In Granite or Ingrained:

In Granite or Ingrained:
What the Old and New Covenants Reveal About the Gospel, the Law and the Sabbath Skip MacCarty, D. Min “The LORD Confides in those who fear him’ he makes his covenant known to them.” Ps 25:14

Why this study is important for Seventh-day Adventists
The Old and New Covenants Why this study is important for Seventh-day Adventists

Evangelical Model of the Covenants
Especially the Old and New Covenants

Abrahamic Covenant “6 Abram believed the LORD, and he credited it to him as righteousness.” Genesis 15:6 “18 On that day the LORD made a covenant with Abram and said, “To your descendants I give this land….” Genesis 15:18

Abrahamic Covenant Promise/Faith Gen 15:6, 18 Evangelical Model of the Covenants Especially the Old and New Covenants

Mosaic/Sinai Covenant
“12 Then the LORD spoke to you out of the fire. You heard the sound of words but saw no form; there was only a voice. 13 He declared to you his covenant, the Ten Commandments, which he commanded you to follow and then wrote them on two stone tablets.” Deuteronomy 4:12-13 “2 The LORD our God made a covenant with us at Horeb. 3 It was not with our ancestors that the LORD made this covenant, but with us, with all of us who are alive here today.” Deuteronomy 5:2-3

Abrahamic Covenant Sinai Covenant Promise/Faith Gen 15:6, 18 Law/Obedience Deut 4:12-13 5:2-3 Evangelical Model of the Covenants Especially the Old and New Covenants

New Covenant “7 For if there had been nothing wrong with that first covenant, no place would have been sought for another. 8 But God found fault with the people and said: ‘The days are coming, declares the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the people of Israel and with the people of Judah. 9 It will not be like the covenant I made with their ancestors when I took them by the hand to lead them out of Egypt, because they did not remain faithful to my covenant, and I turned away from them,’ declares the Lord.” Hebrews 8:7-9

Abrahamic Covenant Sinai Covenant New Covenant Promise/Faith Gen 15:6, 18 Law/Obedience Deut 4:12-13 5:2-3 Promise/Faith Grace/Love Holy Spirit Heb 8:7-9, 13 Evangelical Model of the Covenants Especially the Old and New Covenants

Sinai Covenant “Old Covenant”
Abrahamic Covenant Sinai Covenant “Old Covenant” New Covenant Promise/Faith Gen 15:6, 18 Law/Obedience Deut 4:12-13 5:2-3 Promise/Faith Grace/Love Holy Spirit Heb 8:7-9, 13 Evangelical Model of the Covenants Especially the Old and New Covenants

Romans 7:1-6 “1 Do you not know, brothers-- for I am speaking to men who know the law-- that the law has authority over a man only as long as he lives? 2 For example, by law a married woman is bound to her husband as long as he is alive, but if her husband dies, she is released from the law of marriage. 3 So then, if she marries another man while her husband is still alive, she is called an adulteress. But if her husband dies, she is released from that law and is not an adulteress, even though she marries another man.

Romans 7:1-6 “4 So, my brothers, you also died to the law through the body of Christ, that you might belong to another, to him who was raised from the dead, in order that we might bear fruit to God. 5 For when we were controlled by the sinful nature, the sinful passions aroused by the law were at work in our bodies, so that we bore fruit for death. 6 But now, by dying to what once bound us, we have been released from the law so that we serve in the new way of the Spirit, and not in the old way of the written code.”

Abrahamic Covenant Sinai Covenant “Old Covenant” New Covenant Promise/Faith Gen 15:6, 18 Law/Obedience Deut 4:12-13 5:2-3 Promise/Faith Grace/Love Heb 8:7-9, 13 “Married to the Law” “Married to Jesus” Evangelical Model of the Covenants Especially the Old and New Covenants

2 Corinthians 3:3-16 “3 You show that you are a letter from Christ, the result of our ministry, written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts. 4 Such confidence we have through Christ before God…. 6 He has made us competent as ministers of a new covenant—not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.

2 Corinthians 3:3-16 “7 Now if the ministry that brought death, which was engraved in letters on stone, came with glory, so that the Israelites could not look steadily at the face of Moses because of its glory, transitory though it was, 8 will not the ministry of the Spirit be even more glorious? 9 If the ministry that brought condemnation was glorious, how much more glorious is the ministry that brings righteousness!

2 Corinthians 3:3-16 “10 For what was glorious has no glory now in comparison with the surpassing glory. 11 And if what was transitory came with glory, how much greater is the glory of that which lasts! Therefore, since we have such a hope, we are very bold. 13 We are not like Moses, who would put a veil over his face to prevent the Israelites from seeing the end of what was passing away.

2 Corinthians 3:3-16 “14 But their minds were made dull, for to this day the same veil remains when the old covenant is read. It has not been removed, because only in Christ is it taken away. 15 Even to this day when Moses is read, a veil covers their hearts. 16 But whenever anyone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away.

Abrahamic Covenant Sinai Covenant “Old Covenant” New Covenant Promise/Faith Gen 15:6, 18 Law/Obedience Deut 4:12-13 5:2-3 Promise/Faith Grace/Love Holy Spirit Heb 8:7-9, 13 “Letter that kills” “Spirit gives life” Evangelical Model of the Covenants Especially the Old and New Covenants

Galatians 3:22-25 “22 But Scripture has locked up everything under the control of sin, so that what was promised, being given through faith in Jesus Christ, might be given to those who believe. 23 Before the coming of this faith, we were held in custody under the law, locked up until the faith that was to come would be revealed. 24 So the law was our guardian until Christ came that we might be justified by faith. 25 Now that this faith has come, we are no longer under a guardian.”

Abrahamic Covenant Sinai Covenant “Old Covenant” New Covenant Promise/Faith Gen 15:6, 18 Law/Obedience Deut 4:12-13 5:2-3 Promise/Faith Grace/Love Holy Spirit Heb 8:7-9, 13 Law supervision “Faith has come” Evangelical Model of the Covenants Especially the Old and New Covenants

Galatians 4:21 - 5:1 “21 Tell me, you who want to be under the law, are you not aware of what the law says? 22 For it is written that Abraham had two sons, one by the slave woman and the other by the free woman. 23 His son by the slave woman was born according to the flesh, but his son by the free woman was born as the result of a divine promise. 24 These things are being taken figuratively: The women represent two covenants. One covenant is from Mount Sinai and bears children who are to be slaves: This is Hagar.

Galatians 4:21 - 5:1 “25 Now Hagar stands for Mount Sinai in Arabia and corresponds to the present city of Jerusalem, because she is in slavery with her children. 26 But the Jerusalem that is above is free, and she is our mother…. 28 Now you, brothers and sisters, like Isaac, are children of promise. 29 At that time the son born according to the flesh persecuted the son born by the power of the Spirit. It is the same now.

Galatians 4:21 - 5:1 “30 But what does Scripture say? “Get rid of the slave woman and her son, for the slave woman’s son will never share in the inheritance with the free woman’s son.” 31 Therefore, brothers and sisters, we are not children of the slave woman, but of the free woman. 5:1 It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.”

Abrahamic Covenant Sinai Covenant “Old Covenant” New Covenant Promise/Faith Gen 15:6, 18 Law/Obedience Deut 4:12-13 5:2-3 Promise/Faith Grace/Love Holy Spirit Heb 8:7-9, 13 “Yoke of slavery” “Freedom in Christ” Evangelical Model of the Covenants Especially the Old and New Covenants

Hebrews 8:7-9, 13 “7 For if there had been nothing wrong with that first covenant, no place would have been sought for another. 8 But God found fault with the people and said: ‘The days are coming, declares the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the people of Israel and with the people of Judah. 9 It will not be like the covenant I made with their ancestors when I took them by the hand to lead them out of Egypt, because they did not remain faithful to my covenant, and I turned away from them,’ declares the Lord….

Hebrews 8:7-9, 13 “7 For if there had been nothing wrong with that first covenant, no place would have been sought for another. 8 But God found fault with the people and said: ‘The days are coming, declares the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the people of Israel and with the people of Judah. 9 It will not be like the covenant I made with their ancestors when I took them by the hand to lead them out of Egypt, because they did not remain faithful to my covenant, and I turned away from them,’ declares the Lord…. “13 By calling this covenant ‘new,’ he has made the first one obsolete; and what is obsolete and outdated will soon disappear.”

Abrahamic Covenant Sinai Covenant “Old Covenant” New Covenant Promise/Faith Gen 15:6, 18 Law/Obedience Deut 4:12-13 5:2-3 Promise/Faith Grace/Love Heb 8:7-9, 13 “Obsolete… Outdated … Soon disappear “Not like covenant made with Israel” Evangelical Model of the Covenants Especially the Old and New Covenants

The Biblical Tension Regarding God’s Law/Covenant/Commandments
What’s Happening Here? The Biblical Tension Regarding God’s Law/Covenant/Commandments

God’s law/Covenant/Commandments are:
1. For our good - Dt 10:13 2. Written by God in the heart - Dt. 30:10-14; Isa 51:7; Jer 31:33; Rom 2:12-16; Heb 8:10 3. Perfect - Ps 19:7 Converting the soul - Ps 19:7 Pure - Psalm 19:8 More to be desired and valuable than fine gold or honey - Psalm 19:10; 119:127

Liberty/freedom - Psalm 119:44-45 Truth - Ps 119:142, 151 Great peace for those who love it - Ps 119:155 Righteousness - Ps 119:172 Holy - Rom 7:12 Just - Rom 7:12 Good - Rom 7:12

14. Spiritual - Rom 7:14 15. Ordained to Life - Rom 7:10 16. Established by faith - Rom 3:31 17. Fulfilled in the life of one who walks according to the Spirit - Rom 8:4 18. That which reveals sin that we might be led to Christ - Gal 3:23-24; Rom 3:20; 7:13 19. Kept by God’s saints Rev 12:17; 14:12

1. That which killed me – Rom 7:10-11 2. The power of sin - 1 Cor 15:56 3. A letter that kills - 2 Cor 3:6 A ministration of death - 2 Cor 3:7 A ministration of condemnation - 2 Cor 3:9 A veil which covers the heart and dulls the mind to the reception of spiritual things - 2 Cor 3:14-15

Something I have to die to in order to be married to Christ and receive salvation - Rom 7:1-6 Not based on faith - Gal 3:12 A curse from which Jesus redeemed us - Gal 3:14 That which imprisoned us - Gal 3:23 Engraved on stone only, not in the heart - Gal 4:7

12. That which will prevent those who try to live by from ever sharing in the inheritance of the saints – Gal 4:30 13. That which produces slave children, not free – Gal 4:24-25, 30-31; 5:1

Perfect, holy, just, righteous, spiritual Written in the heart Ordained to life Established by faith Truth Converts the soul Liberty/freedom Fulfilled in the life of Spirit-filled believers, kept by God’s saints

Perfect, holy, just, righteous, spiritual Written in the heart Ordained to life Established by faith Truth Converts the soul Liberty/freedom Fulfilled in the life of Spirit-filled believers, kept by God’s saints The power of sin, condemnation Written on stone A letter that kills Not based on faith Veils the truth A curse Slavery/bondage Must die to in order to have a relationship with Jesus

New Covenant Many believe that the new covenant is different in kind from the covenant at Sinai in that it returns to a grace/faith/love-based system, rather than a law/obedience-based one. It releases its adherents from condemnation and bondage to the old law covenant of Ten Commandments, and sets them free to live in the glorious liberty of life in the Spirit.

Promise “1 My son, if you accept my words and store up my commands within you, 2 turning your ear to wisdom and applying your heart to understanding—3 indeed, if you call out for insight and cry aloud for understanding, 4 and if you look for it as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure, 5 then you will understand the fear of the LORD and find the knowledge of God. 6 For the LORD gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.” Pr 2:1-6

Promise “The LORD Confides in those who fear him’ he makes his covenant known to them.” Ps 25:14 13

My story

Abrahamic Covenant Sinai Covenant “Old Covenant” New Covenant Promise/Faith Gen 15:6, 18 Law/Obedience Deut 4:12-13 5:2-3 Promise/Faith Grace/Love Holy Spirit Heb 8:7-9, 13 “Are there two different plans of salvation?” Evangelical Model of the Covenants Especially the Old and New Covenants

How Many Gospels? “6 I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting the one who called you to live in the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel (Greek, εύηγγελιον)— which is really no gospel at all. Evidently some people are throwing you into confusion and are trying to pervert the gospel of Christ. 8 But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel other than the one we preached to you, let them be under God’s curse! 9 As we have already said, so now I say again: If anybody is preaching to you a gospel other than what you accepted, let them be under God’s curse!” Galatians 1:6-9

Promise/Faith Grace/Love
Abrahamic Covenant Sinai Covenant New Covenant Promise/Faith Gen 15:6, 18 Law/Obedience Deut 4:12-13 5:2-3 Promise/Faith Grace/Love Holy Spirit Heb 8:7-9, 13 Galatians 1: One Gospel

To whom was the Gospel preached?
“For we also have had the good news proclaimed to us, just as they did; but the message they heard was of no value to them, because they did not share the faith of those who obeyed.” Hebrews 4:2 “Good news proclaimed” (Greek, εύηγγελισμένοι, “preach the good news/gospel” from root, εύηγγελιον, “gospel,” the only word used for “gospel” in the NT). Most translations, including the KJV, NKJV, NIV 1984, etc. translate this verse: “we have had the gospel preached to us, just as they did.”

Who are “they” in context of Heb 4:2
“16 Who were they who heard and rebelled? Were they not all those Moses led out of Egypt? 17 And with whom was he angry for forty years? Was it not with those who sinned, whose bodies perished in the wilderness? 18 And to whom did God swear that they would never enter his rest if not to those who disobeyed? 19 So we see that they were not able to enter, because of their unbelief. 4:1 Therefore, since the promise of entering his rest still stands, let us be careful that none of you be found to have fallen short of it. 2 For we also have had the good news [gospel] proclaimed to us, just as they did; but the message they heard was of no value to them, because they did not share the faith of those who obeyed.” Hebrews 3:16 - 4:2

Abrahamic Covenant Sinai Covenant New Covenant Promise/Faith Gen 15:6, 18 Law/Obedience Deut 4:12-13 5:2-3 Promise/Faith Grace/Love Holy Spirit Heb 8:7-9, 13 Galatians 1: One Gospel Hebrews 4: Same Gospel in OT and NT

“Then I saw another angel flying in midair, and he had the eternal gospel to proclaim to those who live on the earth—to every nation, tribe, language and people.” Revelation 14:6

Abrahamic Covenant Sinai Covenant New Covenant Promise/Faith Gen 15:6, 18 Law/Obedience Deut 4:12-13 5:2-3 Promise/Faith Grace/Love Holy Spirit Heb 8:7-9, 13 Galatians 1: One Gospel Hebrews 4: Same Gospel in OT and NT Revelation 14: Everlasting Gospel to all

Description of “Covenant”
Legal Gal 3:15; 7:22; 9:12-18

Original Terms Bereeth (Heb) – To “cut” a pact/agreement
Syntheke (Gk) – Negotiated agreement Diatheke (Gk) – Testament, Will

Legal Covenant “For this reason Christ is the mediator of a new covenant, that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance—now that he has died as a ransom to set them free from the sins committed under the first covenant. 16 In the case of a will, it is necessary to prove the death of the one who made it, 17 because a will is in force only when somebody has died; it never takes effect while the one who made it is living. 18 This is why even the first covenant was not put into effect without blood.” Heb 9:15-18

Legal Covenant “Because of this oath, Jesus has become the guarantor of a better covenant.” Heb 7:22

Legal Covenant “Because of this oath, Jesus has become the guarantor of a better covenant.” Heb 7:22 [“Guarantor” (Greek, Enguos): a co-signer, the one who pays the debt if the original covenant partner defaults]

Legal Gal 3:15; 7:22; 9:12-18 2. Servant/Slave – Master Jer 31:3; Rom 1:1; Phil 2:5-7

Servant/Slave – Master Covenant
“Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle and set apart for the gospel of God—” Rom 1:1

Servant/Slave – Master Covenant
“Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle and set apart for the gospel of God—” Rom 1:1 “In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: 6 Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; 7 rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness.” Phil 2:5-7

Legal Gal 3:15; 7:22; 9:12-18 2. Servant/Slave – Master Jer 31:3; Rom 1:1; Phil 2:5-7 3. Parent – Child Jer 31:9,20; Mt 6:6; 7:9-11; 1 Jn 3:1

Parent-Child Covenant
“‘ I am Israel’s father, and Ephraim is my firstborn son Is not Ephraim my dear son, the child in whom I delight? Though I often speak against him, I still remember him. Therefore my heart yearns for him; I have great compassion for him,’ declares the LORD.” Jer 31:9, 20

“‘ I am Israel’s father, and Ephraim is my firstborn son Is not Ephraim my dear son, the child in whom I delight? Though I often speak against him, I still remember him. Therefore my heart yearns for him; I have great compassion for him,’ declares the LORD.” Jer 31:9, 20 “This, then, is how you should pray: ‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name.’” Mt 6:9

“Christ’s favorite theme was the paternal character and abundant love of God.” 6T 55

Legal Gal 3:15; 7:22; 9:12-18 2. Servant/Slave – Master Jer 31:3; Rom 1:1; Phil 2:5-7 3. Parent – Child Jer 31:9,20; Mt 6:6; 7:9-11; 1 Jn 3:1 4. Marriage Isa 54:5-10; Jer 31:31-32; Ezek 16:1-9, 32; Eph 5:32

Marriage Covenant “‘The days are coming,’ declares the LORD, ‘when I will make a new covenant with the people of Israel and with the people of Judah because they broke my covenant, though I was a husband to them,’ declares the LORD.” Jer 31:31-32

Marriage Covenant “‘The days are coming,’ declares the LORD, ‘when I will make a new covenant with the people of Israel and with the people of Judah because they broke my covenant, though I was a husband to them,’ declares the LORD.” Jer 31:31-32 After discussing the marriage relationship, Paul writes: “This is a profound mystery—but I am talking about Christ and the church.” Eph 5:32

The New Covenant Jer 31:31-34; Heb 8:10-12

The New Covenant “This is the covenant I will make with the house of Israel after that time, declares the Lord. I will put my laws in their minds and write them on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people. 11 No longer will a man teach his neighbor, or a man his brother, saying, 'Know the Lord,' because they will all know me, from the least of them to the greatest. 12 For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more.” Hebrews 8:10-12

New Covenant DNA Jer 31:31-34; Heb 8:10-12 2. 3. 4.

The New Covenant “This is the covenant I will make with the house of Israel after that time, declares the Lord. I will put my laws in their minds and write them on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people. 11 No longer will a man teach his neighbor, or a man his brother, saying, 'Know the Lord,' because they will all know me, from the least of them to the greatest. 12 For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more.” Hebrews 8:10-12

The New Covenant “This is the covenant I will make with the house of Israel after that time, declares the Lord. [1] I will put my laws in their minds and write them on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people. 11 No longer will a man teach his neighbor, or a man his brother, saying, 'Know the Lord,' because they will all know me, from the least of them to the greatest. 12 For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more.” Hebrews 8:10-12

New Covenant DNA Jer 31:31-34; Heb 8:10-12
I will write my laws in their minds/hearts 2. 3. 4.

The New Covenant “This is the covenant I will make with the house of Israel after that time, declares the Lord. [1] I will put my laws in their minds and write them on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people. 11 No longer will a man teach his neighbor, or a man his brother, saying, 'Know the Lord,' because they will all know me, from the least of them to the greatest. 12 For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more.” Hebrews 8:10-12

The New Covenant “This is the covenant I will make with the house of Israel after that time, declares the Lord. [1] I will put my laws in their minds and write them on their hearts. [2] I will be their God, and they will be my people. 11 No longer will a man teach his neighbor, or a man his brother, saying, 'Know the Lord,' because they will all know me, from the least of them to the greatest. 12 For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more.” Hebrews 8:10-12

I will write my laws in their minds/hearts 2. I will be their God; they will be my people 3. 4.

The New Covenant “This is the covenant I will make with the house of Israel after that time, declares the Lord. [1] I will put my laws in their minds and write them on their hearts. [2] I will be their God, and they will be my people. 11 No longer will a man teach his neighbor, or a man his brother, saying, 'Know the Lord,' because they will all know me, from the least of them to the greatest. 12 For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more.” Hebrews 8:10-12

The New Covenant “This is the covenant I will make with the house of Israel after that time, declares the Lord. [1] I will put my laws in their minds and write them on their hearts. [2] I will be their God, and they will be my people. 11 [3] No longer will a man teach his neighbor, or a man his brother, saying, 'Know the Lord,' because they will all know me, from the least of them to the greatest. 12 For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more.” Hebrews 8:10-12

I will write my laws in their minds/hearts 2. I will be their God; they will be my people 3. Everyone will know me; no one need teach people to know me 4.

