Sermons on Covenant Theology
Genesis 26:1-5
In Genesis 26:1-5 we see that Isaac inherits the blessings of his father. What we see established in the book of Genesis is that God’s promises are often generational. This ought to inform our prayers and our work as parents. May God grant that our children would call upon God according to His grace, that He would be their God as well as ours.
Genesis 21:22-34
In Genesis 21:22-34 Abraham makes a covenant with Abimelech. Though Abraham had disastrously lied about Sarah being his wife to Abimelech, now we see that God is able to turn this to good as Abimelech sees through the incident that God is with Abraham and defends him. It is by this that Abraham is able to dwell in the land peacefully, even though he is unable to acquire it.
Genesis 18:16-19
In Genesis 18:16-19, God asks whether or not he should hide from Abraham what he is about to do in light of the promises he has received. In 18:19 we are told that Abraham has been chosen that he might instruct his children so that the promises might come to pass. Genesis 18:19 highlights the necessity we have of teaching our children the Word of God. It is the normal means God uses to bring our children to faith.
Genesis 17:1-8
In Genesis 17:1-8 Abram becomes Abraham. God enters into a formal covenant with Abram and thus changes his name, calling him Abraham, the father of many nations. With this covenant God pledges to bring forth many nations from Abraham, even many kings, which is ultimately fulfilled in the royal priesthood of the church. God will be with Abraham and his seed forever, being their God.
Hebrews 12:18-24
In Hebrews 12:18-24 the author uses the figures of Mt. Sinai and Mt. Zion to highlight the differences between the Old Covenant and the New. The New Covenant is both more glorious and provides more sure access to God. Those who approached God in the Old Covenant did so with fear and trembling. Now through the blood of Christ we can approach with confidence.
Hebrews 8:7-13
Jeremiah 31:31-34 is a very important text for understanding the relationship between the Old Covenant and the New Covenant. Pastor Grasso explains the similarities and differences between the two as given in Hebrews 8 and other parts of the New Testament, showing that the New Covenant is the fulfillment of the Old, that the way of salvation was fundamentally the same between the two, and that the New is superior in terms of efficacy.