I am about to begin a study of scripture seeking to define and understand the teaching of the covenant and how those teachings apply and impact our lives a God’s children.The questions I hope to answer:
What is the covenant of God?
What is the decree of God?
Is there a connection between decree and covenant?
What is the relation between covenant and decree?
Is there more than one covenant?
What are the different covenants and how do they work together?
What is the nature of revelation to decree and covenant?
Is the nature of Gods purpose singular?
If singular, how is it demonstrated in parts?
And as yet undefined questions related to those above?
The answers must come directly from scripture, and must conform to the simple hermeneutic, of easily understood, and answered from clear scripture if there is any doubt of the passage, or if the passage is alone, or difficult.
This study is prompted by a need to know clearly what the scripture teaches us about these matters, since so much of the theology circulating today is wholly or partially sustained by these concepts. My own understanding is that there in only one covenant. God has one purpose, and is completing His intended purpose exactly the way He desires it to be.
From this basic principle in harmony with the rest of scripture, I understand consequence, trials, suffering, goodness, tenderness, longsuffering, mercy, and hardening. Apart from this understanding I am left with a world of chaos.
Some of the passages of scripture we will be reflecting on:
Gen 6:18; Gen 9:9; Gen 9:11-13; Gen 9:15-17; Gen 15:18; Gen 17:2-21
Heb 7:22; Heb 8:6-13; Heb 9:1-20; Heb 10:16-29; Heb 12:24; Heb 13:20
Of course there are a lot of others, but for any serious student of this topic, these passages hold a central understanding of the covenant of God.
I hope in the weeks to come to share my learning, and those passages which confirm or dispel any of the presuppositions I may have held onto up until now.
Please pray for us as we study.
Blessings!