The New Covenant “This is the covenant I will make with the house of Israel after that time, declares the Lord. [1] I will put my laws in their minds and write them on their hearts. [2] I will be their God, and they will be my people. 11 [3] No longer will a man teach his neighbor, or a man his brother, saying, 'Know the Lord,' because they will all know me, from the least of them to the greatest. 12 For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more.” Hebrews 8:10-12

The New Covenant “This is the covenant I will make with the house of Israel after that time, declares the Lord. [1] I will put my laws in their minds and write them on their hearts. [2] I will be their God, and they will be my people. 11 [3] No longer will a man teach his neighbor, or a man his brother, saying, 'Know the Lord,' because they will all know me, from the least of them to the greatest. 12 [4] For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more.” Hebrews 8:10-12

I will write my laws in their minds/hearts 2. I will be their God; they will be my people 3. Everyone will know me; no one need teach people to know me 4. I will forgive their sins

Ascribe a Theological Term to Each Promise Jer 31:31-34; Heb 8:10-12

I will write my laws in their minds/hearts Sanctification 2. I will be their God; they will be my people 3. Everyone will know me; no one need teach people to know me 4. I will forgive their sins

I will write my laws in their minds/hearts Sanctification 2. I will be their God; they will be my people Reconciliation 3. Everyone will know me; no one need teach people to know me 4. I will forgive their sins

I will write my laws in their minds/hearts Sanctification 2. I will be their God; they will be my people Reconciliation 3. Everyone will know me; no one need teach people to know me Revelation 4. I will forgive their sins

I will write my laws in their minds/hearts Sanctification 2. I will be their God; they will be my people Reconciliation 3. Everyone will know me; no one need teach people to know me Revelation/Mission 4. I will forgive their sins

The Mission of the Church
“But thanks be to God, who always leads us as captives in Christ’s triumphal procession and uses us to spread the aroma of the knowledge of him everywhere.” Corinthians 2:14

I will write my laws in their minds/hearts Sanctification 2. I will be their God; they will be my people Reconciliation 3. Everyone will know me; no one need teach people to know me Revelation/Mission 4. I will forgive their sins Justification

Gospel New Covenant DNA Jer 31:31-34; Heb 8:10-12
I will write my laws in their minds/hearts Sanctification 2. I will be their God; they will be my people Reconciliation 3. Everyone will know me; no one need teach people to know me Revelation/Mission 4. I will forgive their sins Justification Gospel

I will write my laws in their minds/hearts Sanctification 2. I will be their God; they will be my people Reconciliation 3. Everyone will know me; no one need teach people to know me Revelation/Mission 4. I will forgive their sins Justification Gospel Heb 4:2

“For we also have had the good news [gospel] proclaimed to us, just as they did; but the message they heard was of no value to them, because they did not share the faith of those who obeyed.” Hebrews 4:2

I will write my laws in their minds/hearts Sanctification 2. I will be their God; they will be my people Reconciliation 3. Everyone will know me; no one need teach people to know me Revelation/Mission 4. I will forgive their sins Justification Gospel Heb 4:2 Grace-based

I will write my laws in their minds/hearts Sanctification 2. I will be their God; they will be my people Reconciliation 3. Everyone will know me; no one need teach people to know me Revelation/Mission 4. I will forgive their sins Justification Gospel Heb 4:2 Grace-based Gospel-bearing

I will write my laws in their minds/hearts Sanctification 2. I will be their God; they will be my people Reconciliation 3. Everyone will know me; no one need teach people to know me Revelation/Mission 4. I will forgive their sins Justification Gospel Heb 4:2 Grace-based Gospel-bearing Mission-intended

I will write my laws in their minds/hearts Sanctification 2. I will be their God; they will be my people Reconciliation 3. Everyone will know me; no one need teach people to know me Revelation/Mission 4. I will forgive their sins Justification Gospel Heb 4:2 Grace-based Gospel-bearing Mission-intended Faith-inducing

These promises are God’s legal will
New Covenant DNA Jer 31:31-34; Heb 8:10-12 I will write my laws in their minds/hearts Sanctification 2. I will be their God; they will be my people Reconciliation 3. Everyone will know me; no one need teach people to know me Revelation/Mission 4. I will forgive their sins Justification Gospel These promises are God’s legal will

The New Covenant “For this reason Christ is the mediator of a new covenant, that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance—now that he has died as a ransom to set them free from the sins committed under the first covenant. 16 In the case of a will, it is necessary to prove the death of the one who made it, 17 because a will is in force only when somebody has died; it never takes effect while the one who made it is living.” Heb 9:15-17

Everyone has been named in God’s will
New Covenant DNA Jer 31:31-34; Heb 8:10-12 I will write my laws in their minds/hearts Sanctification 2. I will be their God; they will be my people Reconciliation 3. Everyone will know me; no one need teach people to know me Revelation/Mission 4. I will forgive their sins Justification Gospel Everyone has been named in God’s will

The New Covenant “9 This is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance. 10 That is why we labor and strive, because we have put our hope in the living God, who is the Savior of all people….” Tim 4:9-10

By faith we become heirs/inheritors of God’s will
New Covenant DNA Jer 31:31-34; Heb 8:10-12 I will write my laws in their minds/hearts Sanctification 2. I will be their God; they will be my people Reconciliation 3. Everyone will know me; no one need teach people to know me Revelation/Mission 4. I will forgive their sins Justification Gospel By faith we become heirs/inheritors of God’s will

The New Covenant “9 This is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance. 10 That is why we labor and strive, because we have put our hope in the living God, who is the Savior of all people….” Tim 4:9-10

The New Covenant “9 This is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance. 10 That is why we labor and strive, because we have put our hope in the living God, who is the Savior of all people, and especially of those who believe.” Tim 4:9-10

God’s heirs are also the executors of His will
New Covenant DNA Jer 31:31-34; Heb 8:10-12 I will write my laws in their minds/hearts Sanctification 2. I will be their God; they will be my people Reconciliation 3. Everyone will know me; no one need teach people to know me Revelation/Mission 4. I will forgive their sins Justification Gospel God’s heirs are also the executors of His will

The New Covenant “47 For this is what the Lord has commanded us: ‘I have made you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth.’” Acts 13:47 (quoting Isa 49:6)

New Covenant DNA at Sinai
Jer 31:31-34; Heb 8:10-12 I will write my laws in their minds/hearts Sanctification 2. I will be their God; they will be my people Reconciliation 3. Everyone will know me; no one need teach people to know me Revelation/Mission 4. I will forgive their sins Justification Gospel Heb 4:2 Grace-based Gospel-bearing Mission-intended Faith-inducing

Jer 31:31-34; Heb 8:10-12 1. I will write my laws in their minds/hearts Sanctification – Dt 30:6, 11-14 2. I will be their God; they will be my people Reconciliation 3. Everyone will know me; no one need teach people to know me Revelation/Mission 4. I will forgive their sins Justification Gospel Heb 4:2 Grace-based Gospel-bearing Mission-intended Faith-inducing

“The LORD your God will circumcise your hearts and the hearts of your descendants, so that you may love him with all your heart and with all your soul, and live Now what I am commanding you today is not too difficult for you or beyond your reach. 12 It is not up in heaven, so that you have to ask, ‘Who will ascend into heaven to get it and proclaim it to us so we may obey it?’ 13 Nor is it beyond the sea, so that you have to ask, ‘Who will cross the sea to get it and proclaim it to us so we may obey it?’ 14 No, the word is very near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart so you may obey it..” Dt 30:6, 11-14

Jer 31:31-34; Heb 8:10-12 1. I will write my laws in their minds/hearts Sanctification – Dt 30:6, 11-14/Rom 10:6-8; 2. I will be their God; they will be my people Reconciliation 3. Everyone will know me; no one need teach people to know me Revelation/Mission 4. I will forgive their sins Justification Gospel Heb 4:2 Grace-based Gospel-bearing Mission-intended Faith-inducing

“But the righteousness that is by faith says: ‘Do not say in your heart, “Who will ascend into heaven?”’ (that is, to bring Christ down) 7 ‘or “Who will descend into the deep?”’ (that is, to bring Christ up from the dead). 8 But what does it say? ‘The word is near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart,’ that is, the message concerning faith that we proclaim: 9 If you declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” Rom 10:6-9 quoting and updating Dt 30:11-14

Jer 31:31-34; Heb 8:10-12 1. I will write my laws in their minds/hearts Sanctification – Dt 30:6, 11-14/Rom 10:6-8; Ps 37:30; 40:8; Isa 51:7 2. I will be their God; they will be my people Reconciliation 3. Everyone will know me; no one need teach people to know me Revelation/Mission 4. I will forgive their sins Justification Gospel Heb 4:2 Grace-based Gospel-bearing Mission-intended Faith-inducing

“The mouths of the righteous utter wisdom, and their tongues speak what is just. 31 The law of their God is in their hearts; their feet do not slip.” Ps 37:30-31

“The mouths of the righteous utter wisdom, and their tongues speak what is just. 31 The law of their God is in their hearts; their feet do not slip.” Ps 37:30-31 “I desire to do your will, my God; your law is within my heart..” Ps 40:8

“The mouths of the righteous utter wisdom, and their tongues speak what is just. 31 The law of their God is in their hearts; their feet do not slip.” Ps 37:30-31 “I desire to do your will, my God; your law is within my heart..” Ps 40:8 “Hear me, you who know what is right, you people who have my law in your hearts: Do not fear the reproach of men or be terrified by their insults.” Isa 51:7 (NIV 1984)

Jer 31:31-34; Heb 8:10-12 1. I will write my laws in their minds/hearts Sanctification – Dt 30:6, 11-14/Rom 10:6-8; Ps 37:30; 40:8; Isa 51:7 2. I will be their God; they will be my people Reconciliation – Lev 26:12 3. Everyone will know me; no one need teach people to know me Revelation/Mission 4. I will forgive their sins Justification Gospel Heb 4:2 Grace-based Gospel-bearing Mission-intended Faith-inducing

“I will walk among you and be your God, and you will be my people.” Lev 26:12

Jer 31:31-34; Heb 8:10-12 1. I will write my laws in their minds/hearts Sanctification – Dt 30:6, 11-14/Rom 10:6-8; Ps 37:30; 40:8; Isa 51:7 2. I will be their God; they will be my people Reconciliation – Lev 26:12 3. Everyone will know me; no one need teach people to know me Revelation/Mission – Ex 19:5-6/Gen 28:14 4. I will forgive their sins Justification Gospel Heb 4:2 Grace-based Gospel-bearing Mission-intended Faith-inducing

“‘Now if you obey me fully and keep my covenant, then out of all nations you will be my treasured possession. Although the whole earth is mine, 6 you will be for me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.’ These are the words you are to speak to the Israelites.” Ex 19:5-6

“‘Now if you obey me fully and keep my covenant, then out of all nations you will be my treasured possession. Although the whole earth is mine, 6 you will be for me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.’ These are the words you are to speak to the Israelites.” Ex 19:5-6 “Your descendants will be like the dust of the earth, and you will spread out to the west and to the east, to the north and to the south. All peoples on earth will be blessed through you and your offspring.” Gen 28:14

Jer 31:31-34; Heb 8:10-12 1. I will write my laws in their minds/hearts Sanctification – Dt 30:6, 11-14/Rom 10:6-8; Ps 37:30; 40:8; Isa 51:7 2. I will be their God; they will be my people Reconciliation – Lev 26:12 3. Everyone will know me; no one need teach people to know me Revelation/Mission – Ex 19:5-6/Gen 28:14; Ps 67:1-2 4. I will forgive their sins Justification Gospel Heb 4:2 Grace-based Gospel-bearing Mission-intended Faith-inducing

“May God be gracious to us and bless us and make his face shine on us—2 so that your ways may be known on earth, your salvation among all nations.” Ps 67:1-2

Jer 31:31-34; Heb 8:10-12 1. I will write my laws in their minds/hearts Sanctification – Dt 30:6, 11-14/Rom 10:6-8; Ps 37:30; 40:8; Isa 51:7 2. I will be their God; they will be my people Reconciliation – Lev 26:12 3. Everyone will know me; no one need teach people to know me Revelation/Mission – Ex 19:5-6/Gen 28:14; Ps 67:1-2 4. I will forgive their sins Justification– Ex 34:4-7 Gospel Heb 4:2 Grace-based Gospel-bearing Mission-intended Faith-inducing

“Moses chiseled out two stone tablets like the first ones and went up Mount Sinai early in the morning, as the LORD had commanded him; and he carried the two stone tablets in his hands. 5 Then the LORD came down in the cloud and stood there with him and proclaimed his name, the LORD. 6 And he passed in front of Moses, proclaiming, ‘The LORD, the LORD, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness, 7 maintaining love to thousands, and forgiving wickedness, rebellion and sin. Yet he does not leave the guilty unpunished; he punishes the children and their children for the sin of the parents to the third and fourth generation.’” Ex 34:4-7

Jer 31:31-34; Heb 8:10-12 1. I will write my laws in their minds/hearts Sanctification – Dt 30:6, 11-14/Rom 10:6-8; Ps 37:30; 40:8; Isa 51:7 2. I will be their God; they will be my people Reconciliation – Lev 26:12 3. Everyone will know me; no one need teach people to know me Revelation/Mission – Ex 19:5-6/Gen 28:14; Ps 67:1-2 4. I will forgive their sins Justification– Ex 34:4-7 Gospel Heb 4:2 Grace-based Ex 34:7 Gospel-bearing Mission-intended Faith-inducing

“And he passed in front of Moses, proclaiming, “The LORD, the LORD, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness…” Ex 34:6-7

Jer 31:31-34; Heb 8:10-12 1. I will write my laws in their minds/hearts Sanctification – Dt 30:6, 11-14/Rom 10:6-8; Ps 37:30; 40:8; Isa 51:7 2. I will be their God; they will be my people Reconciliation – Lev 26:12 3. Everyone will know me; no one need teach people to know me Revelation/Mission – Ex 19:5-6/Gen 28:14; Ps 67:1-2 4. I will forgive their sins Justification– Ex 34:4-7 Gospel Heb 4:2 Grace-based Ex 34:7 Gospel-bearing Heb 4:2 Mission-intended Faith-inducing

“For we also have had the good news [Gospel] proclaimed to us, just as they did; but the message they heard was of no value to them, because they did not share the faith of those who obeyed.” Heb 4:2

Jer 31:31-34; Heb 8:10-12 1. I will write my laws in their minds/hearts Sanctification – Dt 30:6, 11-14/Rom 10:6-8; Ps 37:30; 40:8; Isa 51:7 2. I will be their God; they will be my people Reconciliation – Lev 26:12 3. Everyone will know me; no one need teach people to know me Revelation/Mission – Ex 19:5-6/Gen 28:14; Ps 67:1-2 4. I will forgive their sins Justification– Ex 34:4-7 Gospel Heb 4:2 Grace-based Ex 34:7 Gospel-bearing Heb 4:2 Mission-intended Ex 19:5-6; Ps 67:1-2 Faith-inducing

Nw Covenant DNA at Sinai
“‘Now if you obey me fully and keep my covenant, then out of all nations you will be my treasured possession. Although the whole earth is mine, 6 you will be for me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.’ These are the words you are to speak to the Israelites.” Ex 19:5-6 “May God be gracious to us and bless us and make his face shine on us—2 so that your ways may be known on earth, your salvation among all nations.” Ps 67:1-2

Jer 31:31-34; Heb 8:10-12 1. I will write my laws in their minds/hearts Sanctification – Dt 30:6, 11-14/Rom 10:6-8; Ps 37:30; 40:8; Isa 51:7 2. I will be their God; they will be my people Reconciliation – Lev 26:12 3. Everyone will know me; no one need teach people to know me Revelation/Mission – Ex 19:5-6/Gen 28:14; Ps 67:1-2 4. I will forgive their sins Justification– Ex 34:4-7 Gospel Heb 4:2 Grace-based Ex 34:7 Gospel-bearing Heb 4:2 Mission-intended Ex 19:5-6; Ps 67:1-2 Faith-inducing Mt 23:23

“Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You give a tenth of your spices—mint, dill and cumin. But you have neglected the more important matters of the law—justice, mercy and faithfulness [faith – Gk., pistin]. You should have practiced the latter, without neglecting the former.” Mt 23:23

How the Covenants Differed
If new covenant DNA was embedded in all God’s covenants, including and especially at Sinai, then why did God say the new covenant “will not be like the covenant I made with their forefathers when I took them by the hand to lead them of Egypt” (Jer 31:32; Heb 8:9)?

1. God anticipated a different response – Heb 8:7-9

How the Covenants Differed God anticipated a different response
“For if there had been nothing wrong with that first covenant, no place would have been sought for another. 8 But God found fault with the people and said: ‘The days are coming, declares the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the people of Israel and with the people of Judah. 9 It will not be like the covenant I made with their ancestors when I took them by the hand to lead them out of Egypt, because they did not remain faithful to my covenant, and I turned away from them, declares the Lord.’” Heb 8:7-9

1. God anticipated a different response – Heb 8:7-9; Mt 21:33-39

“Listen to another parable: There was a landowner who planted a vineyard. He put a wall around it, dug a winepress in it and built a watchtower. Then he rented the vineyard to some farmers and moved to another place. 34 When the harvest time approached, he sent his servants to the tenants to collect his fruit. 35 The tenants seized his servants; they beat one, killed another, and stoned a third. 36 Then he sent other servants to them, more than the first time, and the tenants treated them the same way.

“37 Last of all, he sent his son to them. ‘They will respect my son,’ he said. 38 But when the tenants saw the son, they said to each other, ‘This is the heir. Come, let’s kill him and take his inheritance.’ 39 So they took him and threw him out of the vineyard and killed him.” Mt 21:33-39

1. God anticipated a different response – Heb 8:7-9; Mt 21:33-39

1. God anticipated a different response – Heb 8:7-9; Mt 21:33-39 2. Like the new commandment which wasn’t new – 1 Jn 2:7-8; 2 Jn 5:6

How the Covenants Differed Like the new commandment which wasn’t new
“Dear friends, I am not writing you a new command but an old one, which you have had since the beginning. This old command is the message you have heard. 8 Yet I am writing you a new command; its truth is seen in him and in you, because the darkness is passing and the true light is already shining.” Jn 2:7-8

How the Covenants Differed Like the new commandment which wasn’t new
“Dear friends, I am not writing you a new command but an old one, which you have had since the beginning. This old command is the message you have heard. 8 Yet I am writing you a new command; its truth is seen in him and in you, because the darkness is passing and the true light is already shining.” 1 Jn 2:7-8 “And now, dear lady, I am not writing you a new command but one we have had from the beginning. I ask that we love one another.” 2 Jn 5-6

1. God anticipated a different response – Heb 8:7-9; Mt 21:33-39 2. Like the new commandment which wasn’t new – 1 Jn 2:7-8; 2 Jn 5:6

1. God anticipated a different response – Heb 8:7-9; Mt 21:33-39 2. Like the new commandment which wasn’t new – 1 Jn 2:7-8; 2 Jn 5:6 3. Ceremonies changed Circumcision Baptism Animal sacrifices Lord’s Supper

1. God anticipated a different response – Heb 8:7-9; Mt 21:33-39 2. Like the new commandment which wasn’t new – 1 Jn 2:7-8; 2 Jn 5:6 3. Ceremonies changed Circumcision Baptism Animal sacrifices Lord’s Supper 4. Jesus came in the middle

How the Covenants Differed Jesus came in the middle
“God is love is written upon every opening bud, upon every spire of springing grass. The lovely birds making the air vocal with their happy songs, the delicately tinted flowers in their perfection perfuming the air, the lofty trees of the forest with their rich foliage of living green—all testify to the tender, fatherly care of God and to His desire to make His children happy.” SC 10

Session 1 Review

Why this study is important for Seventh-day Adventists
The Old and New Covenants Why this study is important for Seventh-day Adventists

Perfect, holy, just, righteous, spiritual Written in the heart Ordained to life Established by faith Truth Converts the soul Liberty/freedom Fulfilled in the life of Spirit-filled believers, kept by God’s saints The power of sin Written on stone A letter that kills Not based on faith Veils the truth A curse Slavery/bondage Must die to in order to have a relationship with Jesus

Abrahamic Covenant Sinai Covenant “Old Covenant” New Covenant Promise/Faith Gen 15:6, 18 Law/Obedience Deut 4:12-13 5:2-3 Promise/Faith Grace/Love Heb 8:7-9, 13 (Right column texts) (Left column texts) Evangelical Model of the Covenants Especially the Old and New Covenants

New Covenant Many believe that the new covenant is different in kind from the one at Sinai in that it returns to a faith-and-grace-based experience, rather than a law-based one. It releases it’s adherents from bondage to the old law covenant of Ten Commandments, and sets them free to live in the glorious liberty of life in the Spirit.

Abrahamic Covenant Sinai Covenant New Covenant Promise/Faith Gen 15:6, 18 Law/Obedience Deut 4:12-13 5:2-3 Promise/Faith Grace/Love Holy Spirit Heb 8:7-9, 13 Galatians 1: One Gospel Hebrews 4: Same Gospel in OT and NT Revelation 14: Everlasting Gospel to all

Legal Gal 3:15; Heb 7:22; 9:15-18 2. Servant/Slave – Master Jer 31:3; Rom 1:1; Phil 2:5-7 3. Parent – Child Jer 31:9,20; Mt 6:6; 7:9-11; 1 Jn 3:1 4. Marriage Isa 54:5-10; Jer 31:31-32; Ezek 16:1-9, 32; Eph 5:32

I will write my laws in their minds/hearts Sanctification 2. I will be their God; they will be my people Reconciliation 3. Everyone will know me; no one need teach people to know me Revelation/Mission 4. I will forgive their sins Justification

1. God anticipated a different response – Heb 8:7-9; Mt 21:33-39 2. Like the new commandment which wasn’t new – 1 Jn 2:7-8; 2 Jn 5:6 3. Ceremonies changed Circumcision Baptism Animal sacrifices Lord’s Supper 4. Jesus came in the middle

Session 2

Abrahamic Covenant Sinai Covenant “Old Covenant” New Covenant Promise/Faith Gen 15:6, 18 Law/Obedience Deut 4:12-13 5:2-3 Promise/Faith Grace/Love Holy Spirit Heb 8:7-9, 13 Evangelical Model of the Covenants Especially the Old and New Covenants Inadequate to harmonize all the data Needs a replacement model

The Everlasting Covenant
Covenant of Redemption God’s Universal Gift to Humanity (Everlasting Gospel Bridge from Paradise Lost to Paradise Restored) Eternal Life Eternity Past God’s Historical Old Covenant (Everlasting Gospel - OT Era) Gospel In Symbols God’s Historical New Covenant (Everlasting Gospel - NT Era) JESUS Israel David Abraham Noah Post-Fall Adam Creation

Abrahamic Covenant New Covenant
Sinai Covenant “Old Covenant” New Covenant Promise/Faith Gen 15:6, 18 Law/Obedience Deut 4:12-13 5:2-3 Promise/Faith Grace/Love Holy Spirit Heb 8:7-9, 13

Galatians 1:6-9 One Gospel Hebrews 4:2 Same Gospel in OT and NT
Abrahamic Covenant Sinai Covenant “Old Covenant” New Covenant Promise/Faith Gen 15:6, 18 Law/Obedience Deut 4:12-13 5:2-3 Promise/Faith Grace/Love Holy Spirit Heb 8:7-9, 13 Galatians 1: One Gospel Hebrews 4: Same Gospel in OT and NT Revelation 14: Everlasting Gospel to all

Covenant of Redemption God’s Universal Gift to Humanity (Everlasting Gospel Bridge from Paradise Lost to Paradise Restored) Eternal Life Eternity Past God’s Historical Old Covenant (Everlasting Gospel - OT Era) Gospel In Symbols God’s Historical New Covenant (Everlasting Gospel - NT Era) JESUS Israel David Abraham Noah Humanity’s Response to God’s Gift (faith or disbelief) Post-Fall Adam Creation Sinful-Nature-Generated Old Covenant Experience – Gospel Perverted and Externalized Holy-Spirit-Generated New Covenant Experience – Gospel Accepted and Internalized

“For if there had been nothing wrong with that first covenant, no place would have been sought for another. 8 But God found fault with the people and said: ‘The days are coming, declares the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the people of Israel and with the people of Judah. 9 It will not be like the covenant I made with their ancestors when I took them by the hand to lead them out of Egypt, because they did not remain faithful to my covenant, and I turned away from them, declares the Lord.’” Heb 8:7-9

(Hebrews 8:7-9) The Everlasting Covenant Above the line
Covenant of Redemption God’s Universal Gift to Humanity (Everlasting Gospel Bridge from Paradise Lost to Paradise Restored) Eternal Life Eternity Past Above the line Historical Orientation God’s Historical Old Covenant (Everlasting Gospel - OT Era) Gospel In Symbols God’s Historical New Covenant (Everlasting Gospel - NT Era) JESUS Israel David Abraham Noah Humanity’s Response to God’s Gift (faith or disbelief) Post-Fall Adam Below the line Experiential Orientation Below the line Experiential Orientation Creation Sinful-Nature-Generated Old Covenant Experience – Gospel Perverted and Externalized “They did not remain faithful” Holy-Spirit-Generated New Covenant Experience – Gospel Accepted and Internalized Different response anticipated (Hebrews 8:7-9)

Galatians 4:21 – 5:1

Galatians 4:21 – 5:1 “Tell me, you who want to be under the law, are you not aware of what the law says? 22 For it is written that Abraham had two sons, one by the slave woman and the other by the free woman. 23 His son by the slave woman was born according to the flesh, but his son by the free woman was born as the result of a divine promise. 24 These things are being taken figuratively: The women represent two covenants.

Two Covenants Galatians 4:21 – 5:1
“Tell me, you who want to be under the law, are you not aware of what the law says? 22 For it is written that Abraham had two sons, one by the slave woman and the other by the free woman. 23 His son by the slave woman was born according to the flesh, but his son by the free woman was born as the result of a divine promise. 24 These things are being taken figuratively: The women represent two covenants.

Two Covenants Galatians 4:21 – 5:1 Old Covenant/New Covenant
“Tell me, you who want to be under the law, are you not aware of what the law says? 22 For it is written that Abraham had two sons, one by the slave woman and the other by the free woman. 23 His son by the slave woman was born according to the flesh, but his son by the free woman was born as the result of a divine promise. 24 These things are being taken figuratively: The women represent two covenants.

25 Now Hagar stands for Mount Sinai in Arabia and corresponds to the present city of Jerusalem, because she is in slavery with her children. 26 But the Jerusalem that is above is free, and she is our mother Now you, brothers and sisters, like Isaac, are children of promise. 29 At that time the son born according to the flesh persecuted the son born by the power of the Spirit. It is the same now.

30 But what does Scripture say? ‘Get rid of the slave woman and her son, for the slave woman’s son will never share in the inheritance with the free woman’s son.’ 31 Therefore, brothers and sisters, we are not children of the slave woman, but of the free woman. 5:1 It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.”

