Covenant of Redemption
The covenant of Redemption. Some believe that when we discuss about the works of Christ the natural place to begin is with His birth. False religions do that all the time. I need to emphasise to you that the work of Christ began a long time before His birth. The truth is, it began in eternity past, in what theologians called “the covenant of redemption”
However, Christians need to be familiar with the covenant of redemption. This was not a covenant God made with men. Rather this covenant was a pact made in eternity amongst the three persons of the Godhead.
These verses help us to understand:
Hebrews 10:7 Then I said, ‘Here I am—it is written about me in the scroll—I have come to do your will, my God.’”
In His report to the Father:
John 8:29 says, “ And He who sent Me is with Me. The Father has not left Me alone, for I always do those things that please Him.”(NKJV)
As He went to the cross Jesus summarised His ministry in this way:
John 17:4 “I have glorified You on the earth. I have finished the work which You have given Me to do.”
2 Timothy 1:9 who has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was given to us in Christ Jesus before time began, The covenant of redemption (pactum salutis) and the covenant of grace are very obviously linked and overlapped one with another (Rom. 5:12-21; 1Cor. 15:21, 22, 47-49).
In our Christian faith we believe and we distinguish the persons of the Godhead: Holy Father, Holy Son, and Holy Spirit. When we examine the Old Testament, even in the very first chapter of Genesis, the entire Trinity was actively involved in creation. Not only in creation was the Trinity at work, but also in redemption.
The Father is the originator, meaning He initiated the notion of redeeming His creation, He knew it would fall. So He designed a plan of redemption.
The Son is the executor. He was given the task to accomplish that redemption through his birth, ministry for three years, ultimately through His death on the cross and resurrection and finally his ascension to glory to report to the Father “mission accomplished.”
The Holy Spirit is the applier. He was given the job with applying Christ’s work of redemption to God’s chosen people.
There are more verses to show that the plan of God for the salvation of sinners was in His mind in the eternal past (Eph1:4; 3:9, 11). This also indicates the nature of a covenant-that is eternal. You see, this is how much God loved us, for out of His grace, He planned it all to restore our fellowship with Him. If you and I who are special creations of God, only live for the moment, and just for yourself, the end result will be devastating. But if you and I live for eternity, no temporary sacrifice is too great. In comparison for the eternal joy of being in the presence of God, the One who designed you and I and loved you and I. All by grace! A Blessed Christmas to all.
