Unconditional Covenant V Conditional Covenant.
(Jeff Unsworth).
Genesis 12:2,3.
The promises of God that were made to Abraham were unconditional promises.
They were cut by God alone whilst Abraham was in a spirit of slumber.
It is important to draw a distinction between unconditional and conditional.
In the case of a conditional covenant, the promises come with conditions.
I.E. To receive a conditional promise, there is something that the recipient needs to do. Whereas, with an unconditional promise, there is nothing that needs to be done. The covenant promise is completely free.
Gen 15:12 Now when the sun was going down, a deep sleep fell upon Abram; and behold, horror and great darkness fell upon him. 13 Then He said to Abram: “Know certainly that your descendants will be strangers in a land that is not theirs, and will serve them, and they will afflict them four hundred years. 14 And also the nation whom they serve I will judge; afterward they shall come out with great possessions. 15 Now as for you, you shall [a]go to your fathers in peace; you shall be buried at a good old age. 16 But in the fourth generation they shall return here, for the iniquity of the Amorites is not yet complete.” 17 And it came to pass, when the sun went down and it was dark, that behold, there appeared a smoking oven and a burning torch that passed between those pieces.
The example from scripture is the covenants made between God and Abraham and God and Moses.
The covenant with Moses was conditional. The terms of this covenant was that it required the Israelites to obey the Mosaic Law, which was delivered by Moses from God in the five books of the Torah. The covenant was conditional, with blessings and curses defined, based on obedience or disobedience.
Whereas,the covenant made with Abraham contained Seven Promises which were unconditional. (Genesis 12:2-3).
2. I will make you a great nation;
I will bless you
And make your name great;
And you shall be a blessing.
3. I will bless those who bless you,
And I will curse him who curses you;
And in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.”
These promises were to be received by faith.
What this means, is that this covenant is secured by God alone. Abraham accepted this covenant by faith alone, not by works.
Genesis 15:6 Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness”
This is also repeated in the New Testament:
Galatians 3:6 Just as Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness.
James 2:23: The Scripture was fulfilled that says, 'Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness'--and he was called a friend of God".
In a world where success is often equated with hard work and merit, the concept of salvation through faith alone may seem counterintuitive. However, for Christians, the belief in "not by works of the Law but by faith in Christ" is central to their understanding of salvation.
In this article, we will see the meaning and significance of this phrase and its role in the Christian faith.
Firstly, what is meant by "works of the Law"?
The phrase is derived from the Bible, specifically the book of Galatians where it is mentioned several times. It refers to the requirements and regulations of the Mosaic Law, which was the system of religious and moral laws given to the ancient Israelites by God. These laws were extensive and detailed, covering every aspect of life from dietary restrictions to moral conduct.
The idea of salvation through works was ingrained in the Jewish culture, and many believed that their obedience to the Law would earn them a place in heaven. However, the Apostle Paul, (who was a Pharisaical Jew, before his conversion to Christ), in his letter to the Galatians, emphasises that salvation is not achieved through keeping the Law but through faith in Christ. This was a revolutionary concept to the Jews who had been living under the Law for centuries. But why is faith in Christ the key to salvation?
The answer lies in the belief that Jesus Christ, as the Son of God, died on the cross to pay for the sins of humanity. This act of sacrifice and love is what makes salvation possible for those who believe in Him. It is not something that can be earned or achieved through good deeds or works of the Law. It is a gift freely given by God to those who have faith in His Son. This understanding of salvation through faith alone is significant because it eliminates any sense of entitlement or self-righteousness.
No one can boast about keeping the Law or their own good works or claim to have earned their place in heaven.
Ephesians 2:8,9 For by grace are saved through faith, it is the gift of God, not of works, lest any man should boast.
It is only through faith in Christ that one can receive the gift of salvation.
Moreover, the phrase "not by works of the Law but by faith in Christ" highlights the importance of grace in the Christian faith. Grace is the unmerited favour and love that God has for His people. It is through His grace that He offers salvation to all who believe in His Son. John 3:16.
This concept of grace is essential as it reminds believers that their salvation is not based on their own efforts or merit but on the grace of God.
In conclusion, the phrase "not by works of the Law but by faith in Christ" encapsulates the core belief of the Christian faith. It emphasises the importance of faith in Jesus Christ as the ultimate source of salvation and highlights the significance of grace in the Christian understanding of salvation.
Jesus stated in John 14:6 “I am the Way, the Truth and the Life, no man comes to God except by Me”.
Jesus is the only way to God.
Acts 4:12, “Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.”
The five Solas of the Reformed faith, states:
Sola gratia, (Grace alone): Salvation is a gift from God, not a result of human merit.
Sola fide (Faith alone): Salvation is found in faith in Jesus Christ alone.
Solus Christus (In Christ alone): Salvation is in Christ alone.
Sola scriptura (In Scripture alone): The Bible is the sole authority for Christians in faith, doctrine, and practice.
Soli Deo Gloria (For the glory of God alone): Salvation is a work of God for His glory. As Christians, we are reminded that our salvation is not something we can earn, but it is a gift from God that we receive through faith in Jesus Christ.
Through faith, we are the seed of Abraham:
Galatians 3:29 "If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise".
The unconditional promises that were made to Abraham, are ours also, because if we are in Christ, we are Abraham's seed, the children of Abraham and heirs to the promises.
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