Should this passage be understood and interpreted Historically or Experientially?

Should this passage be understood and interpreted Historically or Experientially? Did the Paul intend for it to be interpreted and applied Above the Line or Below the Line?

(Galatians 4:21 – 5:1) The Everlasting Covenant Above the line
Covenant of Redemption God’s Universal Gift to Humanity (Everlasting Gospel Bridge from Paradise Lost to Paradise Restored) Eternal Life Eternity Past Above the line Historical Orientation? God’s Historical Old Covenant (Everlasting Gospel - OT Era) Gospel In Symbols God’s Historical New Covenant (Everlasting Gospel - NT Era) JESUS Israel David Abraham Noah Humanity’s Response to God’s Gift (faith or disbelief) Post-Fall Adam Creation Sinful-Nature-Generated Old Covenant Experience – Gospel Perverted and Externalized Holy-Spirit-Generated New Covenant Experience – Gospel Accepted and Internalized (Galatians 4:21 – 5:1)

(Galatians 4:21 – 5:1) The Everlasting Covenant JESUS Below the line
Covenant of Redemption God’s Universal Gift to Humanity (Everlasting Gospel Bridge from Paradise Lost to Paradise Restored) Eternal Life Eternity Past God’s Historical Old Covenant (Everlasting Gospel - OT Era) Gospel In Symbols God’s Historical New Covenant (Everlasting Gospel - NT Era) JESUS Israel David Abraham Noah Humanity’s Response to God’s Gift (faith or disbelief) Post-Fall Adam Below the line Experiential Orientation? Creation Sinful-Nature-Generated Old Covenant Experience – Gospel Perverted and Externalized Holy-Spirit-Generated New Covenant Experience – Gospel Accepted and Internalized (Galatians 4:21 – 5:1)

Should this passage be understood and interpreted Historically or Experientially? Did the Paul intend for it to be interpreted and applied Above the Line or Below the Line? And, What difference does it make?

Old Covenant/New Covenant

Old Covenant/New Covenant “Tell me, you who want to be under the law, are you not aware of what the law says? 22 For it is written that Abraham had two sons, one by the slave woman and the other by the free woman. 23 His son by the slave woman was born according to the flesh, but his son by the free woman was born as the result of a divine promise. 24 These things are being taken figuratively: The women represent two covenants.

Old Covenant/New Covenant Abraham’s son “by the slave woman” (4:22) Abraham’s son “by the free woman” (4:22)

Old Covenant/New Covenant “Tell me, you who want to be under the law, are you not aware of what the law says? 22 For it is written that Abraham had two sons, one by the slave woman and the other by the free woman. 23 His son by the slave woman was born according to the flesh, but his son by the free woman was born as the result of a divine promise. 24 These things are being taken figuratively: The women represent two covenants.

Old Covenant/New Covenant Abraham’s son “by the slave woman” (4:22) Abraham’s son “by the free woman” (4:22) “Born according to the flesh” (4:23) “Born as result of divine promise” (4:23)

Old Covenant/New Covenant 25 Now Hagar stands for Mount Sinai in Arabia and corresponds to the present city of Jerusalem, because she is in slavery with her children. 26 But the Jerusalem that is above is free, and she is our mother Now you, brothers and sisters, like Isaac, are children of promise. 29 At that time the son born according to the flesh persecuted the son born by the power of the Spirit. It is the same now.

Old Covenant/New Covenant Abraham’s son “by the slave woman” (4:22) Abraham’s son “by the free woman” (4:22) “Born according to the flesh” (4:23, 30) “Born as result of promise” (4:23, 30) “Hagar… Mount Sinai… present Jerusalem… slavery” (4:25) “Jerusalem above” is “our mother”… “free” (4:26)

Old Covenant/New Covenant Abraham’s son “by the slave woman” (4:22) Abraham’s son “by the free woman” (4:22) “Born according to the flesh” (4:23, 30) “Born as result of promise,” “born according to the Spirit” (4:23, 30) “Hagar… Mount Sinai… present Jerusalem… slavery” (4:25) “Jerusalem above” is “our mother”… “free” (4:26)

Old Covenant/New Covenant Abraham’s son “by the slave woman” (4:22) Abraham’s son “by the free woman” (4:22) “Born according to the flesh” (4:23, 30) “Born as result of promise,” “born according to the Spirit” (4:23, 30) “Hagar… Mount Sinai… present Jerusalem… slavery” (4:25) “Jerusalem above” is “our mother”… “free” (4:26) “persecuted” the free son (4:29) “Persecuted” by the slave son (4:29)

Old Covenant/New Covenant 30 But what does Scripture say? ‘Get rid of the slave woman and her son, for the slave woman’s son will never share in the inheritance with the free woman’s son.’ 31 Therefore, brothers and sisters, we are not children of the slave woman, but of the free woman. 5:1 It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.”

Old Covenant/New Covenant 30 But what does Scripture say? ‘Get rid of the slave woman and her son, for the slave woman’s son will never share in the inheritance with the free woman’s son.’ 31 Therefore, brothers and sisters, we are not children of the slave woman, but of the free woman. 5:1 It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.

Old Covenant/New Covenant Abraham’s son “by the slave woman” (4:22) Abraham’s son “by the free woman” (4:22) “Born according to the flesh” (4:23, 30) “Born as result of promise,” “born according to the Spirit” (4:23, 30) “Hagar… Mount Sinai… present Jerusalem… slavery” (4:25) “Jerusalem above” is “our mother”… “free” (4:26) “persecuted” the free son (4:29) “Persecuted” by the slave son (4:29) “slave will never share in the inheritance” (4:30) [“free woman’s son” shares in the inheritance] (4:30)

Old Covenant/New Covenant 30 But what does Scripture say? ‘Get rid of the slave woman and her son, for the slave woman’s son will never share in the inheritance with the free woman’s son.’ 31 Therefore, brothers and sisters, we are not children of the slave woman, but of the free woman. 5:1 It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.

Old Covenant/New Covenant Abraham’s son “by the slave woman” (4:22) Abraham’s son “by the free woman” (4:22) “Born according to the flesh” (4:23, 30) “Born as result of promise,” “born according to the Spirit” (4:23, 30) “Hagar… Mount Sinai… present Jerusalem… slavery” (4:25) “Jerusalem above” is “our mother”… “free” (4:26) “persecuted” the free son (4:29) “Persecuted” by the slave son (4:29) “slave will never share in the inheritance” (4:30) [“free woman’s son” shares in the inheritance] (4:30) “Burdened. . . By a yoke of slavery” (5:1) “Freedom… Christ has set us free” (5:1)

Covenant of Redemption God’s Universal Gift to Humanity (Everlasting Gospel Bridge from Paradise Lost to Paradise Restored) Eternal Life Eternity Past Above the line Historical Orientation? God’s Historical Old Covenant (Everlasting Gospel - OT Era) Gospel In Symbols God’s Historical New Covenant (Everlasting Gospel - NT Era) JESUS Israel David Abraham Noah Humanity’s Response to God’s Gift (faith or disbelief) Post-Fall Adam Creation Sinful-Nature-Generated Old Covenant Experience – Gospel Perverted and Externalized Holy-Spirit-Generated New Covenant Experience – Gospel Accepted and Internalized (Galatians 4:21 – 5:1)

Old Covenant/New Covenant Gal 4:21-5:1
What in this list would appear to support the Evangelical Model of the covenants? Old Covenant/New Covenant Gal 4:21-5:1 Abraham’s son “by the slave woman” (4:22) Abraham’s son “by the free woman” (4:22) “Born according to the flesh” (4:23, 30) “Born as result of promise,” “born according to the Spirit” (4:23, 30) “Hagar… Mount Sinai… present Jerusalem… slavery” (4:25) “Jerusalem above” is “our mother”… “free” (4:26) “persecuted” the free son (4:29) “Persecuted” by the slave son (4:29) “slave will never share in the inheritance” (4:30) [“free woman’s son” shares in the inheritance] (4:30) “Burdened. . . By a yoke of slavery” (5:1) “Freedom… Christ has set us free” (5:1)

Sinai Covenant “Old Covenant” “Mount Sinai Present Jerusalem”
Abrahamic Covenant Sinai Covenant “Old Covenant” New Covenant Promise/Faith Gen 15:6, 18 Law/Obedience Deut 4:12-13 5:2-3 Promise/Faith Grace/Love Holy Spirit Heb 8:7-9, 13 “Mount Sinai Present Jerusalem” “Jerusalem above” Evangelical Model of the Covenants Especially the Old and New Covenants

What historical reference in this list raises does not match the Evangelical Model? Old Covenant/New Covenant Gal 4:21-5:1 Abraham’s son “by the slave woman” (4:22) Abraham’s son “by the free woman” (4:22) “Born according to the flesh” (4:23, 30) “Born as result of promise,” “born according to the Spirit” (4:23, 30) “Hagar… Mount Sinai… present Jerusalem… slavery” (4:25) “Jerusalem above” is “our mother”… “free” (4:26) “persecuted” the free son (4:29) “Persecuted” by the slave son (4:29) “slave will never share in the inheritance” (4:30) [“free woman’s son” shares in the inheritance] (4:30) “Burdened. . . By a yoke of slavery” (5:1) “Freedom… Christ has set us free” (5:1)

Sinai Covenant “Old Covenant” “Abraham/Hagar/Ismael”
Abrahamic Covenant Sinai Covenant “Old Covenant” New Covenant Promise/Faith Gen 15:6, 18 Law/Obedience Deut 4:12-13 5:2-3 Promise/Faith Grace/Love Heb 8:7-9, 13 “Abraham/Hagar/Ismael” “Abraham/Sarah” Evangelical Model of the Covenants Especially the Old and New Covenants An inadequate model to harmonize all the data in Galatians 4:21 – 5:1

Galatians 4:21 – 5:1 “Tell me, you who want to be under the law, are you not aware of what the law says? 22 For it is written that Abraham had two sons, one by the slave woman and the other by the free woman. 23 His son by the slave woman was born according to the flesh, but his son by the free woman was born as the result of a divine promise. 24 These things are being taken figuratively: The women represent two covenants. 25 Now Hagar stands for Mount Sinai in Arabia and corresponds to the present city of Jerusalem, because she is in slavery with her children.”

Galatians 4:21 – 5:1 “Tell me, you who want to be under the law, are you not aware of what the law says? 22 For it is written that Abraham had two sons, one by the slave woman and the other by the free woman. 23 His son by the slave woman was born according to the flesh, but his son by the free woman was born as the result of a divine promise. 24 These things are being taken figuratively: The women represent two covenants. 25 Now Hagar stands for Mount Sinai in Arabia and corresponds to the present city of Jerusalem, because she is in slavery with her children.” [Abraham, slave woman (Hagar), free woman, Mount Sinai are all figurative illustrations of experiential, not historical covenant issues.]

Covenant of Redemption God’s Universal Gift to Humanity (Everlasting Gospel Bridge from Paradise Lost to Paradise Restored) Eternal Life Eternity Past Above the line Historical Orientation God’s Historical Old Covenant (Everlasting Gospel - OT Era) Gospel In Symbols God’s Historical New Covenant (Everlasting Gospel - NT Era) JESUS Israel David Abraham Noah Humanity’s Response to God’s Gift (faith or disbelief) Post-Fall Adam Below the line Experiential Orientation Creation Sinful-Nature-Generated Old Covenant Experience – Gospel Perverted and Externalized Holy-Spirit-Generated New Covenant Experience – Gospel Accepted and Internalized (Galatians 4:21 – 5:1)

“The Flesh” Vs. “The Spirit”

“The Flesh vs. The Spirit”
“Jesus answered, ‘Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit. 6 Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit.’” Jn 3:5-6

“The Flesh” Vs. “The Spirit” “Flesh gives birth to flesh” John 3:6
“Spirit gives birth to Spirit”

“The righteous requirement of the law might be fully met in us, who do not live according to the flesh but according to the Spirit. 5 Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. 6 The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace. 7 The mind governed by the flesh is hostile to God; it does not submit to God’s law, nor can it do so Rom 8:4-7

“Spirit gives birth to Spirit” Can’t fulfill Law’s requirements Rom 8:4 Fulfills the Law’s requirements

“Spirit gives birth to Spirit” Can’t fulfill Law’s requirements Rom 8:4 Fulfills the Law’s requirements Mind set on what flesh desires Rom 8:5 Mind set on what the Spirit desires

“Spirit gives birth to Spirit” Can’t fulfill Law’s requirements Rom 8:4 Fulfills the Law’s requirements Mind set on what flesh desires Rom 8:5 Mind set on what the Spirit desires “Death” Rom 8:6 “Life and peace”

“Spirit gives birth to Spirit” Can’t fulfill Law’s requirements Rom 8:4 Fulfills the Law’s requirements Mind set on what flesh desires Rom 8:5 Mind set on what the Spirit desires “Death” Rom 8:6 “Life and peace” “Hostile to God”; “Cannot submit to God’s law” Rom 8:7 [Love God; “submit to God’s law”]

“8 Those who are in the realm of the flesh cannot please God. 9 You, however, are not in the realm of the flesh but are in the realm of the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God lives in you. And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, they do not belong to Christ…. 13 For if you live according to the flesh, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live. 14 For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God.” Rom 8:8-14

“Spirit gives birth to Spirit” Can’t fulfill Law’s requirements Rom 8:4 Fulfills the Law’s requirements Mind set on what flesh desires Rom 8:5 Mind set on what the Spirit desires “Death” Rom 8:6 “Life and peace” “Hostile to God”; “Cannot submit to God’s law” Rom 8:7 [Love God; “submit to God’s law”] “Cannot please God” Rom 8:8 [Can “please God”]

“Spirit gives birth to Spirit” Can’t fulfill Law’s requirements Rom 8:4 Fulfills the Law’s requirements Mind set on what flesh desires Rom 8:5 Mind set on what the Spirit desires “Death” Rom 8:6 “Life and peace” “Hostile to God”; “Cannot submit to God’s law” Rom 8:7 [Love God; “submit to God’s law”] “Cannot please God” Rom 8:8 [Can “please God”] “Does not belong to Christ” Rom 8:9, 14 [“Does… belong to Christ”]

“Spirit gives birth to Spirit” Can’t fulfill Law’s requirements Rom 8:4 Fulfills the Law’s requirements Mind set on what flesh desires Rom 8:5 Mind set on what the Spirit desires “Death”; “will die” Rom 8:6, 13 “Life and peace”; “will live” “Hostile to God”; “Cannot submit to God’s law” Rom 8:7 [Love God; “submit to God’s law”] “Cannot please God” Rom 8:8 [Can “please God”] “Does not belong to Christ” Rom 8:9, 14 [“Does… belong to Christ”]

“Spirit gives birth to Spirit” Can’t fulfill Law’s requirements Rom 8:4 Fulfills the Law’s requirements Mind set on what flesh desires Rom 8:5 Mind set on what the Spirit desires “Death”; “will die” Rom 8:6, 13 “Life and peace”; “will live” “Hostile to God”; “Cannot submit to God’s law” Rom 8:7 [Love God; “submit to God’s law”] “Cannot please God” Rom 8:8 [Can “please God”] “Does not belong to Christ” Rom 8:9, 14 “Does… belong to Christ” “Children of God”

“The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; 20 idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions 21 and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God. 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. 24 Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.” Gal 5:19-25

“Spirit gives birth to Spirit” Can’t fulfill Law’s requirements Rom 8:4 Fulfills the Law’s requirements Mind set on what flesh desires Rom 8:5 Mind set on what the Spirit desires “Death”; “will die” Rom 8:6, 13 “Life and peace”; “will live” “Hostile to God”; “Cannot submit to God’s law” Rom 8:7 [Love God; “submit to God’s law”] “Cannot please God” Rom 8:8 [Can “please God”] “Does not belong to Christ” Rom 8:9, 14 “Does… belong to Christ” “Children of God” Unrighteous works Gal 5:19-24 Righteous fruit

“The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; 20 idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions 21 and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God. 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. 24 Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.” Gal 5:19-25

“Spirit gives birth to Spirit” Can’t fulfill Law’s requirements Rom 8:4 Fulfills the Law’s requirements Mind set on what flesh desires Rom 8:5 Mind set on what the Spirit desires “Death”; “will die” Rom 8:6, 13 “Life and peace”; “will live” “Hostile to God”; “Cannot submit to God’s law” Rom 8:7 [Love God; “submit to God’s law”] “Cannot please God” Rom 8:8 [Can “please God”] “Does not belong to Christ” Rom 8:9, 14 “Does… belong to Christ” “Children of God” Unrighteous works; “Won’t inherit kingdom of God” Gal 5:19-24 Righteous fruit “inherit kingdom of God”

“If someone else thinks they have reasons to put confidence in the flesh, I have more: 5 circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; in regard to the law, a Pharisee; 6 as for zeal, persecuting the church; as for righteousness based on the law, faultless.” Phil 3:4-6

Legalistic Righteousness
Sin = Separation from Jesus John 16:7-9 Results in the “works of the flesh” Unrighteous Acts Legalistic Righteousness Gal 5:19-24 Phil 3:4-10 “acts of the flesh… impurity,, idolatry, etc.” “... as for righteousness based on the law, faultless”

“Spirit gives birth to Spirit” Can’t fulfill Law’s requirements Rom 8:4 Fulfills the Law’s requirements Mind set on what flesh desires Rom 8:5 Mind set on what the Spirit desires “Death”; “will die” Rom 8:6, 13 “Life and peace”; “will live” “Hostile to God”; “Cannot submit to God’s law” Rom 8:7 [Love God; “submit to God’s law”] “Cannot please God” Rom 8:8 [Can “please God”] “Does not belong to Christ” Rom 8:9, 14 “Does… belong to Christ” “Children of God” Unrighteous works; “Won’t inherit kingdom of God” Gal 5:19-24 Righteous fruit “inherit kingdom of God” “Faultless” law righteousness Phil 3:4-10

“7 But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. 8 What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ 9 and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God on the basis of faith.” Phil 3:7-10

“Spirit gives birth to Spirit” Can’t fulfill Law’s requirements Rom 8:4 Fulfills the Law’s requirements Mind set on what flesh desires Rom 8:5 Mind set on what the Spirit desires “Death”; “will die” Rom 8:6, 13 “Life and peace”; “will live” “Hostile to God”; “Cannot submit to God’s law” Rom 8:7 [Love God; “submit to God’s law”] “Cannot please God” Rom 8:8 [Can “please God”] “Does not belong to Christ” Rom 8:9, 14 “Does… belong to Christ” “Children of God” Unrighteous works; “Won’t inherit kingdom of God” Gal 5:19-24 Righteous fruit “inherit kingdom of God” “Faultless” law righteousness Phil 3:4-10 “Righteousness from God by faith”

characteristics of the Flesh you would want To have operative in
“Flesh gives birth to flesh” John 3:6 Can’t fulfill Law’s requirements Rom 8:4 Are there any Mind set on what flesh desires Rom 8:5 characteristics of the “Death”; “will die” Rom 8:6, 13 Flesh you would want “Hostile to God”; “Cannot submit to God’s law” Rom 8:7 To have operative in “Cannot please God” Rom 8:8 Your life? “Does not belong to Christ” Rom 8:9, 14 Unrighteous works; “Won’t inherit kingdom of God” Gal 5:19-24 “Faultless” law righteousness Phil 3:4-10

characteristics of the Spirit you would not want to have
Vs. “The Spirit” John 3:6 “Spirit gives birth to Spirit” Are there any Rom 8:4 Fulfills the Law’s requirements characteristics of the Rom 8:5 Mind set on what the Spirit desires Spirit you would not Rom 8:6, 13 “Life and peace”; “will live” want to have Rom 8:7 [Love God; “submit to God’s law”] operative in your Rom 8:8 [Can “please God”] life? Rom 8:9, 14 “Does… belong to Christ” “Children of God” Gal 5:19-24 Righteous fruit “inherit kingdom of God” Phil 3:4-10 “Righteousness from God by faith”

Abrahamic Covenant Sinai Covenant “Old Covenant” New Covenant Promise/Faith Gen 15:6, 18 Law/Obedience Deut 4:12-13 5:2-3 Promise/Faith Grace/Love Heb 8:7-9, 13 “The Flesh”? The Spirit? Evangelical Model of the Covenants Especially the Old and New Covenants

Abrahamic Covenant Sinai Covenant “Old Covenant” New Covenant Promise/Faith Gen 15:6, 18 Law/Obedience Deut 4:12-13 5:2-3 Promise/Faith Grace/Love Heb 8:7-9, 13 “The Flesh”? The Spirit? Evangelical Model of the Covenants Especially the Old and New Covenants Inadequate to harmonize all the data Needs a replacement model

Covenant of Redemption God’s Universal Gift to Humanity (Everlasting Gospel Bridge from Paradise Lost to Paradise Restored) Eternal Life Eternity Past Above the line Historical Orientation Above the line Historical Orientation God’s Historical Old Covenant (Everlasting Gospel - OT Era) “The Flesh”? “The Spirit”? Gospel In Symbols God’s Historical New Covenant (Everlasting Gospel - NT Era) JESUS Israel David Abraham Noah Humanity’s Response to God’s Gift (faith or disbelief) Post-Fall Adam Below the line Experiential Orientation? Below the line Experiential Orientation? Creation Sinful-Nature-Generated Old Covenant Experience – Gospel Perverted and Externalized “The flesh” Holy-Spirit-Generated New Covenant Experience – Gospel Accepted and Internalized “The Spirit” (Galatians 4:21 – 5:1)

Old Covenant/New Covenant 30 “But what does Scripture say? ‘Get rid of the slave woman and her son, for the slave woman’s son will never share in the inheritance with the free woman’s son.’”

