THE COVENANT SIMPLE YET PROFOUND

 THE COVENANT: Simple yet Profound : McKinlay, Neil Cullan: Amazon.com.au: Books

Let us remember that God’s covenant of redemption in eternity past was revealed to us progressively. First, partially in the covenant of works. Then fully the covenant of grace. Redemption, works, grace, in that order. matching the order of the Trinity, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. The Father proposes redemption in eternity, the Son procures redemption on the cross, and the Spirit applies the grace of this redemption those chosen by the Father to be the Son’s bride. Now, with this in mind, think of the moral, ceremonial, and civil law in the Mosaic administration of the covenant of grace.

We know that the Ten Commandments reveal the character of God. The first four of which were administered by the priests, and the last six by the kings. The prophets were to remind Israel of the blessings and curses that would come from obedience or disobedience to the covenant law. Thus, prophets, priests, and kings. This also is revelation of God who is triune. Thus, under the Mosaic administration of the covenant of grace Israel had its legislative, executive, and judicial branches of government, reflecting and progressively revealing the character of God.

Post-fall the first four commandments pertain to redemption found in God (the Father). The last six how that redemption is accomplished by God (the Son). And all Ten Commandments (which are incomplete without the inclusion of the important preamble) reveals that that redemption is graciously given by God (the Spirit). Thus, the covenants of redemption, works, are revealed in the covenant of grace, even in its Mosaic administration. Progressive revelation.

The prophet reflects the Father by pointing to God’s legislation, i.e., the covenant law. The king reflects the Son by enforcing that legislation as executor. And the priest reflects the Spirit judicially interceding (see e.g., John 16:8) on behalf of those who have broken the covenant and pointing to the God who forgives by grace alone. Thus, the Mosaic covenant by its legislative, executive, and judicial branches of administration, reveals the promised prophet, priest, and king to come, i.e., Christ Jesus, who is the complete revelation of the triune God (Col. 2:9; Heb. 1:3).  

The Mosaic covenant, as in the Old Testament application of the two tables of the law, (the first table in the ceremonial law and the second in the civil law), was to be done away with by Christ fulfilling the roles as Prophet, Priest, and King in His life, death, resurrection, ascension, and session at the right hand of His Father. The Mosaic covenant is now fulfilled in and by Christ.