:2; Gal 1-2]. Of course the Jews in Jesus day rejected him. They could not see how he fulfilled all the promises of the Old Testament prophets.
8. The fifth difference is wonderful! The Old was given to one nation and the other. But now the New is extended and effectual to all nations. [Gal 4:4; 3:28; 6:15; Eph 2:14-17; Rom 11; Col 3:11; Ps 2:8; 72:8 cf. Zech 9:10]
9. God is now calling the Gentiles. Of course the prophets foretold of this great news. Jesus spoke of it. The apostles, though startled at first, also realized that under the New Covenant there is no more Jew or Gentile; all are one in Christ. [Is 42:6; 49:6-8; Jn 10:16; Eph 2; Gal 3; Acts 10; Rom 11]
10. This expansion of the Covenant of Grace is told to us in the Abrahamic Covenant. It’s expansion through Messiah was the great mystery, the glorious news that even the angels desire to look into. [Eph 3:9; 1 Pet 1:12]
No comments:
Post a Comment