“Heir,” “inherit,” “Inheritor,” Inheritance” (Greek root: Kleronomeo)

“Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.” Mt 5:5

“Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.” Mt 5:5 “Everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or fields for my sake will receive a hundred times as much and will inherit eternal life.” Mt 19:29

“Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.” Mt 5:5 “Everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or fields for my sake will receive a hundred times as much and will inherit eternal life.” Mt 19:29 “Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world.” Mt 25:34

“At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another. 4 But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, 5 he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, 6 whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, 7 so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life.” Titus 3:3-7

“Do you not know that wrongdoers will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor men who have sex with men 10 nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God.” Cor 6:9-10

“Do you not know that wrongdoers will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor men who have sex with men 10 nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God.” 1 Cor 6:9-10 “If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.” Gal 3:29

“Do you not know that wrongdoers will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor men who have sex with men 10 nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God.” 1 Cor 6:9-10 “If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.” Gal 3:29 “I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this [works of the flesh] will not inherit the kingdom of God.” Gal 5:21

“6 Because you are his sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, ‘Abba, Father.’ 7 So you are no longer a slave, but God’s child; and since you are his child, God has made you also an heir.” Gal 4:6-7

Sinai Covenant “Old Covenant” “Never share in the Inheritance”?
Abrahamic Covenant Sinai Covenant “Old Covenant” New Covenant Promise/Faith Gen 15:6, 18 Law/Obedience Deut 4:12-13 5:2-3 Promise/Faith Grace/Love Holy Spirit Heb 8:7-9, 13 “Never share in the Inheritance”? Evangelical Model of the Covenants Especially the Old and New Covenants

Sinai Covenant “Old Covenant” “Never share in the Inheritance”?
Abrahamic Covenant Sinai Covenant “Old Covenant” New Covenant Promise/Faith Gen 15:6, 18 Law/Obedience Deut 4:12-13 5:2-3 Promise/Faith Grace/Love Holy Spirit Heb 8:7-9, 13 “Never share in the Inheritance”? Evangelical Model of the Covenants Especially the Old and New Covenants Inadequate to harmonize all the data Needs a replacement model

Covenant of Redemption God’s Universal Gift to Humanity (Everlasting Gospel Bridge from Paradise Lost to Paradise Restored) Eternal Life Eternity Past Above the line Historical Orientation Above the line Historical Orientation God’s Historical Old Covenant (Everlasting Gospel - OT Era) “No inheritance”? “Inherit the kingdom”? Gospel In Symbols God’s Historical New Covenant (Everlasting Gospel - NT Era) JESUS Israel David Abraham Noah Humanity’s Response to God’s Gift (faith or disbelief) Post-Fall Adam Below the line Experiential Orientation? Below the line Experiential Orientation? Creation Sinful-Nature-Generated Old Covenant Experience – Gospel Perverted and Externalized “No inheritance” Holy-Spirit-Generated New Covenant Experience – Gospel Accepted and Internalized “Inherit the kingdom” (Galatians 4:21 – 5:1)

Which of these two lists describe the believers listed in Hebrews 11?
Old Covenant/New Covenant Gal 4:21-5:1 Abraham’s son “by the slave woman” (4:22) Abraham’s son “by the free woman” (4:22) “Born according to the flesh” (4:23, 30) “Born as result of promise,” “born according to the Spirit” (4:23, 30) “Hagar… Mount Sinai… present Jerusalem… slavery” (4:25) “Jerusalem above” is “our mother”… “free” (4:26) “persecuted” the free son (4:29) “Persecuted” by the slave son (4:29) “slave will never share in the inheritance” (4:30) [“free woman’s son” shares in the inheritance] (4:30) “Burdened. . . By a yoke of slavery” (5:1) “Freedom… Christ has set us free” (5:1)

(Hebrews 11 believers – Old Testament/New Covenant)
The Everlasting Covenant Covenant of Redemption God’s Universal Gift to Humanity (Everlasting Gospel Bridge from Paradise Lost to Paradise Restored) Eternal Life Eternity Past God’s Historical Old Covenant (Everlasting Gospel - OT Era) Gospel In Symbols God’s Historical New Covenant (Everlasting Gospel - NT Era) JESUS Israel David Abraham Noah Humanity’s Response to God’s Gift (faith or disbelief) Post-Fall Adam Below the line Experiential issues Creation Sinful-Nature-Generated Old Covenant Experience – Gospel Perverted and Externalized Holy-Spirit-Generated New Covenant Experience – Gospel Accepted and Internalized (Hebrews 11 believers – Old Testament/New Covenant)

Session 3 Review of 2

Covenant of Redemption God’s Universal Gift to Humanity (Everlasting Gospel Bridge from Paradise Lost to Paradise Restored) Eternal Life Eternity Past Above the line Historical Orientation God’s Historical Old Covenant (Everlasting Gospel - OT Era) Gospel In Symbols God’s Historical New Covenant (Everlasting Gospel - NT Era) JESUS Israel David Abraham Noah Humanity’s Response to God’s Gift (faith or disbelief) Post-Fall Adam Below the line Experiential Orientation Creation Sinful-Nature-Generated Old Covenant Experience – Gospel Perverted and Externalized Holy-Spirit-Generated New Covenant Experience – Gospel Accepted and Internalized

Old Covenant/New Covenant

What in this list would appear to support the Evangelical Model of the covenants? Old Covenant/New Covenant Gal 4:21-5:1 Abraham’s son “by the slave woman” (4:22) Abraham’s son “by the free woman” (4:22) “Born according to the flesh” (4:23, 30) “Born as result of promise,” “born according to the Spirit” (4:23, 30) “Hagar… Mount Sinai… present Jerusalem… slavery” (4:25) “Jerusalem above” is “our mother”… “free” (4:26) “persecuted” the free son (4:29) “Persecuted” by the slave son (4:29) “slave will never share in the inheritance” (4:30) [“free woman’s son” shares in the inheritance] (4:30) “Burdened. . . By a yoke of slavery” (5:1) “Freedom… Christ has set us free” (5:1)

What historical reference in this list does not match the Evangelical Model? Old Covenant/New Covenant Gal 4:21-5:1 Abraham’s son “by the slave woman” (4:22) Abraham’s son “by the free woman” (4:22) “Born according to the flesh” (4:23, 30) “Born as result of promise,” “born according to the Spirit” (4:23, 30) “Hagar… Mount Sinai… present Jerusalem… slavery” (4:25) “Jerusalem above” is “our mother”… “free” (4:26) “persecuted” the free son (4:29) “Persecuted” by the slave son (4:29) “slave will never share in the inheritance” (4:30) [“free woman’s son” shares in the inheritance] (4:30) “Burdened. . . By a yoke of slavery” (5:1) “Freedom… Christ has set us free” (5:1)

These biblical concepts reveal that an experiential covenant model is in view? Old Covenant/New Covenant Gal 4:21-5:1 Abraham’s son “by the slave woman” (4:22) Abraham’s son “by the free woman” (4:22) “Born according to the flesh” (4:23, 30) “Born as result of promise,” “born according to the Spirit” (4:23, 30) “Hagar… Mount Sinai… present Jerusalem… slavery” (4:25) “Jerusalem above” is “our mother”… “free” (4:26) “persecuted” the free son (4:29) “Persecuted” by the slave son (4:29) “slave will never share in the inheritance” (4:30) [“free woman’s son” shares in the inheritance] (4:30) “Burdened. . . By a yoke of slavery” (5:1) “Freedom… Christ has set us free” (5:1)

“Spirit gives birth to Spirit” Can’t fulfill Law’s requirements Rom 8:4 Fulfills the Law’s requirements Mind set on what flesh desires Rom 8:5 Mind set on what the Spirit desires “Death”; “will die” Rom 8:6, 13 “Life and peace”; “will live” “Hostile to God”; “Cannot submit to God’s law” Rom 8:7 [Love God; “submit to God’s law”] “Cannot please God” Rom 8:8 [Can “please God”] “Does not belong to Christ” Rom 8:9, 14 “Does… belong to Christ” “Children of God” Unrighteous works; “Won’t inherit kingdom of God” Gal 5:19-24 Righteous fruit “inherit kingdom of God” “Faultless” law righteousness Phil 3:4-10 “Righteousness from God by faith”

These biblical concepts reveal that an experiential covenant model is in view? Old Covenant/New Covenant Gal 4:21-5:1 Abraham’s son “by the slave woman” (4:22) Abraham’s son “by the free woman” (4:22) “Born according to the flesh” (4:23, 30) “Born as result of promise,” “born according to the Spirit” (4:23, 30) “Hagar… Mount Sinai… present Jerusalem… slavery” (4:25) “Jerusalem above” is “our mother”… “free” (4:26) “persecuted” the free son (4:29) “Persecuted” by the slave son (4:29) “slave will never share in the inheritance” (4:30) [“free woman’s son” shares in the inheritance] (4:30) “Burdened. . . By a yoke of slavery” (5:1) “Freedom… Christ has set us free” (5:1)

Abrahamic Covenant Sinai Covenant “Old Covenant” New Covenant Promise/Faith Gen 15:6, 18 Law/Obedience Deut 4:12-13 5:2-3 Promise/Faith Grace/Love Holy Spirit Heb 8:7-9, 13 Evangelical Model of the Covenants of the Old and New Covenants An inadequate model for the “two covenants” of Galatians 4

Covenant of Redemption God’s Universal Gift to Humanity (Everlasting Gospel Bridge from Paradise Lost to Paradise Restored) Eternal Life Eternity Past Above the line Historical Orientation God’s Historical Old Covenant (Everlasting Gospel - OT Era) Gospel In Symbols God’s Historical New Covenant (Everlasting Gospel - NT Era) JESUS Israel David Abraham Noah Humanity’s Response to God’s Gift (faith or disbelief) Post-Fall Adam Below the line Experiential Orientation Below the line Experiential Orientation Creation Sinful-Nature-Generated Old Covenant Experience – Gospel Perverted and Externalized Holy-Spirit-Generated New Covenant Experience – Gospel Accepted and Internalized

Which of these two lists describe the believers listed in Hebrews 11?
Old Covenant/New Covenant Gal 4:21-5:1 Abraham’s son “by the slave woman” (4:22) Abraham’s son “by the free woman” (4:22) “Born according to the flesh” (4:23, 30) “Born as result of promise,” “born according to the Spirit” (4:23, 30) “Hagar… Mount Sinai… present Jerusalem… slavery” (4:25) “Jerusalem above” is “our mother”… “free” (4:26) “persecuted” the free son (4:29) “Persecuted” by the slave son (4:29) “slave will never share in the inheritance” (4:30) [“free woman’s son” shares in the inheritance] (4:30) “Burdened. . . By a yoke of slavery” (5:1) “Freedom… Christ has set us free” (5:1)

The Everlasting Covenant Covenant of Redemption God’s Universal Gift to Humanity (Everlasting Gospel Bridge from Paradise Lost to Paradise Restored) Eternal Life Eternity Past God’s Historical Old Covenant (Everlasting Gospel - OT Era) Gospel In Symbols God’s Historical New Covenant (Everlasting Gospel - NT Era) JESUS Israel David Abraham Noah Humanity’s Response to God’s Gift (faith or disbelief) Post-Fall Adam Below the line Experiential issues Creation Sinful-Nature-Generated Old Covenant Experience – Gospel Perverted and Externalized Holy-Spirit-Generated New Covenant Experience – Gospel Accepted and Internalized (Hebrews 11 believers – Old Testament/New Covenant)

Session 3

2 Corinthians 3:3-18

2 Corinthians 3:3-18 “3 You show that you are a letter from Christ, the result of our ministry, written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts. 4 Such confidence we have through Christ before God. 5 Not that we are competent in ourselves to claim anything for ourselves, but our competence comes from God. 6 He has made us competent as ministers of a new covenant—not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.

2 Corinthians 3:3-18 “7 Now if the ministry that brought death, which was engraved in letters on stone, came with glory, so that the Israelites could not look steadily at the face of Moses because of its glory, transitory though it was, 8 will not the ministry of the Spirit be even more glorious? 9 If the ministry that brought condemnation was glorious, how much more glorious is the ministry that brings righteousness! 10 For what was glorious has no glory now in comparison with the surpassing glory. 11 And if what was transitory came with glory, how much greater is the glory of that which lasts!

2 Corinthians 3:3-18 “12 Therefore, since we have such a hope, we are very bold. 13 We are not like Moses, who would put a veil over his face to prevent the Israelites from seeing the end of what was passing away. 14 But their minds were made dull, for to this day the same veil remains when the old covenant is read. It has not been removed, because only in Christ is it taken away. 15 Even to this day when Moses is read, a veil covers their hearts. 16 But whenever anyone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away. 17 Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. 18 And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.”

Old Covenant/New Covenant
2 Corinthians 3:3-18 Old Covenant/New Covenant

2 Corinthians 3:3-18 “You show that you are a letter from Christ, the result of our ministry, written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts. 4 Such confidence we have through Christ before God. 5 Not that we are competent in ourselves to claim anything for ourselves, but our competence comes from God. 6 He has made us competent as ministers of a new covenant—not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.

2 Corinthians 3:3-18 Old Covenant/New Covenant “Written… with ink” (3:3) “Written…with Spirit of God” (3:3)

2 Corinthians 3:3-18 Old Covenant/New Covenant “Written… with ink” (3:3) “Written…with Spirit of God” (3:3) “On tablets of stone” (3:3) “On human hearts” (3:3)

2 Corinthians 3:3-18 Old Covenant/New Covenant “Written… with ink” (3:3) “Written…with Spirit of God” (3:3) “On tablets of stone” (3:3) “On human hearts” (3:3) “Of the letter” (3:6) “Of the Spirit” (3:6)

2 Corinthians 3:3-18 Old Covenant/New Covenant “Written… with ink” (3:3) “Written…with Spirit of God” (3:3) “On tablets of stone” (3:3) “On human hearts” (3:3) “Of the letter [that] kills” (3:6) “Of the Spirit [that] gives life” (3:6)

2 Corinthians 3:3-18 Old Covenant/New Covenant “Written… with ink” (3:3) “Written…with Spirit of God” (3:3, 8) “On tablets of stone” (3:3, 7) “On human hearts” (3:3) “The letter [that] kills” (3:6) “The Spirit [that] gives life” (3:6)

2 Corinthians 3:3-18 Old Covenant/New Covenant “Written… with ink” (3:3) “Written…with Spirit of God” (3:3, 8) “On tablets of stone” (3:3, 7) “On human hearts” (3:3) “The letter [that] kills” (3:6) “The Spirit [that] gives life” (3:6) Brings “condemnation”/“death” (3:7,9) “Brings righteousness” (3:9)

2 Corinthians 3:3-18 Old Covenant/New Covenant “Written… with ink” (3:3) “Written…with Spirit of God” (3:3, 8) “On tablets of stone” (3:3, 7) “On human hearts” (3:3) “The letter [that] kills” (3:6) “The Spirit [that] gives life” (3:6) Brings “condemnation”/“death” (3:7,9) “Brings righteousness” (3:9) “Moses… transitory… glory” ( 3:7-10) “Surpassing glory which lasts” (3:7-10)

2 Corinthians 3:3-18 Old Covenant/New Covenant “Written… with ink” (3:3) “Written…with Spirit of God” (3:3, 8) “On tablets of stone” (3:3, 7) “On human hearts” (3:3) “The letter [that] kills” (3:6) “The Spirit [that] gives life” (3:6) Brings “condemnation”/“death” (3:7,9) “Brings righteousness” (3:9) “Moses… transitory… glory” ( 3:7-10) “Surpassing glory which lasts” (3:7-10) “A veil covers their hearts”/“their minds are made dull” (3:14-15) “Turns to the Lord”/“Veil taken away”/“unveiled faces” (3:16, 18)

2 Corinthians 3:3-18 Old Covenant/New Covenant “Written… with ink” (3:3) “Written…with Spirit of God” (3:3, 8) “On tablets of stone” (3:3, 7) “On human hearts” (3:3) “The letter [that] kills” (3:6) “The Spirit [that] gives life… freedom” (3:6, 17) Brings “condemnation”/“death” (3:7,9) “Brings righteousness” (3:9) “Moses… transitory… glory” ( 3:7-10) “Surpassing glory which lasts” (3:7-10) “A veil covers their hearts”/“their minds are made dull” (3:14-15) “Turns to the Lord”/“Veil taken away”/ “unveiled faces”/ by the Spirit “transformed into his image” (3:16, 18)

Abrahamic Covenant Sinai Covenant “Old Covenant” New Covenant Promise/Faith Gen 15:6, 18 Law/Obedience Deut 4:12-13 5:2-3 Promise/Faith Grace/Love Heb 8:7-9, 13 “The letter that kills”? The Spirit that gives life? Evangelical Model of the Covenants Especially the Old and New Covenants

(2 Corinthians 3:3-18) The Everlasting Covenant Above the line
Covenant of Redemption God’s Universal Gift to Humanity (Everlasting Gospel Bridge from Paradise Lost to Paradise Restored) Eternal Life Eternity Past Above the line Historical Orientation Above the line Historical Orientation God’s Historical Old Covenant (Everlasting Gospel - OT Era) “Letter kills”? “Spirit gives life/transforms”? Gospel In Symbols God’s Historical New Covenant (Everlasting Gospel - NT Era) JESUS Israel David Abraham Noah Humanity’s Response to God’s Gift (faith or disbelief) Post-Fall Adam Below the line Experiential Orientation? Below the line Experiential Orientation? Creation Sinful-Nature-Generated Old Covenant Experience – Gospel Perverted and Externalized “Letter kills?” Holy-Spirit-Generated New Covenant Experience – Gospel Accepted and Internalized “Spirit gives life/transforms?” (2 Corinthians 3:3-18)

Old Covenant/New Covenant 2 Cor 3:3-18
What in this list would appear to support the Evangelical Model of the covenants? Old Covenant/New Covenant Cor 3:3-18 “Written… with ink” (3:3) “Written…with Spirit of God” (3:3, 8) “On tablets of stone” (3:3, 7) “On human hearts” (3:3) “The letter [that] kills” (3:6) “The Spirit [that] gives life… freedom” (3:6, 17) Brings “condemnation”/“death” (3:7,9) “Brings righteousness” (3:9) “Moses… transitory… glory” ( 3:7-10) “Surpassing glory which lasts” (3:7-10) “A veil covers their hearts”/“their minds are made dull” (3:14-15) “Turns to the Lord”/“Veil taken away”/“unveiled faces”/ “transformed into his image” (3:16, 18)

What did the veil represent? Exodus 34:29-35
“29 When Moses came down from Mount Sinai with the two tablets of the covenant law in his hands, he was not aware that his face was radiant because he had spoken with the LORD. 30 When Aaron and all the Israelites saw Moses, his face was radiant, and they were afraid to come near him. 31 But Moses called to them; so Aaron and all the leaders of the community came back to him, and he spoke to them. 32 Afterward all the Israelites came near him, and he gave them all the commands the LORD had given him on Mount Sinai.

“33 When Moses finished speaking to them, he put a veil over his face. 34 But whenever he entered the LORD’s presence to speak with him, he removed the veil until he came out. And when he came out and told the Israelites what he had been commanded, 35 they saw that his face was radiant. Then Moses would put the veil back over his face until he went in to speak with the LORD.”

“When Moses came down from Mount Sinai [unveiled] with the two tablets of the covenant law in his hands, he was not aware that his face was radiant because he had spoken with the LORD. 30 When Aaron and all the Israelites saw Moses [unveiled], his face was radiant, and they were afraid to come near him. 31 But Moses called to them; so Aaron and all the leaders of the community came back to him, and he spoke to them [unveiled] . 32 Afterward all the Israelites came near him, and he gave them all the commands the LORD had given him on Mount Sinai [unveiled].

“33 When Moses finished speaking to them, he put a veil over his face. 34 But whenever he entered the LORD’s presence to speak with him, he removed the veil until he came out. And when he came out and told the Israelites what he had been commanded [unveiled], 35 they saw that his face was radiant. Then Moses would put the veil back over his face until he went in to speak with the LORD [unveiled].”

The Pattern for the Veiling

The Pattern for the Veiling Moses spoke to God unveiled.

The Pattern for the Veiling Moses spoke to God unveiled. Moses spoke to the people unveiled.

The Pattern for the Veiling Moses spoke to God unveiled. Moses spoke to the people unveiled. When Moses saw their response to his countenance and message, he veiled his face.

The Pattern for the Veiling Moses spoke to God unveiled. Moses spoke to the people unveiled. When Moses saw their response to his countenance and message, he veiled his face. This pattern was repeated for some time.

The Pattern for the Veiling Moses spoke to God unveiled. Moses spoke to the people unveiled. When Moses saw their response to his countenance and message, he veiled his face. This pattern was repeated for some time. Did the veil represent their faithless/rebellious/legalistic response to the gospel message he brought them from God?

Key Text in 2 Corinthians 3:3-18?
“12 Therefore, since we have such a hope, we are very bold. 13 We are not like Moses, who would put a veil over his face to prevent the Israelites from seeing the end of what was passing away. 14 But their minds were made dull, for to this day the same veil remains when the old covenant is read. It has not been removed, because only in Christ is it taken away. 15 Even to this day when Moses is read, a veil covers their hearts. 16 But whenever anyone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away. 17 Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.”

“Whenever anyone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away” 2 Cor 3:16
Old Covenant/New Covenant Cor 3:3-18 “Written… with ink” (3:3) “Written…with Spirit of God” (3:3, 8) “On tablets of stone” (3:3, 7) “On human hearts” (3:3) “The letter [that] kills” (3:6) “The Spirit [that] gives life… freedom” (3:6, 17) Brings “condemnation”/“death” (3:7,9) “Brings righteousness” (3:9) “Moses… transitory… glory” ( 3:7-10) “Surpassing glory which lasts” (3:7-10) “A veil covers their hearts”/“their minds are made dull” (3:14-15) “Turns to the Lord”/“Veil taken away”/“unveiled faces”/ “transformed into his image” (3:16, 18)

The Context for 2 Corinthians 3:3-18 2 Corinthians 2:14 – 4:6

The Wider Context for 2 Corinthians 3

2 Corinthians 2:14-17 “But thanks be to God, who always leads us as captives in Christ’s triumphal procession and uses us to spread the aroma of the knowledge of him everywhere. 15 For we are to God the pleasing aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing. 16 To the one we are an aroma that brings death; to the other, an aroma that brings life. And who is equal to such a task? 17 Unlike so many, we do not peddle the word of God for profit. On the contrary, in Christ we speak before God with sincerity, as those sent from God.”

2 Corinthians 2:14-17 “But thanks be to God, who always leads us as captives in Christ’s triumphal procession and uses us to spread the aroma of the knowledge of him [the gospel] everywhere. 15 For we are to God the pleasing aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing. 16 To the one we are an aroma that brings death; to the other, an aroma that brings life. And who is equal to such a task? 17 Unlike so many, we do not peddle the word of God for profit. On the contrary, in Christ we speak before God with sincerity, as those sent from God.”

2 Corinthians 2:14-17 “But thanks be to God, who always leads us as captives in Christ’s triumphal procession and uses us to spread the aroma of the knowledge of him [the gospel] everywhere. 15 For we are to God the pleasing aroma of Christ [as bearers of the gospel] among those who are being saved and those who are perishing. 16 To the one we are an aroma that brings death; to the other, an aroma that brings life. And who is equal to such a task? 17 Unlike so many, we do not peddle the word of God for profit. On the contrary, in Christ we speak before God with sincerity, as those sent from God.”

Paul’s gospel resulted in death to some and life to others depending upon…. Old Covenant/New Covenant Cor 3:3-18 “Written… with ink” (3:3) “Written…with Spirit of God” (3:3, 8) “On tablets of stone” (3:3, 7) “On human hearts” (3:3) “The letter [that] kills” (3:6) “The Spirit [that] gives life… freedom” (3:6, 17) Brings “condemnation”/“death” (3:7,9) “Brings righteousness” (3:9) “Moses… transitory… glory” ( 3:7-10) “Surpassing glory which lasts” (3:7-10) “A veil covers their hearts”/“their minds are made dull” (3:14-15) “Turns to the Lord”/“Veil taken away”/“unveiled faces”/ “transformed into his image” (3:16, 18)

Paul’s gospel resulted in death to some and life to others depending upon their response. Old Covenant/New Covenant Cor 3:3-18 “Written… with ink” (3:3) “Written…with Spirit of God” (3:3, 8) “On tablets of stone” (3:3, 7) “On human hearts” (3:3) “The letter [that] kills” (3:6) “The Spirit [that] gives life… freedom” (3:6, 17) Brings “condemnation”/“death” (3:7,9) “Brings righteousness” (3:9) “Moses… transitory… glory” ( 3:7-10) “Surpassing glory which lasts” (3:7-10) “A veil covers their hearts”/“their minds are made dull” (3:14-15) “Turns to the Lord”/“Veil taken away”/“unveiled faces”/ “transformed into his image” (3:16, 18)

The gospel itself produces life or death (“a letter that kills”) 2 Cor 3 2 Cor 4:1-4) The Wider Context for 2 Corinthians 3

The gospel itself produces life or death (“a letter that kills”) Depending on how people respond to it 2 Cor 3 2 Cor 4:1-4) The Wider Context for 2 Corinthians 3

“Whenever anyone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away” 2 Cor 3:16
Old Covenant/New Covenant Cor 3:3-18 “Written… with ink” (3:3) “Written…with Spirit of God” (3:3, 8) “On tablets of stone” (3:3, 7) “On human hearts” (3:3) “The letter [that] kills” (3:6) “The Spirit [that] gives life… freedom” (3:6, 17) Brings “condemnation”/“death” (3:7,9) “Brings righteousness” (3:9) “Moses… transitory… glory” ( 3:7-10) “Surpassing glory which lasts” (3:7-10) “A veil covers their hearts”/“their minds are made dull” (3:14-15) “Turns to the Lord”/“Veil taken away”/“unveiled faces”/ “transformed into his image” (3:16, 18)

The Veil? What is this “veil” that:
dulls the minds of those who have it, and that is only “taken away… in Christ… whenever one turns to the Lord?” Is this veil the covenant God made with His people at Sinai as many people teach? Where does this veil come from? From God when He made the Sinai covenant? Or from some other source?

