O. Palmer Robertson in his book Covenants: God's Way With His People*, begins chapter 8 by pointing out that the single covenant in the Bible "receiving the fullest elaboration is the Mosaic covenant of law" (pg 71). Though many bristle at the idea of there being any law when it comes to our relationship to God the subject of law cannot be avoided. While law "speaks of standardization, of conformity to an outward norm", covenant "suggests relationship, trust and friendship" (pg 71). Robertson says that the law may be perceived as both a portrait and a mirror. The law "outlines the features of the image of God to which man is to be conformed" and "draws a picture of the Creator so that man can see clearly the shape of the One with whom he is to have fellowship" (pg 72). As a mirror, the law serves to help us see ourselves as we really are and to "compare our image with the shape to which we ought to conform" (pg 72).
There are challenges to the revelation of law in covenant that Robertson points out such as the need to have a balance between standardization and individuality. Another is finding a balance between enforcement of law-principles and acknowledgement of individual liberties.
Robertson comments about a popular scheme of the "three successive covenants" revealed in the Old Testament which is:
- Abraham - an unconditional covenant of promise
- Moses - a conditional covenant of law
- David - an unconditional covenant of promise
Despite all the objections to the law it represents a "major phase in the redemptive revelation of God to man in his sin" (pg 74). It serves to summarize the holy will of God for people. In addition the "ten words", or Ten Commandments, "can be equated with the covenant itself" (Exo 34:28, Deut 4:13)(pg 74).
The Mosaic covenant should not be confused with the covenant of works made with Adam in the garden (pg 75). The covenant of works made with Adam had no provisions for blessing in the event of disobedience. However, the Mosaic covenant had the provision of sacrifice in the event of sin. Robertson says,
The covenant of law under Moses and the promise of redemption under Abraham go hand in hand because both manifest God's gracious will to redeem.
The law that came under Moses neither disannulled nor interrupted the promise given Abraham. Both worked together as a basic unity. Both served the same end of bringing fallen man to redemption. The basic distinctives of the Mosaic covenant of law agree with the Abrahamic covenant of promise. Both covenants combine to fill out the picture of a gracious God's plan to redeem sinful men (pg 76).
Some Christians question the need of the law since we are said to be under grace and not under the law. We not being under the law "most likely" refers to the fact that our justification is not dependent on our "personal law-keeping". But the law had to kept for us, "Jesus Christ kept the law for you and for all who would trust his grace for salvation" (pg 76). Though we are not saved by law-keeping there are reasons why Christians ought to make an effort to keep the law.
- "The fullest state of blessing in the life of the Christian comes from keeping the law of God" (pg 77). For example, Jesus declared that he came to fulfill the law and prophets and later said that anyone who breaks one of the least of the commandments of the law would be called least in the kingdom of God (Matt 5:17-19).
- God chastens those who violate His law (Heb 12:6, 1 Cor 11:30-32).
- "Christians in the new covenant will be evaluated on the day of judgment by the deeds they have done" (pg 78). This ought to spur Christians to consider the fact that Christ not only died for us but also lives in us. Robertson says, "By faith you may claim his transforming power for your life. You may receive strength from the living Christ to walk according to his will" (pg 78).
Posts in this series
Precepts and Problems - Chapter 8, Covenants: God's Way With His People
*Robertson, O. Palmer. Covenants: God's Way With His People. Suwanee, GA: Great Commission Publications, 1987. Print.
*Robertson, O. Palmer. Covenants: God's Way With His People. Suwanee, GA: Great Commission Publications, 1987. Print.
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