Dwight Fletcher | Covenant of Grace – Part 1

IN THE Bible, covenant is very important. It sets the parameters for the relationship, allowing each party to understand what to expect and what to give. For every Christian it’s vital that we understand the Covenant of Grace, because it’s the one under which our relationship with God is governed. God saves sinners by grace alone, through faith alone, in Jesus Christ alone.

Even though we’re saved under the Covenant of Grace, many Believers try to live their Christian life through the lens of the Covenant of the Law (Mosaic Covenant), which is a covenant of works. Under that covenant, performance determined what we would receive. Blessings and life for obedience; curses and death for disobedience. This sounds reasonable, until we understand that 100 per cent obedience was the standard. “For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles at just one point is guilty of breaking all of it.” James 2:10 (NIV). There was no wiggle room.

GOD’S RICHES AT CHRIST’S EXPENSE

When we try to live to please God by that measure, we are doomed to failure. “For all who rely on the works of the law are under a curse…” Galatians 3:10 (NIV). In Christ there’s a better way; it comes with grace (unmerited favour). We sometimes say it’s ‘God’s riches at Christ’s expense’. Hebrews 8:6 (NLT) states, “But now Jesus, our High Priest, has been given a ministry that is far superior to the old priesthood, for he is the one who mediates for us a far better covenant with God, based on better promises.” The Covenant of Grace that we enjoy is a better covenant with God based on better promises.

In Christ we have a superior covenant built on a better framework than the Old/Mosaic Covenant, because in Jesus (the mediator of the New Covenant), everything is superior. Jesus is a superior High Priest because He’s God the Son. He came to earth, lived a sinless life, was crucified, died and was buried and on the third day He rose from the grave, never to die again. “… since Christ was raised from the dead, he cannot die again; death no longer has mastery over him.” Romans 6:9 (NIV).

The fact that He cannot ever die again makes Him far superior to the high priests under the Old/Mosaic Covenant. “There were many priests under the old system, for death prevented them from remaining in office. 24 But because Jesus lives forever, his priesthood lasts forever. 25 Therefore he is able, once and forever, to save those who come to God through him. He lives forever to intercede with God on their behalf.” Hebrews 7:23-25(NLT).

Jesus as a perpetual priest is able to save completely and perpetually. His finished work stands finished in heaven, and on earth. He’s able to defend the salvation of those who surrender to Him and take us through every trial, temptation, and issue life can throw at us.

When we’re accused by Satan before God, Jesus steps in and intercedes for us. Romans 8:33-34 (NIV) asks, “Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. 34 Who then is the one who condemns? No one. Christ Jesus who died – more than that, who was raised to life – is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us.” “… Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, 39 neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 8:38-39 (NIV).