The gospel itself produces life or death (“a letter that kills”) Depending on how people respond to it 2 Cor 3 2 Cor 4:1-4) The Wider Context for 2 Corinthians 3

2 Corinthians 4:1-4 “Therefore, since through God’s mercy we have this ministry, we do not lose heart. 2 Rather, we have renounced secret and shameful ways; we do not use deception, nor do we distort the word of God. On the contrary, by setting forth the truth plainly we commend ourselves to everyone’s conscience in the sight of God. 3 And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing. 4 The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel that displays the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.”

The gospel itself produces life or death (“a letter that kills”) Depending on how people respond to it 2 Cor 3 2 Cor 4:1-4) Satan, not God or His covenant, blinds the minds of unbelievers The Wider Context for 2 Corinthians 3

The gospel itself produces life or death (“a letter that kills”) Depending on how people respond to it 2 Cor 3 2 Cor 4:1-4) Satan, not God or His covenant, blinds the minds of unbelievers Veiling the gospel to those who are perishing The Wider Context for 2 Corinthians 3

The Veil? The veil CANNOT be the covenant God made with His people at Sinai, because it was not a gospel-veiling covenant, but a gospel-bearing covenant.

The Veil? The veil CANNOT be the covenant God made with His people at Sinai, because it was not a gospel-veiling covenant, but a gospel-bearing covenant. The veil is not the work of God, giving His covenant at Sinai, but of Satan, blinding (veiling) the minds of unbelievers to the gospel revealed in God’s covenant.

The Veil? The veil CANNOT be the covenant God made with His people at Sinai, because it was not a gospel-veiling covenant, but a gospel-bearing covenant. The veil is not the work of God, giving His covenant at Sinai, but of Satan, blinding (veiling) the minds of unbelievers to the gospel revealed in God’s covenant. The key text for understanding the meaning of the covenants in 2 Cor 3 is verse 16: “Whenever one turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away” (2 Cor 3:16).

The Veil? The veil CANNOT be the covenant God made with His people at Sinai, because it was not a gospel-veiling covenant, but a gospel-bearing covenant. The veil is not the work of God, giving His covenant at Sinai, but of Satan, blinding (veiling) the minds of unbelievers to the gospel revealed in God’s covenant. The key text for understanding the meaning of the covenants in 2 Cor 3 is verse 16: “Whenever one turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away” (2 Cor 3:16). The old and new covenants in 2 Cor 3 are experiential, not historical.

What about the OC “transitory glory” and the NC “surpassing glory which lasts?” Old Covenant/New Covenant Cor 3:3-18 “Written… with ink” (3:3) “Written…with Spirit of God” (3:3, 8) “On tablets of stone” (3:3, 7) “On human hearts” (3:3) “The letter [that] kills” (3:6) “The Spirit [that] gives life… freedom” (3:6, 17) Brings “condemnation”/“death” (3:7,9) “Brings righteousness” (3:9) “Moses… transitory… glory” ( 3:7-10) “Surpassing glory which lasts” (3:7-10) “A veil covers their hearts”/“their minds are made dull” (3:14-15) “Turns to the Lord”/“Veil taken away”/“unveiled faces”/ “transformed into his image” (3:16, 18)

Is there a “glory” in presenting the gospel to those who reject it and perish? Old Covenant/New Covenant Cor 3:3-18 “Written… with ink” (3:3) “Written…with Spirit of God” (3:3, 8) “On tablets of stone” (3:3, 7) “On human hearts” (3:3) “The letter [that] kills” (3:6) “The Spirit [that] gives life… freedom” (3:6, 17) Brings “condemnation”/“death” (3:7,9) “Brings righteousness” (3:9) “Moses… transitory… glory” ( 3:7-10) “Surpassing glory which lasts” (3:7-10) “A veil covers their hearts”/“their minds are made dull” (3:14-15) “Turns to the Lord”/“Veil taken away”/“unveiled faces”/ “transformed into his image” (3:16, 18)

Is there a “surpassing glory” in presenting the gospel to those who believe and are saved? Old Covenant/New Covenant Cor 3:3-18 “Written… with ink” (3:3) “Written…with Spirit of God” (3:3, 8) “On tablets of stone” (3:3, 7) “On human hearts” (3:3) “The letter [that] kills” (3:6) “The Spirit [that] gives life… freedom” (3:6, 17) Brings “condemnation”/“death” (3:7,9) “Brings righteousness” (3:9) “Moses… transitory… glory” ( 3:7-10) “Surpassing glory which lasts” (3:7-10) “A veil covers their hearts”/“their minds are made dull” (3:14-15) “Turns to the Lord”/“Veil taken away”/“unveiled faces”/ “transformed into his image” (3:16, 18)

The OC “transitory glory” and NC “surpassing glory that lasts” are experiential characterizations that apply across historical boundaries, whenever and wherever the gospel is preached Old Covenant/New Covenant Cor 3:3-18 “Written… with ink” (3:3) “Written…with Spirit of God” (3:3, 8) “On tablets of stone” (3:3, 7) “On human hearts” (3:3) “The letter [that] kills” (3:6) “The Spirit [that] gives life… freedom” (3:6, 17) Brings “condemnation”/“death” (3:7,9) “Brings righteousness” (3:9) “Moses… transitory… glory” ( 3:7-10) “Surpassing glory which lasts” (3:7-10) “A veil covers their hearts”/“their minds are made dull” (3:14-15) “Turns to the Lord”/“Veil taken away”/“unveiled faces”/ “transformed into his image” (3:16, 18)

(2 Corinthians 2:14 - 4:6) The Everlasting Covenant JESUS
Covenant of Redemption God’s Universal Gift to Humanity (Everlasting Gospel Bridge from Paradise Lost to Paradise Restored) Eternal Life Eternity Past God’s Historical Old Covenant (Everlasting Gospel - OT Era) Gospel In Symbols God’s Historical New Covenant (Everlasting Gospel - NT Era) JESUS Israel David Abraham Noah Humanity’s Response to God’s Gift (faith or disbelief) Post-Fall Adam Below the line Experiential Orientation Creation Sinful-Nature-Generated Old Covenant Experience – Gospel Perverted and Externalized “Perishing” Holy-Spirit-Generated New Covenant Experience – Gospel Accepted and Internalized “Being saved” (2 Corinthians 2:14 - 4:6)

Evangelical Model of the Covenants of the Old and New Covenants
Abrahamic Covenant Sinai Covenant “Old Covenant” New Covenant Promise/Faith Gen 15:6, 18 Law/Obedience Deut 4:12-13 5:2-3 Promise/Faith Grace/Love Heb 8:7-9, 13 “The letter that kills”? The Spirit that gives life? Evangelical Model of the Covenants of the Old and New Covenants An inadequate model for the of the old and new covenants of 2 Corinthians 3

Covenant of Redemption God’s Universal Gift to Humanity (Everlasting Gospel Bridge from Paradise Lost to Paradise Restored) Eternal Life Eternity Past Above the line Historical Orientation Above the line Historical Orientation God’s Historical Old Covenant (Everlasting Gospel - OT Era) “The letter that kills” “The Spirit gives life/transforms” Gospel In Symbols God’s Historical New Covenant (Everlasting Gospel - NT Era) JESUS Israel David Abraham Noah Humanity’s Response to God’s Gift (faith or disbelief) Post-Fall Adam Below the line Experiential Orientation? Below the line Experiential Orientation? Creation Sinful-Nature-Generated Old Covenant Experience – Gospel Perverted and Externalized “The letter that kills” Holy-Spirit-Generated New Covenant Experience – Gospel Accepted and Internalized “The Spirit gives life/transforms” (2 Corinthians 3:3-18)

2 Corinthians 3:3-18 Is not presenting a contrast between the covenant God made with His people at Sinai and a different covenant He made with His people when Jesus came.

2 Corinthians 3:3-18 Is not presenting a contrast between the covenant God made with His people at Sinai and a different covenant He made with His people when Jesus came. It is presenting the age-long contrast between faith and unbelief, conversion and unconversion, the Spirit and the flesh, righteousness and condemnation, life and death.

2 Corinthians 3:3-18 Is not presenting a contrast between the covenant God made with His people at Sinai and a different covenant He made with His people when Jesus came. It is presenting the age long contrast between faith and unbelief, conversion and unconversion, the Spirit and the flesh, righteousness and condemnation, life and death. Whenever “anyone turns to the Lord,” the veil of unbelief is lifted—they pass from death to life, from the kingdom of darkness to the kingdom of God.

2 Corinthians 3:3-18 Is not presenting a contrast between the covenant God made with His people at Sinai and a different covenant He made with His people when Jesus came. It is presenting the age long contrast between faith and unbelief, conversion and unconversion, the Spirit and the flesh, righteousness and condemnation, life and death. Whenever “anyone turns to the Lord,” the veil of unbelief is lifted—they pass from death to life, from the kingdom of darkness to the kingdom of God. To understand 2 Corinthians 3 historically rather than experientially misses its evangelistic appeal entirely!

Old Covenant / New Covenant Echoes in Other Experiential Biblical Passages

“I have set before you life [NC] and death [OC], blessings and curses. Now choose life [NC], so that you and your children may live.” Deut 30:19

“I have set before you life [NC] and death [OC], blessings and curses. Now choose life [NC], so that you and your children may live.” Deut 30:19 “Whoever believes in him is not condemned [NC], but whoever does not believe stands condemned [OC] already because they have not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son. John 3:18

“I have set before you life [NC] and death [OC], blessings and curses. Now choose life [NC], so that you and your children may live.” Deut 30:19 “Whoever believes in him is not condemned [NC], but whoever does not believe stands condemned [OC] already because they have not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son. John 3:18 “Whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life [NC] and will not be judged but has crossed over from death [OC] to life [NC].” John 5:24

“34 Everyone who sins is a slave to sin [OC]…. 36 If the Son sets you free [NC], you will be free [NC] indeed.” John 8:34-36

“34 Everyone who sins is a slave to sin [OC]…. 36 If the Son sets you free [NC], you will be free [NC] indeed.” John 8:34-36 “1 You were dead in your transgressions and sins [OC],… 4 But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, 5 made us alive [NC] with Christ.” Eph 2:1, 4-5

“34 Everyone who sins is a slave to sin [OC]…. 36 If the Son sets you free [NC], you will be free [NC] indeed.” John 8:34-36 “1 You were dead in your transgressions and sins [OC],… 4 But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, 5 made us alive [NC] with Christ.” Eph 2:1, 4-5 “Whoever has the Son has life [NC]; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life [OC].” 1 John 5:12

Covenant of Redemption God’s Universal Gift to Humanity (Everlasting Gospel Bridge from Paradise Lost to Paradise Restored) Eternal Life Eternity Past Above the line Historical Orientation Above the line Historical Orientation God’s Historical Old Covenant (Everlasting Gospel - OT Era) “Slavery, Condemnation, Death? “Freedom, Life”? Gospel In Symbols God’s Historical New Covenant (Everlasting Gospel - NT Era) JESUS Israel David Abraham Noah Humanity’s Response to God’s Gift (faith or disbelief) Post-Fall Adam Below the line Experiential Orientation? Below the line Experiential Orientation? Creation Sinful-Nature-Generated Old Covenant Experience – Gospel Perverted and Externalized “Slavery, Condemnation, Death” Holy-Spirit-Generated New Covenant Experience – Gospel Accepted and Internalized “Freedom, Life”

The Law a Guardian/Tutor/Schoolmaster
Galatians 3:15-25

The Law a Guardian/Tutor/Schoolmaster Galatians 3:15-25
When Paul and the New Testament authors discuss the Law, they often have covenant issues in mind. So the same historical/experiential models of interpretation apply to the discussions of the law as apply to discussions of the covenants, especially when the discussions are polemical (argumentative) and seem to portray a negative attitude toward the Law. In each passage one must ask, Is this text referring to the Law as God gave it and intended it to function (the historical dimension), or to the way humans have rightly or wrongly related/responded to God’s Law (the experiential dimension)?

“15 Brothers and sisters, let me take an example from everyday life. Just as no one can set aside or add to a human covenant that has been duly established, so it is in this case. 16 The promises were spoken to Abraham and to his seed. Scripture does not say “and to seeds,” meaning many people, but “and to your seed,” meaning one person, who is Christ. 17 What I mean is this: The law, introduced 430 years later, does not set aside the covenant previously established by God and thus do away with the promise. 18 For if the inheritance depends on the law, then it no longer depends on the promise; but God in his grace gave it to Abraham through a promise Gal 3:15-18

“19 Why, then, was the law given at all? It was added because of transgressions until the Seed to whom the promise referred had come. The law was given through angels and entrusted to a mediator. 20 A mediator, however, implies more than one party; but God is one. 21 Is the law, therefore, opposed to the promises of God? Absolutely not! For if a law had been given that could impart life, then righteousness would certainly have come by the law Gal 3:19-21

“22 But Scripture has locked up everything under the control of sin, so that what was promised, being given through faith in Jesus Christ, might be given to those who believe. 23 Before the coming of this faith, we were held in custody under the law, locked up until the faith that was to come would be revealed. 24 So the law was our guardian until Christ came that we might be justified by faith. 25 Now that this faith has come, we are no longer under a guardian.” Gal 3:22-25

What elements of this passage might suggest an historical application of the law is in view?

“19 Why, then, was the law given at all? It was added because of transgressions until the Seed to whom the promise referred had come. The law was given through angels and entrusted to a mediator. 20 A mediator, however, implies more than one party; but God is one. 21 Is the law, therefore, opposed to the promises of God? Absolutely not! For if a law had been given that could impart life, then righteousness would certainly have come by the law. Gal 3:19-21

What elements of this passage might suggest an experiential application of the law is in view?

“19 Why, then, was the law given at all? It was added because of transgressions until the Seed to whom the promise referred had come. The law was given through angels and entrusted to a mediator. 20 A mediator, however, implies more than one party; but God is one. 21 Is the law, therefore, opposed to the promises of God? Absolutely not! For if a law had been given that could impart life, then righteousness would certainly have come by the law Gal 3:19-22

“22 But Scripture has locked up everything under the control of sin [], so that what was promised, being given through faith in Jesus Christ, might be given to those who believe. 23 Before the coming of this faith, we were held in custody under the law, locked up until the faith that was to come would be revealed. 24 So the law was our guardian until Christ came that we might be justified by faith [trans-historical; Heb 11]. 25 Now that this faith has come, we are no longer under a guardian.” Gal 3:22-25

“22 But Scripture has locked up everything under the control of sin [‘confined all under sin’ – NKJV; a trans-historical condition], so that what was promised, being given through faith in Jesus Christ, might be given to those who believe []. 23 Before the coming of this faith, we were held in custody under the law, locked up until the faith that was to come would be revealed. 24 So the law was our guardian until Christ came that we might be justified by faith. 25 Now that this faith has come, we are no longer under a guardian.” Gal 3:22-25

“22 But Scripture has locked up everything under the control of sin [‘confined all under sin’ – NKJV; a trans-historical condition], so that what was promised, being given through faith in Jesus Christ, might be given to those who believe [trans-historical]. 23 Before the coming of this faith, we were held in custody under the law [], locked up until the faith that was to come would be revealed. 24 So the law was our guardian until Christ came that we might be justified by faith. 25 Now that this faith has come, we are no longer under a guardian.” Gal 3:22-25

“22 But Scripture has locked up everything under the control of sin [‘confined all under sin’ – NKJV; a trans-historical condition], so that what was promised, being given through faith in Jesus Christ, might be given to those who believe [trans-historical]. 23 Before the coming of this faith, we were held in custody under the law [trans-historical], locked up until the faith that was to come would be revealed. 24 So the law was our guardian until Christ came that we might be justified by faith []. 25 Now that this faith has come, we are no longer under a guardian.” Gal 3:22-25

“22 But Scripture has locked up everything under the control of sin [‘confined all under sin’ – NKJV; a trans-historical condition], so that what was promised, being given through faith in Jesus Christ, might be given to those who believe [trans-historical]. 23 Before the coming of this faith, we were held in custody under the law [trans-historical], locked up until the faith that was to come would be revealed. 24 So the law was our guardian until Christ came that we might be justified by faith [trans-historical; Heb 11]. 25 Now that this faith has come, we are no longer under a guardian.” Gal 3:22-25

“22 But Scripture has locked up everything under the control of sin, so that what was promised, being given through faith in Jesus Christ, might be given to those who believe. 23 Before the coming of this faith, we were held in custody under the law, locked up until the faith that was to come would be revealed. 24 So the law was our guardian until Christ came that we might be justified by faith. 25 Now that this faith has come, we are no longer under a guardian.” Gal 3:22-25 (This passage combines historical and experiential elements. As Jesus’ sacrifice accomplished personal, experiential forgiveness for sins in every historical era, so it produced/enabled faith in every era.)

Christ’s Sacrifice in History Accomplished Experiential Forgiveness for People in Every Historical Era

Christ’s Sacrifice in History Accomplished Experiential Forgiveness for People in Every Historical Era “For this reason Christ is the mediator of a new covenant, that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance—now that he has died as a ransom to set them free from the sins committed under the first covenant.” Heb 9:16

Forgiveness Forgiveness
The Everlasting Covenant Covenant of Redemption God’s Universal Gift to Humanity (Everlasting Gospel Bridge from Paradise Lost to Paradise Restored) Eternal Life Eternity Past Forgiveness God’s Historical Old Covenant (Everlasting Gospel - OT Era) Gospel In Symbols God’s Historical New Covenant (Everlasting Gospel - NT Era) David JESUS Israel Forgiveness Abraham Noah Humanity’s Response to God’s Gift (faith or disbelief) Post-Fall Adam Creation Sinful-Nature-Generated Old Covenant Experience – Gospel Perverted and Externalized Holy-Spirit-Generated New Covenant Experience – Gospel Accepted and Internalized

Christ’s Sacrifice in History Produced/Enabled Faith for People in Every Historical Era

Christ’s Sacrifice in History Produced/Enabled Faith for People in Every Historical Era
“22 But Scripture has locked up everything under the control of sin, so that what was promised, being given through faith in Jesus Christ, might be given to those who believe. 23 Before the coming of this faith, we were held in custody under the law, locked up until the faith that was to come would be revealed.” Gal 3:22-23

Faith Faith The Everlasting Covenant JESUS Covenant of Redemption
God’s Universal Gift to Humanity (Everlasting Gospel Bridge from Paradise Lost to Paradise Restored) Eternal Life Eternity Past Faith God’s Historical Old Covenant (Everlasting Gospel - OT Era) Gospel In Symbols God’s Historical New Covenant (Everlasting Gospel - NT Era) David JESUS Israel Faith Abraham Noah Humanity’s Response to God’s Gift (faith or disbelief) Post-Fall Adam Creation Sinful-Nature-Generated Old Covenant Experience – Gospel Perverted and Externalized Holy-Spirit-Generated New Covenant Experience – Gospel Accepted and Internalized

Experiential Applications of Gal 3: “So the law was our guardian until Christ came that we might be justified by faith. 25 Now that this faith has come, we are no longer under a guardian.”

Experiential Applications of Gal 3: “So the law was our guardian until Christ came that we might be justified by faith. 25 Now that this faith has come, we are no longer under a guardian.” Protestantism’s 3 Uses/Roles of the Moral Law Civil – To maintain order in society Tutorial – To lead sinners to Christ Normative – To be “a rule of life for believers”

“22 But Scripture has locked up everything under the control of sin, so that what was promised, being given through faith in Jesus Christ, might be given to those who believe. 23 Before the coming of this faith, we were held in custody under the law, locked up until the faith that was to come would be revealed []. 24 So the law was our guardian until Christ came that we might be justified by faith. 25 Now that this faith has come, we are no longer under a guardian.” Gal 3:22-25

“22 But Scripture has locked up everything under the control of sin, so that what was promised, being given through faith in Jesus Christ, might be given to those who believe. 23 Before the coming of this faith, we were held in custody under the law, locked up until the faith that was to come would be revealed [civil use]. 24 So the law was our guardian until Christ came that we might be justified by faith []. 25 Now that this faith has come, we are no longer under a guardian.” Gal 3:22-25

“22 But Scripture has locked up everything under the control of sin, so that what was promised, being given through faith in Jesus Christ, might be given to those who believe. 23 Before the coming of this faith, we were held in custody under the law, locked up until the faith that was to come would be revealed [civil use]. 24 So the law was our guardian until Christ came that we might be justified by faith [tutorial use]. 25 Now that this faith has come, we are no longer under a guardian [].” Gal 3:22-25

“22 But Scripture has locked up everything under the control of sin, so that what was promised, being given through faith in Jesus Christ, might be given to those who believe. 23 Before the coming of this faith, we were held in custody under the law, locked up until the faith that was to come would be revealed [civil use/ role]. 24 So the law was our guardian until Christ came that we might be justified by faith [tutorial use/role]. 25 Now that this faith has come, we are no longer under a guardian” [i.e., no longer needing the law to serve in its civil and tutorial roles, having graduated as a believer to its normative use/role] Gal 3:22-25

Experiential Applications of Gal 3: “So the law was our guardian until Christ came that we might be justified by faith. 25 Now that this faith has come, we are no longer under a guardian.” Protestantism’s 3 Uses/Roles of the Moral Law Civil – To maintain order in society Tutorial – To lead sinners to Christ Normative – To be “a rule of life for believers”

Experiential Applications of Gal 3: “So the law was our guardian until Christ came that we might be justified by faith. 25 Now that this faith has come, we are no longer under a guardian.” Protestantism’s 3 Uses/Roles of the Moral Law Civil – To maintain order in society Tutorial – To lead sinners to Christ Normative – To be “a rule of life for believers” Hebrew term, davar Translations: “word,” “command,” “promise” “10 words,” “10 Commandments,” “10 Promises”

Experiential Applications of Gal 3: “So the law was our guardian until Christ came that we might be justified by faith. 25 Now that this faith has come, we are no longer under a guardian.” Protestantism’s 3 Uses/Roles of the Moral Law Civil – To maintain order in society Tutorial – To lead sinners to Christ Normative – To be “a rule of life for believers” Hebrew term, davar Translations: “word,” “command,” “promise” “10 words,” “10 Commandments,” “10 Promises” Hebrew construction allows the “10 words” to be: “Emphatic imperatives” – 10 commandments “Emphatic promises” – 10 promises

Experiential Applications of Gal 3: “So the law was our guardian until Christ came that we might be justified by faith. 25 Now that this faith has come, we are no longer under a guardian.” An experiential view of the covenants and law understands Gal 3:22-25 to be presenting how the law works in the life of sinners and believers, within the context of God’s everlasting covenant to save them.

Experiential Applications of Gal 3: “So the law was our guardian until Christ came that we might be justified by faith. 25 Now that this faith has come, we are no longer under a guardian.” An experiential view of the covenants and law understands Gal 3:22-25 to be presenting how the law works in the life of sinners and believers, within the context of God’s everlasting covenant to save them. God uses His law, viewed as mere commandments, to (1) restrain sinners in society. Some misuse and abuse His law relying on their “obedience” to gain/inherit a future reward (“you who want to be under the law” Gal 4:21).

Experiential Applications of Gal 3: “So the law was our guardian until Christ came that we might be justified by faith. 25 Now that this faith has come, we are no longer under a guardian.” An experiential view of the covenants and law understands Gal 3:22-25 to be presenting how the law works in the life of sinners and believers, within the context of God’s everlasting covenant to save them. God uses His law, viewed as mere commandments, to (1) restrain sinners in society. Some misuse and abuse His law relying on their “obedience” to gain/inherit a future reward (“you who want to be under the law” Gal 4:21). The Holy Spirit uses His law (2) to awaken a sense of sin and need of a savior, to lead sinners to Christ and faith in Christ, and (3) writes His law on the hearts of believers, as a guide to holy living—His new covenant promise.

Died to the Law – Married to Christ
Romans 7:1-6

Romans 7:1-6 “1 Do you not know, brothers and sisters—for I am speaking to those who know the law—that the law has authority over someone only as long as that person lives? 2 For example, by law a married woman is bound to her husband as long as he is alive, but if her husband dies, she is released from the law that binds her to him. 3 So then, if she has sexual relations with another man while her husband is still alive, she is called an adulteress. But if her husband dies, she is released from that law and is not an adulteress if she marries another man.

Romans 7:1-6 4 So, my brothers and sisters, you also died to the law through the body of Christ, that you might belong to another, to him who was raised from the dead, in order that we might bear fruit for God. 5 For when we were in the realm of the flesh, the sinful passions aroused by the law were at work in us, so that we bore fruit for death But now, by dying to what once bound us, we have been released from the law so that we serve in the new way of the Spirit, and not in the old way of the written code.”

Romans 7:1-6 Questions Answers Who died? What did they die to? Why is it necessary to die? What was their condition before they died? What was their condition after they died?

Who Died? Romans 7:1-6 4 So, my brothers and sisters, you also died to the law through the body of Christ, that you might belong to another, to him who was raised from the dead, in order that we might bear fruit for God. 5 For when we were in the realm of the flesh, the sinful passions aroused by the law were at work in us, so that we bore fruit for death. 6 But now, by dying to what once bound us, we have been released from the law so that we serve in the new way of the Spirit, and not in the old way of the written code.”

Romans 7:1-6 Questions Answers Who died? “You” What did you die to? Why is it necessary to die? What is our condition before we die? What is our condition after we die?

What Did You Die To? Romans 7:1-6
4 So, my brothers and sisters, you also died to the law through the body of Christ, that you might belong to another, to him who was raised from the dead, in order that we might bear fruit for God. 5 For when we were in the realm of the flesh, the sinful passions aroused by the law were at work in us, so that we bore fruit for death. 6 But now, by dying to what once bound us, we have been released from the law so that we serve in the new way of the Spirit, and not in the old way of the written code.”

Romans 7:1-6 Questions Answers Who died? “You” What did “you” die to? “Died to the Law” Why is it necessary to die? What is our condition before we die? What is our condition after we die?

Why Was It Necessary to Die?
Romans 7:1-6 4 So, my brothers and sisters, you also died to the law through the body of Christ, that you might belong to another, to him who was raised from the dead, in order that we might bear fruit for God. 5 For when we were in the realm of the flesh, the sinful passions aroused by the law were at work in us, so that we bore fruit for death. 6 But now, by dying to what once bound us, we have been released from the law so that we serve in the new way of the Spirit, and not in the old way of the written code.”

Romans 7:1-6 Questions Answers Who died? “You” What did “you” die to? “Died to the Law” Why is it necessary to die? “That we might belong [be married to] to another” [to Christ], and to “bear fruit for God” What is our condition before we die? What is our condition after we die?

Our Condition Before We Died?

Romans 7:1-6 Questions Answers Who died? “You” What did “you” die to? “Died to the Law” Why is it necessary to die? “That we might belong [be married to] to another” (to Christ), and to “bear fruit for God” What is our condition before we die? We lived “in the realm of the flesh,” “sinful passions aroused by the law were at work in us,” and “we bore fruit for death” What is our condition after we die?

Our Condition After We Die?

Romans 7:1-6 Questions Answers Who died? “You” What did “you” die to? “Died to the Law” Why is it necessary to die? “That we might belong [be married to] to another” [to Christ], and to “bear fruit for God” What is our condition before we die? We lived “in the realm of the flesh,” “sinful passions aroused by the law were at work in us,” and “we bore fruit for death” What is our condition after we die? We are “dying to what once bound us,” “released from the law,” and “serve in the new way of the Spirit”

Romans 7:1-6 (Evangelical Model) Sinai Covenant Era / New Covenant Era Bound by the Sinai Covenant Law Died to the Sinai Covenant Law that “aroused… sinful passions… in us… and bound us” Didn’t belong (not married) to Christ* Belong [married) to Christ Lived “in the realm of the flesh”** “Serve in the new way of the Spirit, not the old way of the written code” “Bore fruit for death” “Bear fruit for God” * Referring to the Sinai Covenant, God said: “They broke my covenant, though I was a husband to them” (Jer 31:32). ** NIV footnote on “the flesh” in Rom 7:5: “In contexts like this, the Greek word for flesh (sarx) refers to the sinful state of human beings, often presented as a power in opposition to the Spirit.”

Romans 7:1-6 (Experiential Model) Before Conversion / After Conversion Sinai Covenant Era / New Covenant Era Bound by the Sinai Covenant Law Died to the Sinai covenant law that “aroused … sinful passions… and bound us” Didn’t belong (not married) to Christ (i.e., unconverted) Belong (married to) Christ Lived “in the realm of the flesh” “Serve in the new way of the Spirit, not the old way of the written code” “Bore fruit for death” “Bear fruit for God”

Romans 7:1-6 (Experiential Model) Before Conversion / After Conversion Bound by the Sinai Covenant Law Bound by “the law of sin and death”* Died to the Sinai covenant law that “aroused … sinful passions… and bound us” Didn’t belong (not married) to Christ (i.e., unconverted) Belong (married to) Christ Lived “in the realm of the flesh” “Serve in the new way of the Spirit, not the old way of the written code” “Bore fruit for death” “Bear fruit for God”

Romans 7:1-6 (Experiential Model) Before Conversion / After Conversion Bound by the Sinai Covenant Law Bound by “the law of sin and death”* Died to the Sinai covenant law “the law of sin and death”* that “aroused … sinful passions… and bound us” Didn’t belong (not married) to Christ (i.e., unconverted) Belong (married to) Christ Lived “in the realm of the flesh” “Serve in the new way of the Spirit, not the old way of the written code” “Bore fruit for death” “Bear fruit for God” * “22 In my inner being I delight in God’s law; 23 but I see another law at work in me, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin at work within me.” (Rom 7:22-23) “2 I Through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set me free from the law of sin and death.” (Rom 8:2)

Historical Model Romans 7:1-6
“4 So, my brothers and sisters, you also died to the law [God’s Sinai covenant] through the body of Christ, that you might belong to another, to him who was raised from the dead, in order that we might bear fruit for God. 5 For when we were in the realm of the flesh [due to the Sinai covenant], the sinful passions aroused by the law [God’s Sinai covenant] were at work in us, so that we bore fruit for death. 6 But now, by dying to what once bound us [the Sinai covenant], we have been released from the law [God gave at Sinai] so that we serve in the new way of the Spirit [new covenant era], and not in the old way of the written code [the Ten Commandments].”

Experiential Model Romans 7:1-6
“4 So, my brothers and sisters, you also died to the law [of sin and death] through the body of Christ, that you might belong to another, to him who was raised from the dead, in order that we might bear fruit for God. 5 For when we were in the realm of the flesh [unconverted state], the sinful passions aroused by the law [of sin and death] were at work in us, so that we bore fruit for death. 6 But now, by dying to what once bound us, we have been released from the law [of sin and death] so that we serve in the new way of the Spirit, and not in the old way of the written code [legalism].”

Abrahamic Covenant Sinai Covenant “Old Covenant” New Covenant Promise/Faith Gen 15:6, 18 Law/Obedience Deut 4:12-13 5:2-3 Promise/Faith Grace/Love Heb 8:7-9, 13 “Bound by the Law… Realm of the flesh” “Married to Christ… New way of the Spirit” Evangelical Model of the Covenants of the Old and New Covenants

Abrahamic Covenant Sinai Covenant “Old Covenant” New Covenant Promise/Faith Gen 15:6, 18 Law/Obedience Deut 4:12-13 5:2-3 Promise/Faith Grace/Love Heb 8:7-9, 13 “Bound by the Law… Realm of the flesh” “Married to Christ… New way of the Spirit” Evangelical Model of the Covenants of the Old and New Covenants Inadequate model for died-to-the-law / married-to-Christ motif in Romans 7:1-6

(Romans 7:1-6) The Everlasting Covenant JESUS Below the line
Covenant of Redemption God’s Universal Gift to Humanity (Everlasting Gospel Bridge from Paradise Lost to Paradise Restored) Eternal Life Eternity Past God’s Historical Old Covenant (Everlasting Gospel - OT Era) Gospel In Symbols God’s Historical New Covenant (Everlasting Gospel - NT Era) JESUS Israel David Abraham Noah Humanity’s Response to God’s Gift (faith or disbelief) Post-Fall Adam Below the line Experiential Orientation Creation Sinful-Nature-Generated Old Covenant Experience – Gospel Perverted and Externalized “Bound by the Law” Holy-Spirit-Generated New Covenant Experience – Gospel Accepted and Internalized Married to Christ (Romans 7:1-6)

Covenant of Redemption God’s Universal Gift to Humanity (Everlasting Gospel Bridge from Paradise Lost to Paradise Restored) Eternal Life Eternity Past God’s Historical Old Covenant (Everlasting Gospel - OT Era) Gospel In Symbols God’s Historical New Covenant (Everlasting Gospel - NT Era) JESUS Israel David Abraham Noah Humanity’s Response to God’s Gift (faith or disbelief) Post-Fall Adam Below the line Experiential Orientation Creation Sinful-Nature-Generated Old Covenant Experience – Gospel Perverted and Externalized “Realm of the flesh” Holy-Spirit-Generated New Covenant Experience – Gospel Accepted and Internalized “New way of the Spirit” (Romans 7:1-6)

Covenant of Redemption God’s Universal Gift to Humanity (Everlasting Gospel Bridge from Paradise Lost to Paradise Restored) Eternal Life Eternity Past God’s Historical Old Covenant (Everlasting Gospel - OT Era) Gospel In Symbols God’s Historical New Covenant (Everlasting Gospel - NT Era) JESUS Israel David Abraham Noah Humanity’s Response to God’s Gift (faith or disbelief) Post-Fall Adam Below the line Experiential Orientation Creation Sinful-Nature-Generated Old Covenant Experience – Gospel Perverted and Externalized “Bore fruit for death” Holy-Spirit-Generated New Covenant Experience – Gospel Accepted and Internalized “Bear fruit for God” (Romans 7:1-6)

Through the Law I died to the Law Galatians 2:19

“For through the law I died to the law so that I might live for God.”

Abrahamic Covenant Sinai Covenant “Old Covenant” New Covenant Promise/Faith Gen 15:6, 18 Law/Obedience Deut 4:12-13 5:2-3 Promise/Faith Grace/Love Heb 8:7-9, 13 Alive to the law and Not living for God? “Died to the Law [and] live for God”? Evangelical Model of the Covenants of the Old and New Covenants

Abrahamic Covenant Sinai Covenant “Old Covenant” New Covenant Promise/Faith Gen 15:6, 18 Law/Obedience Deut 4:12-13 5:2-3 Promise/Faith Grace/Love Heb 8:7-9, 13 Alive to the law and Not living for God? “Died to the Law [and] live for God”? Evangelical Model of the Covenants of the Old and New Covenants Inadequate model for the died-to-the-law motif in Galatians 2:19

“For through the law….”

“For through the law [i.e., through an Above the Line application of the gospel to my heart by the Holy Spirit]….”

“Through the Law…” (Galatians 2:19) The Everlasting Covenant JESUS
Covenant of Redemption God’s Universal Gift to Humanity (Everlasting Gospel Bridge from Paradise Lost to Paradise Restored) “Through the Law…” Eternal Life Eternity Past God’s Historical Old Covenant (Everlasting Gospel - OT Era) Gospel In Symbols God’s Historical New Covenant (Everlasting Gospel - NT Era) JESUS Israel David Abraham Noah Humanity’s Response to God’s Gift (faith or disbelief) Post-Fall Adam Creation Sinful-Nature-Generated Old Covenant Experience – Gospel Perverted and Externalized Holy-Spirit-Generated New Covenant Experience – Gospel Accepted and Internalized (Galatians 2:19)

“For through the law [i.e., through an Above the Line application of the gospel to my heart by the Holy Spirit]….”

“For through the law [i.e., through an Above the Line application of the gospel to my heart by the Holy Spirit] I died to the law….”

“For through the law [i.e., through an Above the Line application of the gospel to my heart by the Holy Spirit] I died to the law [i.e., died to a Below the Line old-covenant/legalistic experience with God and His Law generated by my own sinful nature]….”

Covenant of Redemption God’s Universal Gift to Humanity (Everlasting Gospel Bridge from Paradise Lost to Paradise Restored) “Through the Law…” Eternal Life Eternity Past God’s Historical Old Covenant (Everlasting Gospel - OT Era) Gospel In Symbols God’s Historical New Covenant (Everlasting Gospel - NT Era) JESUS Israel David Abraham Noah Humanity’s Response to God’s Gift (faith or disbelief) Post-Fall Adam Creation Sinful-Nature-Generated Old Covenant Experience – Gospel Perverted and Externalized “I died to the law” Holy-Spirit-Generated New Covenant Experience – Gospel Accepted and Internalized (Galatians 2:19)

“For through the law [i.e., an Above the Line application of the gospel to my heart by the Holy Spirit] I died to the law [i.e., died to a Below the Line old-covenant/legalistic experience with God and His Law generated by my own sinful nature] so that I might live for God.”

Covenant of Redemption God’s Universal Gift to Humanity (Everlasting Gospel Bridge from Paradise Lost to Paradise Restored) “Through the Law…” Eternal Life Eternity Past God’s Historical Old Covenant (Everlasting Gospel - OT Era) Gospel In Symbols God’s Historical New Covenant (Everlasting Gospel - NT Era) JESUS Israel David Abraham Noah Humanity’s Response to God’s Gift (faith or disbelief) Post-Fall Adam Below the line Experiential Orientation Creation Sinful-Nature-Generated Old Covenant Experience – Gospel Perverted and Externalized “I died to the law” Holy-Spirit-Generated New Covenant Experience – Gospel Accepted and Internalized “Live for God” -- Conversion (Galatians 2:19)

The Law of the Spirit and Life vs. The Law of Sin and Death

“Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, 2 because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death.” Rom 8:1-2

“Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, 2 because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death. 3 For what the law was powerless to do because it was weakened by the flesh, God did by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh to be a sin offering. And so he condemned sin in the flesh, 4 in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fully met in us, who do not live according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.” Rom 8:1-4

Romans 7: “I found that the very commandment that was intended to bring life actually brought death. 11 For sin, seizing the opportunity afforded by the commandment, deceived me, and through the commandment put me to death. 12 So then, the law is holy, and the commandment is holy, righteous and good.” The same knife that In the hand of a surgeon is an instrument to save In the hand of a thief is a weapon to destroy The same law that In the hand of the Spirit is an instrument to save In the hand of the sinful nature is a weapon to destroy

Romans 7: “For in my inner being I delight in God’s law; 23 But I see another law at work in me, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin at work within me.” The same knife that In the hand of a surgeon is an instrument to save In the hand of a thief is a weapon to destroy The same law that In the hand of the Spirit is an instrument to save In the hand of the sinful nature is a weapon to destroy

Romans 7: “For in my inner being I delight in God’s law; 23 But I see another law at work in me, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin at work within me.” “The law of the Spirit who gives life has set me free from the law of sin and death.” Rom 8:2 The same knife that In the hand of a surgeon is an instrument to save In the hand of a thief is a weapon to destroy The same law that In the hand of the Spirit is an instrument to save In the hand of the sinful nature is a weapon to destroy

Abrahamic Covenant Sinai Covenant “Old Covenant” New Covenant Promise/Faith Gen 15:6, 18 Law/Obedience Deut 4:12-13 5:2-3 Promise/Faith Grace/Love Holy Spirit Heb 8:7-9, 13 Law of sin and death? Law of Spirit and life? Evangelical Model of the Covenants Especially the Old and New Covenants

Abrahamic Covenant Sinai Covenant “Old Covenant” New Covenant Promise/Faith Gen 15:6, 18 Law/Obedience Deut 4:12-13 5:2-3 Promise/Faith Grace/Love Holy Spirit Heb 8:7-9, 13 Law of sin and death? Law of Spirit and life? Evangelical Model of the Covenants Especially the Old and New Covenants Inadequate to harmonize all the data Needs a replacement model

“The Law of the Spirit of life…” (Romans 8:2)
The Everlasting Covenant Covenant of Redemption God’s Universal Gift to Humanity (Everlasting Gospel Bridge from Paradise Lost to Paradise Restored) “The Law of the Spirit of life…” Eternal Life Eternity Past God’s Historical Old Covenant (Everlasting Gospel - OT Era) Gospel In Symbols God’s Historical New Covenant (Everlasting Gospel - NT Era) JESUS Israel David Abraham Noah Humanity’s Response to God’s Gift (faith or disbelief) Post-Fall Adam Below the line Experiential Orientation Creation Sinful-Nature-Generated Old Covenant Experience – Gospel Perverted and Externalized “From the law of sin and death” Holy-Spirit-Generated New Covenant Experience – Gospel Accepted and Internalized “Set me free” (Romans 8:2)

Viewed through Romans 8:2’s “The law of the Spirit who gives life” vs. “The law of sin and death”

“For through the law I died to the law so that I might live for God.”

“For through the law….”

“For through the law [i.e., through ‘the law of the Spirit of life’]….”

Covenant of Redemption God’s Universal Gift to Humanity (Everlasting Gospel Bridge from Paradise Lost to Paradise Restored) “Through the Law…” Eternal Life Eternity Past God’s Historical Old Covenant (Everlasting Gospel - OT Era) Gospel In Symbols God’s Historical New Covenant (Everlasting Gospel - NT Era) JESUS Israel David Abraham Noah Humanity’s Response to God’s Gift (faith or disbelief) Post-Fall Adam Creation Sinful-Nature-Generated Old Covenant Experience – Gospel Perverted and Externalized Holy-Spirit-Generated New Covenant Experience – Gospel Accepted and Internalized (Galatians 2:19)

“For through the law [i.e., through ‘the law of the Spirit of life’]….”

“For through the law [i.e., through ‘the law of the Spirit of life’] I died to the law….”

“For through the law [i.e., through ‘the law of the Spirit of life’] I died to the law [i.e., ‘died to the law of sin and death]….”

Covenant of Redemption God’s Universal Gift to Humanity (Everlasting Gospel Bridge from Paradise Lost to Paradise Restored) “Through the Law…” Eternal Life Eternity Past God’s Historical Old Covenant (Everlasting Gospel - OT Era) Gospel In Symbols God’s Historical New Covenant (Everlasting Gospel - NT Era) JESUS Israel David Abraham Noah Humanity’s Response to God’s Gift (faith or disbelief) Post-Fall Adam Creation Sinful-Nature-Generated Old Covenant Experience – Gospel Perverted and Externalized “I died to the law of sin and death” Holy-Spirit-Generated New Covenant Experience – Gospel Accepted and Internalized (Galatians 2:19)

“For through the law [i.e., through ‘the law of the Spirit of life’] I died to the law [i.e., ‘died to the law of sin and death] that I might live for God.”

Covenant of Redemption God’s Universal Gift to Humanity (Everlasting Gospel Bridge from Paradise Lost to Paradise Restored) “Through the Law…” Eternal Life Eternity Past God’s Historical Old Covenant (Everlasting Gospel - OT Era) Gospel In Symbols God’s Historical New Covenant (Everlasting Gospel - NT Era) JESUS Israel David Abraham Noah Humanity’s Response to God’s Gift (faith or disbelief) Post-Fall Adam Below the line Experiential Orientation Creation Sinful-Nature-Generated Old Covenant Experience – Gospel Perverted and Externalized “I died to the law of sin and death” Holy-Spirit-Generated New Covenant Experience – Gospel Accepted and Internalized Live for God – Conversion (Galatians 2:19)

Not Under Law but Under Grace
Rom 6:14

“… you are not under the law, but under grace.” Rom 6:14

Abrahamic Covenant Sinai Covenant “Old Covenant” New Covenant Promise/Faith Gen 15:6, 18 Law/Obedience Deut 4:12-13 5:2-3 Promise/Faith Grace/Love Heb 8:7-9, 13 “Under the law”? “Under grace”? Evangelical Model of the Covenants Especially the Old and New Covenants

(Romans 6:14) The Everlasting Covenant Above the line
Covenant of Redemption God’s Universal Gift to Humanity (Everlasting Gospel Bridge from Paradise Lost to Paradise Restored) Eternal Life Eternity Past Above the line Historical Orientation Above the line Historical Orientation God’s Historical Old Covenant (Everlasting Gospel - OT Era) “Under the law”? “Under grace”? Gospel In Symbols God’s Historical New Covenant (Everlasting Gospel - NT Era) JESUS Israel David Abraham Noah Humanity’s Response to God’s Gift (faith or disbelief) Post-Fall Adam Below the line Experiential Orientation? Below the line Experiential Orientation? Creation Sinful-Nature-Generated Old Covenant Experience – Gospel Perverted and Externalized “Under the law”? Holy-Spirit-Generated New Covenant Experience – Gospel Accepted and Internalized “Under grace”? (Romans 6:14)

What would the context suggest?
What does it mean to be “under the law”? “… you are not under the law, but under grace.” What would the context suggest?

“11 In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus. 12 Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its evil desires. 13 Do not offer any part of yourself to sin as an instrument of wickedness, but rather offer yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life; and offer every part of yourself to him as an instrument of righteousness. 14 For sin shall no longer be your master, because you are not under the law, but under grace.” Rom 6:11-14

“Under the Law” / “Under Grace”
Romans 6:11-14 “Under the Law” / “Under Grace”

“Under the Law” / ”Under Grace”
Romans 6:11-14 “Under the Law” / ”Under Grace” “Sin shall… be your master” (v. 14)

Romans 6:11-14 “Under the Law” / ”Under Grace” “Sin shall… be your master” (v. 14) You are “alive” to “sin” (v. 11)

Romans 6:11-14 “Under the Law” / ”Under Grace” “Sin shall… be your master” (v. 14) You are “alive” to “sin” (v. 11) Sin “reigns in your body… [you] obey its evil desires” (v. 12)

Romans 6:11-14 “Under the Law” / ”Under Grace” “Sin shall… be your master” (v. 14) You are “alive” to “sin” (v. 11) Sin “reigns in your body… [you] obey its evil desires” (v. 12) “Offer… yourself to sin as an instrument of wickedness” (v. 13)

Romans 6:11-14 “Under the Law” / ”Under Grace” “Sin shall… be your master” (v. 14) “Sin shall no longer be your master” (v. 14) You are “alive” to “sin” (v. 11) Sin “reigns in your body… [you] obey its evil desires” (v. 12) “Offer… yourself to sin as an instrument of wickedness” (v. 13)

Romans 6:11-14 “Under the Law” / ”Under Grace” “Sin shall… be your master” (v. 14) “Sin shall no longer be your master” (v. 14) You are “alive” to “sin” (v. 11) “Count yourself dead to sin… alive to God” (v. 11) Sin “reigns in your body… [you] obey its evil desires” (v. 12) “Offer… yourself to sin as an instrument of wickedness” (v. 13)

Romans 6:11-14 “Under the Law” / ”Under Grace” “Sin shall… be your master” (v. 14) “Sin shall no longer be your master” (v. 14) You are “alive” to “sin” (v. 11) “Count yourself dead to sin… alive to God” (v. 11) Sin “reigns in your body… [you] obey its evil desires” (v. 12) “Do not let sin reign in your body [or] obey its desires” (v. 12) “Offer… yourself to sin as an instrument of wickedness” (v. 13)

Romans 6:11-14 “Under the Law” / ”Under Grace” “Sin shall… be your master” (v. 14) “Sin shall no longer be your master” (v. 14) You are “alive” to “sin” (v. 11) “Count yourself dead to sin… alive to God” (v. 11) Sin “reigns in your body… [you] obey its evil desires” (v. 12) “Do not let sin reign in your body [or] obey its desires” (v. 12) “Offer… yourself to sin as an instrument of wickedness” (v. 13) “Offer yourself to God… as an instrument of righteousness” (v. 13) Sinai Covenant? New Covenant?

Romans 6:11-14 “Under the Law” / ”Under Grace” “Sin shall… be your master” (v. 14) “Sin shall no longer be your master” (v. 14) You are “alive” to “sin” (v. 11) “Count yourself dead to sin… alive to God” (v. 11) Sin “reigns in your body… [you] obey its evil desires” (v. 12) “Do not let sin reign in your body [or] obey its desires” (v. 12) “Offer… yourself to sin as an instrument of wickedness” (v. 13) “Offer yourself to God… as an instrument of righteousness” (v. 13) Unconverted Converted

Abrahamic Covenant Sinai Covenant “Old Covenant” New Covenant Promise/Faith Gen 15:6, 18 Law/Obedience Deut 4:12-13 5:2-3 Promise/Faith Grace/Love Heb 8:7-9, 13 “Under the law”? “Under grace”? Evangelical Model of the Covenants Especially the Old and New Covenants An inadequate model for the “under the law… under grace” concepts of Rom 6:14

(Romans 6:14) The Everlasting Covenant Above the line
Covenant of Redemption God’s Universal Gift to Humanity (Everlasting Gospel Bridge from Paradise Lost to Paradise Restored) Eternal Life Eternity Past Above the line Historical Orientation Above the line Historical Orientation God’s Historical Old Covenant (Everlasting Gospel - OT Era) “Under the law”? “Under grace”? Gospel In Symbols God’s Historical New Covenant (Everlasting Gospel - NT Era) JESUS Israel David Abraham Noah Humanity’s Response to God’s Gift (faith or disbelief) Post-Fall Adam Below the line Experiential Orientation? Below the line Experiential Orientation? Creation Sinful-Nature-Generated Old Covenant Experience – Gospel Perverted and Externalized “Under the law” Holy-Spirit-Generated New Covenant Experience – Gospel Accepted and Internalized “Under grace” (Romans 6:14)

Led by Spirit vs. Under Law
Gal 5:18

Gal 5:18 “But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.”

Abrahamic Covenant Sinai Covenant “Old Covenant” New Covenant Promise/Faith Gen 15:6, 18 Law/Obedience Deut 4:12-13 5:2-3 Promise/Faith Grace/Love Heb 8:7-9, 13 “Under the law”? “Led by the Spirit”? Evangelical Model of the Covenants Especially the Old and New Covenants

(Galatians 5:18) The Everlasting Covenant Above the line
Covenant of Redemption God’s Universal Gift to Humanity (Everlasting Gospel Bridge from Paradise Lost to Paradise Restored) Eternal Life Eternity Past Above the line Historical Orientation Above the line Historical Orientation God’s Historical Old Covenant (Everlasting Gospel - OT Era) “Under law”? “Led by the Spirit”? Gospel In Symbols God’s Historical New Covenant (Everlasting Gospel - NT Era) JESUS Israel David Abraham Noah Humanity’s Response to God’s Gift (faith or disbelief) Post-Fall Adam Below the line Experiential Orientation? Below the line Experiential Orientation? Creation Sinful-Nature-Generated Old Covenant Experience – Gospel Perverted and Externalized “Under the law”? Holy-Spirit-Generated New Covenant Experience – Gospel Accepted and Internalized “Led by the Spirit”? (Galatians 5:18)

How is the term “under the law” used in other Scriptural passages?
What does it mean to be “under the law” in Galatians 5:18? “But if you are led by the Spirit you are not under the law.” How is the term “under the law” used in other Scriptural passages?

“Under (the) Law” / Contrasted with:

“19 Now we know that whatever the law says, it says to those who are under the law, so that every mouth may be silenced and the whole world held accountable to God.” Rom 3:19

Held “accountable” for perfect obedience to the law (Rom 3:19)

“19 Now we know that whatever the law says, it says to those who are under the law, so that every mouth may be silenced and the whole world held accountable to God. 20 Therefore no one will be declared righteous in God’s sight by the works of the law; rather, through the law we become conscious of our sin. 21 But now apart from the law the righteousness of God has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify. 22 This righteousness is given through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe.” Rom 3:19-21

Held “accountable” for perfect obedience to the law (Rom 3:19) “Righteousness is given through faith in Jesus” (Rom 3:21)

“For sin shall no longer be your master, because you are not under the law, but under grace.” Rom 6:14

Held “accountable” for perfect obedience to the law (Rom 3:19) “Righteousness is given through faith in Jesus” (Rom 3:21) “Sin shall… be your master” (Rom 6:14) “Sin shall no longer be your master” (Rom 6:14)

“20 To the Jews I became like a Jew, to win the Jews. To those under the law I became like one under the law (though I myself am not under the law), so as to win those under the law. 21 To those not having the law I became like one not having the law (though I am not free from God’s law but am under Christ’s law), so as to win those not having the law.” Cor 9:20-21

Held “accountable” for perfect obedience to the law (Rom 3:19) “Righteousness is given through faith in Jesus” (Rom 3:21) “Sin shall… be your master” (Rom 6:14) “Sin shall no longer be your master” (Rom 6:14) Whole Sinai law plus added Jewish legal traditions (1 Cor 9:20-21)

“20 To the Jews I became like a Jew, to win the Jews. To those under the law I became like one under the law (though I myself am not under the law), so as to win those under the law. 21 To those not having the law I became like one not having the law (though I am not free from God’s law but am under Christ’s law), so as to win those not having the law.” Cor 9:20-21

Held “accountable” for perfect obedience to the law (Rom 3:19) “Righteousness is given through faith in Jesus” (Rom 3:21) “Sin shall… be your master” (Rom 6:14) “Sin shall no longer be your master” (Rom 6:14) Whole Sinai law plus added Jewish legal traditions (1 Cor 9:20-21) “Not free from God’s law… under Christ’s law” (1 Cor 9:20-21)

Held “accountable” for perfect obedience to the law (Rom 3:19) “Righteousness is given through faith in Jesus” (Rom 3:21) “Sin shall… be your master” (Rom 6:14) “Sin shall no longer be your master” (Rom 6:14) Whole Sinai law plus added Jewish legal traditions (1 Cor 9:20-21) “Not free from God’s law… under Christ’s law” (1 Cor 9:20-21) “Locked up under the control of sin… Held in custody” (Gal 3:22-23)

Held “accountable” for perfect obedience to the law (Rom 3:19) “Righteousness is given through faith in Jesus” (Rom 3:21) “Sin shall… be your master” (Rom 6:14) “Sin shall no longer be your master” (Rom 6:14) Whole Sinai law plus added Jewish legal traditions (1 Cor 9:20-21) “Not free from God’s law… under Christ’s law” (1 Cor 9:20-21) “Locked up under the control of sin… Held in custody” (Gal 3:22-23) “The promise… given through faith in Jesus Christ” (Gal 3:22-23)

“4 But when the set time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, 5 to redeem those under the law, that we might receive adoption to sonship.” Gal 4:4-5

Held “accountable” for perfect obedience to the law (Rom 3:19) “Righteousness is given through faith in Jesus” (Rom 3:21) “Sin shall… be your master” (Rom 6:14) “Sin shall no longer be your master” (Rom 6:14) Whole Sinai law plus added Jewish legal traditions (1 Cor 9:20-21) “Not free from God’s law… under Christ’s law” (1 Cor 9:20-21) “Locked up under the control of sin… Held in custody” (Gal 3:22-23) “The promise… given through faith in Jesus Christ” (Gal 3:22-23) Perfect obedience required as it had been of Adam (Gal 4:4-5)

“4 But when the set time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, 5 to redeem those under the law, that we might receive adoption to sonship.” Gal 4:4-5

Held “accountable” for perfect obedience to the law (Rom 3:19) “Righteousness is given through faith in Jesus” (Rom 3:21) “Sin shall… be your master” (Rom 6:14) “Sin shall no longer be your master” (Rom 6:14) Whole Sinai law plus added Jewish legal traditions (1 Cor 9:20-21) “Not free from God’s law… under Christ’s law” (1 Cor 9:20-21) “Locked up under the control of sin… Held in custody” (Gal 3:22-23) “The promise… given through faith in Jesus Christ” (Gal 3:22-23) Perfect obedience required as it had been of Adam (Gal 4:4-5) “Receive adoption to sonship” (Gal 4:4-5)

“16 So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. 17 For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want. 18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.” Gal 5:16-18

Held “accountable” for perfect obedience to the law (Rom 3:19) “Righteousness is given through faith in Jesus” (Rom 3:21) “Sin shall… be your master” (Rom 6:14) “Sin shall no longer be your master” (Rom 6:14) Whole Sinai law plus added Jewish legal traditions (1 Cor 9:20-21) “Not free from God’s law… under Christ’s law” (1 Cor 9:20-21) “Locked up under the control of sin… Held in custody” (Gal 3:22-23) “The promise… given through faith in Jesus Christ” (Gal 3:22-23) Perfect obedience required as it had been of Adam (Gal 4:4-5) “Receive adoption to sonship” (Gal 4:4-5) “Gratify the desires of the flesh” (Gal 5:18)

“16 So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. 17 For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want. 18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.” Gal 5:16-18

Held “accountable” for perfect obedience to the law (Rom 3:19) “Righteousness is given through faith in Jesus” (Rom 3:21) “Sin shall… be your master” (Rom 6:14) “Sin shall no longer be your master” (Rom 6:14) Whole Sinai law plus added Jewish legal traditions (1 Cor 9:20-21) “Not free from God’s law… under Christ’s law” (1 Cor 9:20-21) “Locked up under the control of sin… Held in custody” (Gal 3:22-23) “The promise… given through faith in Jesus Christ” (Gal 3:22-23) Perfect obedience required as it had been of Adam (Gal 4:4-5) “Receive adoption to sonship” (Gal 4:4-5) “Gratify the desires of the flesh” (Gal 5:18) “Walk by the Spirit… Led by the Spirit” (Gal 5:18)

Sinai Covenant? / New Covenant?

Abrahamic Covenant Sinai Covenant “Old Covenant” New Covenant Promise/Faith Gen 15:6, 18 Law/Obedience Deut 4:12-13 5:2-3 Promise/Faith Grace/Love Heb 8:7-9, 13 “Under the law”? “Led by the Spirit”? Evangelical Model of the Covenants Especially the Old and New Covenants An inadequate model for the “under the law” vs. “led by the Spirit” in Gal 5:18

Covenant of Redemption God’s Universal Gift to Humanity (Everlasting Gospel Bridge from Paradise Lost to Paradise Restored) Eternal Life Eternity Past Above the line Historical Orientation Above the line Historical Orientation God’s Historical Old Covenant (Everlasting Gospel - OT Era) “Under law”? “Led by the Spirit”? Gospel In Symbols God’s Historical New Covenant (Everlasting Gospel - NT Era) JESUS Israel David Abraham Noah Humanity’s Response to God’s Gift (faith or disbelief) Post-Fall Adam Below the line Experiential Orientation? Below the line Experiential Orientation? Creation Sinful-Nature-Generated Old Covenant Experience – Gospel Perverted and Externalized “Under law” Holy-Spirit-Generated New Covenant Experience – Gospel Accepted and Internalized “Led by the Spirit” (Galatians 5:18)

Redeemed from the Curse of the Law
Gal 3:13-14

Redeemed from the Curse of the Law
Gal 3:13-14 “13 Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us, for it is written: ‘Cursed is everyone who is hung on a pole.’[Deut 21:23] 14 He redeemed us in order that the blessing given to Abraham might come to the Gentiles through Christ Jesus, so that by faith we might receive the promise of the Spirit.”

Sinai Covenant “Old Covenant” Redeemed from the curse?
Abrahamic Covenant Sinai Covenant “Old Covenant” New Covenant Promise/Faith Gen 15:6, 18 Law/Obedience Deut 4:12-13 5:2-3 Promise/Faith Grace/Love Heb 8:7-9, 13 “The curse of the law”? Redeemed from the curse? Evangelical Model of the Covenants Especially the Old and New Covenants

(Galatians 3:13-14) The Everlasting Covenant Above the line
Covenant of Redemption God’s Universal Gift to Humanity (Everlasting Gospel Bridge from Paradise Lost to Paradise Restored) Eternal Life Eternity Past Above the line Historical Orientation Above the line Historical Orientation God’s Historical Old Covenant (Everlasting Gospel - OT Era) “Curse of the law”? “Redeemed from the curse”? Gospel In Symbols God’s Historical New Covenant (Everlasting Gospel - NT Era) JESUS Israel David Abraham Noah Humanity’s Response to God’s Gift (faith or disbelief) Post-Fall Adam Below the line Experiential Orientation? Below the line Experiential Orientation? Creation Sinful-Nature-Generated Old Covenant Experience – Gospel Perverted and Externalized “Curse of the law”? Holy-Spirit-Generated New Covenant Experience – Gospel Accepted and Internalized “Redeemed from the curse”? (Galatians 3:13-14)

In what ways was “the Law” a curse?

“Under (the) Law” / Curse? or No Curse?

Held “accountable” for perfect obedience to the law (Rom 3:19) Curse “Sin shall… be your master” (Rom 6:14) “Sin shall no longer be your master” (Rom 6:14) Whole Sinai law plus added Jewish legal traditions (1 Cor 9:20-21) “Not free from God’s law… under Christ’s law” (1 Cor 9:20-21) “Locked up under the control of sin… Held in custody” (Gal 3:22-23) “The promise… given through faith in Jesus Christ” (Gal 3:22-23) Perfect obedience required as it had been of Adam (Gal 4:4-5) “Receive adoption to sonship” (Gal 4:4-5) “Gratify the desires of the flesh” (Gal 5:18) “Walk by the Spirit… Led by the Spirit” (Gal 5:18)

Held “accountable” for perfect obedience to the law (Rom 3:19) Curse “Sin shall… be your master” (Rom 6:14) Whole Sinai law plus added Jewish legal traditions (1 Cor 9:20-21) “Not free from God’s law… under Christ’s law” (1 Cor 9:20-21) “Locked up under the control of sin… Held in custody” (Gal 3:22-23) “The promise… given through faith in Jesus Christ” (Gal 3:22-23) Perfect obedience required as it had been of Adam (Gal 4:4-5) “Receive adoption to sonship” (Gal 4:4-5) “Gratify the desires of the flesh” (Gal 5:18) “Walk by the Spirit… Led by the Spirit” (Gal 5:18)

Held “accountable” for perfect obedience to the law (Rom 3:19) Curse “Sin shall… be your master” (Rom 6:14) Whole Sinai law plus added Jewish legal traditions (1 Cor 9:20-21) “Locked up under the control of sin… Held in custody” (Gal 3:22-23) “The promise… given through faith in Jesus Christ” (Gal 3:22-23) Perfect obedience required as it had been of Adam (Gal 4:4-5) “Receive adoption to sonship” (Gal 4:4-5) “Gratify the desires of the flesh” (Gal 5:18) “Walk by the Spirit… Led by the Spirit” (Gal 5:18)

Held “accountable” for perfect obedience to the law (Rom 3:19) Curse “Sin shall… be your master” (Rom 6:14) Whole Sinai law plus added Jewish legal traditions (1 Cor 9:20-21) “Locked up under the control of sin… Held in custody” (Gal 3:22-23) Perfect obedience required as it had been of Adam (Gal 4:4-5) “Receive adoption to sonship” (Gal 4:4-5) “Gratify the desires of the flesh” (Gal 5:18) “Walk by the Spirit… Led by the Spirit” (Gal 5:18)

Held “accountable” for perfect obedience to the law (Rom 3:19) Curse “Sin shall… be your master” (Rom 6:14) Whole Sinai law plus added Jewish legal traditions (1 Cor 9:20-21) “Locked up under the control of sin… Held in custody” (Gal 3:22-23) Perfect obedience required as it had been of Adam (Gal 4:4-5) “Gratify the desires of the flesh” (Gal 5:18) “Walk by the Spirit… Led by the Spirit” (Gal 5:18)

Held “accountable” for perfect obedience to the law (Rom 3:19) Curse “Sin shall… be your master” (Rom 6:14) Whole Sinai law plus added Jewish legal traditions (1 Cor 9:20-21) “Locked up under the control of sin… Held in custody” (Gal 3:22-23) Perfect obedience required as it had been of Adam (Gal 4:4-5) “Gratify the desires of the flesh” (Gal 5:18)

“The Curse of the Law” / “Christ Redeemed Us” Curse
Held “accountable” for perfect obedience to the law (Rom 3:19) Curse “Sin shall… be your master” (Rom 6:14) Whole Sinai law plus added Jewish legal traditions (1 Cor 9:20-21) “Locked up under the control of sin… Held in custody” (Gal 3:22-23) Perfect obedience required as it had been of Adam (Gal 4:4-5) “Gratify the desires of the flesh” (Gal 5:18)

“The Curse of the Law” / “Christ Redeemed Us”
Held “accountable” for perfect obedience to the law (Rom 3:19) “Righteousness is given through faith in Jesus” (Rom 3:21) “Sin shall… be your master” (Rom 6:14) Curse Whole Sinai law plus added Jewish legal traditions (1 Cor 9:20-21) “Locked up under the control of sin… Held in custody” (Gal 3:22-23) Perfect obedience required as it had been of Adam (Gal 4:4-5) “Gratify the desires of the flesh” (Gal 5:18)

Held “accountable” for perfect obedience to the law (Rom 3:19) “Righteousness is given through faith in Jesus” (Rom 3:21) “Sin shall… be your master” (Rom 6:14) “Sin shall no longer be your master” (Rom 6:14) Whole Sinai law plus added Jewish legal traditions (1 Cor 9:20-21) Curse “Locked up under the control of sin… Held in custody” (Gal 3:22-23) Perfect obedience required as it had been of Adam (Gal 4:4-5) “Gratify the desires of the flesh” (Gal 5:18)

Held “accountable” for perfect obedience to the law (Rom 3:19) “Righteousness is given through faith in Jesus” (Rom 3:21) “Sin shall… be your master” (Rom 6:14) “Sin shall no longer be your master” (Rom 6:14) Whole Sinai law plus added Jewish legal traditions (1 Cor 9:20-21) “Not free from God’s law… under Christ’s law” (1 Cor 9:20-21) “Locked up under the control of sin… Held in custody” (Gal 3:22-23) Curse Perfect obedience required as it had been of Adam (Gal 4:4-5) “Gratify the desires of the flesh” (Gal 5:18)

Held “accountable” for perfect obedience to the law (Rom 3:19) “Righteousness is given through faith in Jesus” (Rom 3:21) “Sin shall… be your master” (Rom 6:14) “Sin shall no longer be your master” (Rom 6:14) Whole Sinai law plus added Jewish legal traditions (1 Cor 9:20-21) “Not free from God’s law… under Christ’s law” (1 Cor 9:20-21) “Locked up under the control of sin… Held in custody” (Gal 3:22-23) “The promise… given through faith in Jesus Christ” (Gal 3:22-23) Perfect obedience required as it had been of Adam (Gal 4:4-5) Curse “Gratify the desires of the flesh” (Gal 5:18)

Held “accountable” for perfect obedience to the law (Rom 3:19) “Righteousness is given through faith in Jesus” (Rom 3:21) “Sin shall… be your master” (Rom 6:14) “Sin shall no longer be your master” (Rom 6:14) Whole Sinai law plus added Jewish legal traditions (1 Cor 9:20-21) “Not free from God’s law… under Christ’s law” (1 Cor 9:20-21) “Locked up under the control of sin… Held in custody” (Gal 3:22-23) “The promise… given through faith in Jesus Christ” (Gal 3:22-23) Perfect obedience required as it had been of Adam (Gal 4:4-5) “Receive adoption to sonship” (Gal 4:4-5) “Gratify the desires of the flesh” (Gal 5:18) Curse

Sinai Covenant? / New Covenant?

Sinai Covenant “Old Covenant” Redeemed from the curse?
Abrahamic Covenant Sinai Covenant “Old Covenant” New Covenant Promise/Faith Gen 15:6, 18 Law/Obedience Deut 4:12-13 5:2-3 Promise/Faith Grace/Love Heb 8:7-9, 13 “The curse of the law”? Redeemed from the curse? Evangelical Model of the Covenants Especially the Old and New Covenants An inadequate model for the “redeemed from the curse of the law” in Gal 3:13-14

(Galatians 3:13-14) The Everlasting Covenant Above the line
Covenant of Redemption God’s Universal Gift to Humanity (Everlasting Gospel Bridge from Paradise Lost to Paradise Restored) Eternal Life Eternity Past Above the line Historical Orientation Above the line Historical Orientation God’s Historical Old Covenant (Everlasting Gospel - OT Era) “Curse of the law”? “Redeemed from the curse”? Gospel In Symbols God’s Historical New Covenant (Everlasting Gospel - NT Era) JESUS Israel David Abraham Noah Humanity’s Response to God’s Gift (faith or disbelief) Post-Fall Adam Below the line Experiential Orientation? Below the line Experiential Orientation? Creation Sinful-Nature-Generated Old Covenant Experience – Gospel Perverted and Externalized “Curse of the law” Holy-Spirit-Generated New Covenant Experience – Gospel Accepted and Internalized “Redeemed from the curse” (Galatians 3:13-14)

The Power of Sin is the Law
1 Cor 15: 56-57 “56 The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. 57 But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.”

Sinai Covenant “Old Covenant” “Victory through Jesus”?
Abrahamic Covenant Sinai Covenant “Old Covenant” New Covenant Promise/Faith Gen 15:6, 18 Law/Obedience Deut 4:12-13 5:2-3 Promise/Faith Grace/Love Heb 8:7-9, 13 “The power of sin”? “Victory through Jesus”? Evangelical Model of the Covenants Especially the Old and New Covenants

(1 Cor 15:56-57) The Everlasting Covenant Above the line
Covenant of Redemption God’s Universal Gift to Humanity (Everlasting Gospel Bridge from Paradise Lost to Paradise Restored) Eternal Life Eternity Past Above the line Historical Orientation Above the line Historical Orientation God’s Historical Old Covenant (Everlasting Gospel - OT Era) “The power of sin”? “Victory through Jesus”? Gospel In Symbols God’s Historical New Covenant (Everlasting Gospel - NT Era) JESUS Israel David Abraham Noah Humanity’s Response to God’s Gift (faith or disbelief) Post-Fall Adam Below the line Experiential Orientation? Below the line Experiential Orientation? Creation Sinful-Nature-Generated Old Covenant Experience – Gospel Perverted and Externalized “The power of sin”? Holy-Spirit-Generated New Covenant Experience – Gospel Accepted and Internalized “Victory through Jesus”? (1 Cor 15:56-57)

“The power of sin is the Law”?
If God had no law in His universe, would sin lose it’s strength? By giving no law, might God have prevented sin from ever arising?

If God had no law in His universe, would sin lose it’s strength? By giving no law, might God have prevented sin from ever arising? If God rescinded all laws He has ever given humanity, including the law to love God and one another, would sin suddenly loose its strength over humans?

If God had no law in His universe, would sin lose it’s strength? By giving no law, might God have prevented sin from ever arising? If God rescinded all laws He has ever given humanity, including the law to love God and one another, would sin suddenly loose its strength over humans? Was there sin in the world before God gave His law on Sinai?

The Power of Sin is the Law?
“13 To be sure, sin was in the world before the law was given, but sin is not charged against anyone’s account where there is no law. 14 Nevertheless, death reigned from the time of Adam to the time of Moses, even over those who did not sin by breaking a command, as did Adam, who is a pattern of the one to come.” Rom 5:13-14

“The law of the LORD is perfect, refreshing [‘converting’ –NKJV] the soul.” Ps 19:7

“The law of the LORD is perfect, refreshing [‘converting’ –NKJV] the soul.” Ps 19:7 “The law is holy, and the commandment is holy, righteous and good… The law is spiritual…” Rom 7:12, 14

“The law of the LORD is perfect, refreshing [‘converting’ –NKJV] the soul.” Ps 19:7 “The law is holy, and the commandment is holy, righteous and good… The law is spiritual…” Rom 7:12, 14 “What other nation is so great as to have such righteous decrees and laws as this body of laws I am setting before you today?” Deut 4:8

“The law of the LORD is perfect, refreshing [‘converting’ –NKJV] the soul.” Ps 19:7 “The law is holy, and the commandment is holy, righteous and good… The law is spiritual…” Rom 7:12, 14 “What other nation is so great as to have such righteous decrees and laws as this body of laws I am setting before you today?” Deut 4:8 “Oh, how I love your law! I meditate on it all day long Ps 119:67

If: “Sin was in the world before the law was given” (Rom 5:13), “The law is holy, righteous, good, [and]and spiritual (Rom 7:12, 14), The law was a spiritual blessing to, and loved by, those who received it (Deut 4:8; Ps 119:97), Then what might Paul Have meant by his statement, “The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law?”

If: “Sin was in the world before the law was given” (Rom 5:13), “The law is holy, righteous, good, [and]and spiritual (Rom 7:12, 14), The law was a spiritual blessing to, and loved by, those who received it (Deut 4:8; Ps 119:97), Then what might Paul Have meant by his statement, “The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law?” Note the triad: death-sin-law

If: “Sin was in the world before the law was given” (Rom 5:13), “The law is holy, righteous, good, [and]and spiritual (Rom 7:12, 14), The law was a spiritual blessing to, and loved by, those who received it (Deut 4:8; Ps 119:97), Then what might Paul Have meant by his statement, “The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law?” Note the triad: death-sin-law in other Scriptures.

The “Law…Sin…Death” Triad
“1 Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, 2 because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death.” Rom 8:1-2 [In the “law…sin…death” triad of Rom 8:2 it is not God’s gospel-bearing law from which Christ sets us free, but from the “law of sin and death,” a damning human misapplication and response to God’s law.]

“10 I found that the very commandment [law] that was intended to bring life actually brought death. 11 For sin, seizing the opportunity afforded by the commandment, deceived me, and through the commandment put me to death.” Rom 7:10-11 [In the “commandment/[law]… sin … death” triad of Rom 7:10-11, sin deceivingly converted God’s law, from one originally “intended to bring life” to one that “actually brought death.”]

“56 The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. 57 But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” Cor:15:56-57 [Following its precedent in NT usage, the “death… sin… law” triad employed in 1 Cor 15:56 and over which Christ gives the victory is not the grace-based, gospel-bearing law God gave His people, but the misapplication the people made of it and their rebellious/legalistic response to it.]

Sinai Covenant “Old Covenant” “Victory through Jesus”?
Abrahamic Covenant Sinai Covenant “Old Covenant” New Covenant Promise/Faith Gen 15:6, 18 Law/Obedience Deut 4:12-13 5:2-3 Promise/Faith Grace/Love Heb 8:7-9, 13 “The power of sin”? “Victory through Jesus”? Evangelical Model of the Covenants Especially the Old and New Covenants An inadequate model for the “the law is the power of sin” in 1 Cor 15:56-57

Covenant of Redemption God’s Universal Gift to Humanity (Everlasting Gospel Bridge from Paradise Lost to Paradise Restored) Eternal Life Eternity Past Above the line Historical Orientation Above the line Historical Orientation God’s Historical Old Covenant (Everlasting Gospel - OT Era) “The power of sin”? “Victory through Jesus”? Gospel In Symbols God’s Historical New Covenant (Everlasting Gospel - NT Era) JESUS Israel David Abraham Noah Humanity’s Response to God’s Gift (faith or disbelief) Post-Fall Adam Below the line Experiential Orientation? Below the line Experiential Orientation? Creation Sinful-Nature-Generated Old Covenant Experience – Gospel Perverted and Externalized “The power of sin” Holy-Spirit-Generated New Covenant Experience – Gospel Accepted and Internalized “Victory through Jesus” (1 Corinthians 15:56-57)

The Law and Faith Gal 3:12

The Law and Faith “The law is not based on faith; on the contrary, it says, ‘The person who does these things will live by them.’” Gal 3:12 (quoting Lev 18:5)

Abrahamic Covenant Sinai Covenant “Old Covenant” New Covenant Promise/Faith Gen 15:6, 18 Law/Obedience Deut 4:12-13 5:2-3 Promise/Faith Grace/Love Heb 8:7-9, 13 “Not based on faith”? Based on Faith? Evangelical Model of the Covenants Especially the Old and New Covenants

Covenant of Redemption God’s Universal Gift to Humanity (Everlasting Gospel Bridge from Paradise Lost to Paradise Restored) Eternal Life Eternity Past Above the line Historical Orientation Above the line Historical Orientation God’s Historical Old Covenant (Everlasting Gospel - OT Era) “Not based on faith”? “Based on faith”? Gospel In Symbols God’s Historical New Covenant (Everlasting Gospel - NT Era) JESUS Israel David Abraham Noah Humanity’s Response to God’s Gift (faith or disbelief) Post-Fall Adam Below the line Experiential Orientation? Below the line Experiential Orientation? Creation Sinful-Nature-Generated Old Covenant Experience – Gospel Perverted and Externalized “Not based on faith”? Holy-Spirit-Generated New Covenant Experience – Gospel Accepted and Internalized “Based on faith”? (Galatians 3:12)

The Law and Faith “Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You give a tenth of your spices—mint, dill and cumin. But you have neglected the more important matters of the law—justice, mercy and faithfulness [faith—Gk., pistin]. You should have practiced the latter, without neglecting the former.” Mt 23:23 “Do we, then, nullify the law by this faith? Not at all, Rather, we uphold the law.” Rom 3:31

Abrahamic Covenant Sinai Covenant “Old Covenant” New Covenant Promise/Faith Gen 15:6, 18 Law/Obedience Deut 4:12-13 5:2-3 Promise/Faith Grace/Love Heb 8:7-9, 13 “Not based on faith”? Based on Faith? Evangelical Model of the Covenants Especially the Old and New Covenants The historical model is inadequate for the Law’s relationship to faith in Gal 2:12

Covenant of Redemption God’s Universal Gift to Humanity (Everlasting Gospel Bridge from Paradise Lost to Paradise Restored) Eternal Life Eternity Past Above the line Historical Orientation Above the line Historical Orientation God’s Historical Old Covenant (Everlasting Gospel - OT Era) “Not based on faith”? “Based on faith”? Gospel In Symbols God’s Historical New Covenant (Everlasting Gospel - NT Era) JESUS Israel David Abraham Noah Humanity’s Response to God’s Gift (faith or disbelief) Post-Fall Adam Below the line Experiential Orientation? Below the line Experiential Orientation? Creation Sinful-Nature-Generated Old Covenant Experience – Gospel Perverted and Externalized “Not based on faith” Holy-Spirit-Generated New Covenant Experience – Gospel Accepted and Internalized “Based on faith” (Galatians 2:12)

Hebrews 7-10

Hebrews 7-10 A major NT passage on the old and new covenants which it calls the “first” and “new” covenants.

Hebrews 7-10 A major NT passage on the old and new covenants which it calls the “first” and “new” covenants. The discussion focuses on the contrasts between the earthly (historical old covenant) and heavenly (historical new covenant) institutions of priesthood, sanctuary and sacrifices—an above-the-line orientation to the covenants.

Hebrews 7-10 A major NT passage on the old and new covenants which it calls the “first” and “new” covenants. The discussion focuses on the contrasts between the earthly (historical old covenant) and heavenly (historical new covenant) institutions of priesthood, sanctuary and sacrifices—an above-the-line orientation to the covenants. But it also quotes (Heb 8:7-12) the definition God gave to Jeremiah of the new covenant, and then makes a statement in vs. 13 that evangelicals believe proves that the new covenant was not instituted until the NT historical period.

The New Covenant “This is the covenant I will make with the house of Israel after that time, declares the Lord. [1] I will put my laws in their minds and write them on their hearts. [2] I will be their God, and they will be my people. 11 [3] No longer will a man teach his neighbor, or a man his brother, saying, 'Know the Lord,' because they will all know me, from the least of them to the greatest [4] For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more.” Heb 8:10-12 “By calling this covenant “new,” he has made the first one obsolete; and what is obsolete and outdated will soon disappear.” Heb 8:10-13

Hebrews 8:13 “By calling this covenant ‘new,’ he has made the first one obsolete; and what is obsolete and outdated will soon disappear.” That this statement does not refer to God’s OT promises and moral law is evident in that the discussion in Heb 7-10 focuses primarily on the obsoleteness of the ceremonial elements of the historical old covenant (OT sanctuary, priesthood and animal sacrifices) now that Jesus has fulfilled their symbolism and ministers in the heavenly sanctuary for us. Also, God’s new covenant definition—the four gospel promises—are embedded in all His covenants, including and especially His covenant at Sinai. What are “obsolete and outdated” are the ceremonial elements, not God’s OT promises or moral law.

Hebrews 8:13 “By calling this covenant ‘new,’ he has made the first one obsolete; and what is obsolete and outdated will soon disappear.” It is likely that God included His experiential definition of the new covenant where He did (Heb 8:7-12) in this dominantly historical discussion of the covenants (Heb 7-10), as a parenthetical statement, reiterating that people in both historical eras were saved through faith in the same gospel promises which were ratified provisionally in the OT by the sacrifices of animals, and finally, once and for all, by the never-to-be-repeated sacrifice of Jesus.

Revelation 20:6 “I saw thrones on which were seated those who had been given authority to judge… They had not worshiped the beast or its image and had not received its mark on their foreheads or their hands. They came to life and reigned with Christ a thousand years. 5 The rest of the dead did not come to life until the thousand years were ended. This is the first resurrection. 6 Blessed and holy are those who share in the first resurrection.”

Revelation 20:6 “I saw thrones on which were seated those who had been given authority to judge… They had not worshiped the beast or its image and had not received its mark on their foreheads or their hands. They came to life and reigned with Christ a thousand years. 5 (The rest of the dead did not come to life until the thousand years were ended.) This is the first resurrection. 6 Blessed and holy are those who share in the first resurrection.”

Heb 7 – 8:6 (Heb 8:7-12) Heb 8:13ff. Hebrews 8:13 “By calling this covenant ‘new,’ he has made the first one obsolete; and what is obsolete and outdated will soon disappear.”

Heb 7 – 8:6 The priesthood and sacrifices of the OT “first covenant” were transitory types of the perfect sacrifice and heavenly priesthood of Jesus (Heb 8:7-12) Heb 8:13ff. Hebrews 8:13 “By calling this covenant ‘new,’ he has made the first one obsolete; and what is obsolete and outdated will soon disappear.”

Heb 7 – 8:6 The priesthood and sacrifices of the OT “first covenant” were transitory types of the perfect sacrifice and heavenly priesthood of Jesus (Heb 8:7-12) Heb 8:13ff. The priesthood and sacrifices of the “first covenant” are “obsolete” and “will soon disappear” now that Jesus has ratified His covenant promises once for all by His sacrifice Hebrews 8:13 “By calling this covenant ‘new,’ he has made the first one obsolete; and what is obsolete and outdated will soon disappear.”

Heb 7 – 8:6 The priesthood and sacrifices of the OT “first covenant” were transitory types of the perfect sacrifice and heavenly priesthood of Jesus (Heb 8:7-12) (The “new covenant” promises that span and unify the OT and NT historical dispensations with the “eternal gospel”) Heb 8:13ff. The priesthood and sacrifices of the “first covenant” are “obsolete” and “will soon disappear” now that Jesus has ratified His covenant promises once for all by His sacrifice Hebrews 8:13 “By calling this covenant ‘new,’ he has made the first one obsolete; and what is obsolete and outdated will soon disappear.”

“For we also have had the good news proclaimed to us, just as they did; but the message they heard was of no value to them, because they did not share the faith of those who obeyed.” Hebrews 4:2

(Hebrews 7-10) The Everlasting Covenant Above the line
Covenant of Redemption God’s Universal Gift to Humanity (Everlasting Gospel Bridge from Paradise Lost to Paradise Restored) (Hebrews 7-10) Eternal Life Eternity Past Above the line Historical Orientation God’s Historical Old Covenant (Everlasting Gospel - OT Era) Gospel In Symbols God’s Historical New Covenant (Everlasting Gospel - NT Era) JESUS Israel David Abraham Noah Humanity’s Response to God’s Gift (faith or disbelief) Post-Fall Adam Below the line Experiential Orientation Creation Sinful-Nature-Generated Old Covenant Experience – Gospel Perverted and Externalized Holy-Spirit-Generated New Covenant Experience – Gospel Accepted and Internalized

The crucial role of Hebrews 11 cannot be overemphasized.

“By faith [Abel] was commended as righteous.” (4)

“By faith [Abel] was commended as righteous.” (4) “By faith Enoch was taken from this life, so that he did not experience death.” (5)

“By faith [Abel] was commended as righteous.” (4) “By faith Enoch was taken from this life, so that he did not experience death.” (5) “By faith Noah became heir of… righteousness” (7)

“By faith [Abel] was commended as righteous.” (4) “By faith Enoch was taken from this life, so that he did not experience death.” (5) “By faith Noah became heir of… righteousness” (7) “By faith Abraham… Sarah… Isaac… Jacob… Joseph… Moses’ parents… Moses… the people [of Israel at the Red Sea]… the prostitute Rahab… Gideon… Barak… Samson… Jephthah… David… Samuel… the prophets…” etc. (8-40)

The spiritual experience of these Old Testament believers was characterized by righteousness by faith in God and the gospel, and the obedience that results from faith, throughout the entire period when the covenants of the Old Testament, including the covenant at Sinai, were being administered by God.

The spiritual experience of these Old Testament believers was characterized by righteousness by faith in God and the gospel, and the obedience that results from faith, throughout the entire period when the covenants of the Old Testament, including the covenant at Sinai, were being administered by God. This is proof positive that throughout history there was in essence only one covenantal experience into which God was ever and always drawing His people.

The Everlasting Covenant Covenant of Redemption God’s Universal Gift to Humanity (Everlasting Gospel Bridge from Paradise Lost to Paradise Restored) Eternal Life Eternity Past God’s Historical Old Covenant (Everlasting Gospel - OT Era) Gospel In Symbols God’s Historical New Covenant (Everlasting Gospel - NT Era) JESUS Israel David Abraham Noah Humanity’s Response to God’s Gift (faith or disbelief) Post-Fall Adam Creation Sinful-Nature-Generated Old Covenant Experience – Gospel Perverted and Externalized Holy-Spirit-Generated New Covenant Experience – Gospel Accepted and Internalized (Hebrews 11 believers – Old Testament/New Covenant)

Love Fulfills the Law Romans 13:8-10

Love Fulfills the Law “8 Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for whoever loves others has fulfilled the law. 9 The commandments, ‘You shall not commit adultery,’ ‘You shall not murder,’ ‘You shall not steal,’ ‘You shall not covet,’ and whatever other command there may be, are summed up in this one command: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ 10 Love does no harm to a neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.” Rom 13:8-10

Love Fulfills the Law “Instead of the many [613] detailed laws [in the old covenant] the new covenant gives a few basic principles falling under the one chief moral commandment of ‘you shall love one another as I have loved you.’ [John 13:34] Therefore Paul could say, ‘For he who loves his neighbor has fulfilled the law… [Romans 13:8-10 quoted] …love therefore is the fulfillment of the law.’” Dale Ratzlaff, The Sabbath in Crisis, 208

Love Fulfills the Law “This commandment to love is repeated a number of times in the New Testament, just as the Ten Commandments were repeated a number of times in the old.” Dale Ratzlaff, The Sabbath in Crisis, 178

Abrahamic Covenant Sinai Covenant “Old Covenant” New Covenant Promise/Faith Gen 15:6, 18 Law/Obedience Deut 4:12-13 5:2-3 Promise/Faith Grace/Holy Spirit Heb 8:7-9, 13 “The Law” “Ten Commandments” “Love” “New Commandment” Evangelical Model of the Covenants Especially the Old and New Covenants

Love Fulfills the Law Against the Abu Ghraib prison abuses of the war in Iraq, President George Bush described the U. S. as a “nation of law” (i.e., a moral and just nation).

Love Fulfills the Law Against the Abu Ghraib prison abuses of the war in Iraq, President George Bush described the U. S. as a “nation of law” (i.e., a moral and just nation). The Covenant Book of the OT was Deuteronomy (structured after the Near Eastern Suzerainty treaties/covenants of Moses’ day.

Love Fulfills the Law Against the Abu Ghraib prison abuses of the war in Iraq, President George Bush described the U. S. as a “nation of law” (i.e., a moral and just nation). The Covenant Book of the OT was Deuteronomy (structured after the Near Eastern Suzerainty treaties/covenants of Moses’ day. Deuteronomy contains more references to “love” than any biblical book other than Psalms, Hosea, John, 1 John.

God Loves His People “I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God… showing love to a thousand generations of those who love me and keep my commandments.” Deut 5:9-10

God Loves His People “I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God… showing love to a thousand generations of those who love me and keep my commandments.” Deut 5:9-10 (cf. Ex 20:6; The Ten Commandments contain the first explicit biblical reference that God loves people, and more specifically, His covenant people.)

God Loves His People “8 It was because the LORD loved you and kept the oath he swore to your ancestors that he brought you out with a mighty hand and redeemed you from the land of slavery, from the power of Pharaoh king of Egypt. 9 Know therefore that the LORD your God is God; he is the faithful God, keeping his covenant of love [‘covenant and mercy’ – NKJV] to a thousand generations of those who love him and keep his commandments.” Deut 7:8-9

God Loves His People “15 The LORD set his affection on your ancestors and loved them, and he chose you, their descendants, above all the nations—as it is today. 16 Circumcise your hearts, therefore, and do not be stiff-necked any longer. 17 For the LORD your God is God of gods and Lord of lords, the great God, mighty and awesome, who shows no partiality and accepts no bribes. 18 He defends the cause of the fatherless and the widow, and loves the foreigner residing among you, giving them food and clothing.” Deut 10:15-18

God Loves His People “5 The LORD your God would not listen to Balaam but turned the curse into a blessing for you, because the LORD your God loves you.” Deut 23:5

God Loves His People “3 Surely it is you [LORD] who love the people; all the holy ones are in your hand. At your feet they all bow down, and from you receive instruction, 4 the law that Moses gave us, the possession of the assembly of Jacob.” Deut 33:3-4

Love Fulfills the Law Against the Abu Ghraib prison abuses of the war in Iraq, President George Bush described the U. S. as a “nation of law” (i.e., a moral and just nation). The Covenant Book of the OT was Deuteronomy (structured after the Near Eastern Suzerainty treaties/covenants of Moses’ day.) Deuteronomy contains more references to “love” than any biblical book other than Psalms, Hosea, John, 1 John.

Love Fulfills the Law Against the Abu Ghraib prison abuses of the war in Iraq, President George Bush described the U. S. as a “nation of law” (i.e., a moral and just nation). The Covenant Book of the OT was Deuteronomy (structured after the Near Eastern Suzerainty treaties/covenants of Moses’ day.) Deuteronomy contains more references to “love” than any biblical book other than Psalms, Hosea, John, 1 John. Based on the revelation that God first loved His people, He gave the commandment to love Him (and one another) and to keep His commandments.

Love God and Keep His Commands
“4 Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. 6 These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. 7 Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. 8 Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. 9 Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates.” Deut 6:4-9

“4 Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one. 5 Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. 6 These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. 7 Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. 8 Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. 9 Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates.” Deut 6:4-9 (The Shema. Love for God was the first and foundational commandment upon which all the others were based. Love was the fulfilling of the law.)

“9 Know therefore that the LORD your God is God; he is the faithful God, keeping his covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love him and keep his commandments.” Deut 7:9

“9 Know therefore that the LORD your God is God; he is the faithful God, keeping his covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love him and keep his commandments.” Deut 7:9 (cf. John 14:21 - “Whoever has my commands and keeps them is the one who loves me. The one who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love them and show myself to them.”)

“12 And now, Israel, what does the LORD your God ask of you but to fear the LORD your God, to walk in obedience to him, to love him, to serve the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul, 13 and to observe the LORD’s commands and decrees that I am giving you today for your own good?” Deut 10:12-13

“12 And now, Israel, what does the LORD your God ask of you but to fear the LORD your God, to walk in obedience to him, to love him, to serve the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul, 13 and to observe the LORD’s commands and decrees that I am giving you today for your own good?” Deut 10:12-13 (Note the repeated formula: Love God and keep His commandments; love was the fulfillment of the law.)

“17 For the LORD your God is God of gods and Lord of lords, the great God, mighty and awesome, who shows no partiality and accepts no bribes. 18 He defends the cause of the fatherless and the widow, and loves the foreigner residing among you, giving them food and clothing. 19 And you are to love those who are foreigners, for you yourselves were foreigners in Egypt.” Deut 10:17-19

“17 For the LORD your God is God of gods and Lord of lords, the great God, mighty and awesome, who shows no partiality and accepts no bribes. 18 He defends the cause of the fatherless and the widow, and loves the foreigner residing among you, giving them food and clothing. 19 And you are to love those who are foreigners, for you yourselves were foreigners in Egypt.” Deut 10:17-19 (This command to love the less fortunate and aliens as God loved them and as God loved Israel is the OT precursor to Jesus’ “new command”: “As I have loved you, so you must love one another.”)

“Love the LORD your God and keep his requirements, his decrees, his laws and his commands always.” Deut 11:1

“Love the LORD your God and keep his requirements, his decrees, his laws and his commands always.” Deut 11:1 (Note the repetitive formula, Love God and keep His commandments. The priority from the beginning was love for God.”)

“13 If you faithfully obey the commands I am giving you today—to love the LORD your God and to serve him with all your heart and with all your soul— 14 then I will send rain on your land in its season, both autumn and spring rains, so that you may gather in your grain, new wine and olive oil.” Deut 11:13-14

“22 If you carefully observe all these commands I am giving you to follow—to love the LORD your God, to walk in obedience to him and to hold fast to him— 23 then the LORD will drive out all these nations before you, and you will dispossess nations larger and stronger than you. 24 Every place where you set your foot will be yours: Your territory will extend from the desert to Lebanon, and from the Euphrates River to the Mediterranean Sea.” Deut 11:22-24

“22 If you carefully observe all these commands I am giving you to follow—to love the LORD your God, to walk in obedience to him and to hold fast to him— 23 then the LORD will drive out all these nations before you, and you will dispossess nations larger and stronger than you. 24 Every place where you set your foot will be yours: Your territory will extend from the desert to Lebanon, and from the Euphrates River to the Mediterranean Sea.” Deut 11:22-24 (cf. John 14:21 – “Whoever has my commands and keeps them is the one who loves me. The one who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love them and show myself to them.”)

“3 The LORD your God is testing you to find out whether you love him with all your heart and with all your soul. 4 It is the LORD your God you must follow, and him you must revere. Keep his commands and obey him; serve him and hold fast to him.” Deut 13:3-4

“8 If the LORD your God enlarges your territory, as he promised on oath to your ancestors, and gives you the whole land he promised them, 9 because you carefully follow all these laws I command you today—to love the LORD your God and to walk always in obedience to him—then you are to set aside three more cities.” Deut 19:8-9

“6 The LORD your God will circumcise your hearts and the hearts of your descendants, so that you may love him with all your heart and with all your soul, and live.” Deut 30:6

“6 The LORD your God will circumcise your hearts and the hearts of your descendants, so that you may love him with all your heart and with all your soul, and live.” Deut 30:6 (cf. Phil 2:13 – “It is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose.”)

“15 See, I set before you today life and prosperity, death and destruction. 16 For I command you today to love the LORD your God, to walk in obedience to him, and to keep his commands, decrees and laws; then you will live and increase, and the LORD your God will bless you in the land you are entering to possess.” Deut 30:16

“19 This day I call the heavens and the earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live 20 and that you may love the LORD your God, listen to his voice, and hold fast to him. For the LORD is your life, and he will give you many years in the land he swore to give to your fathers, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.” Deut 30:19-20

Love Fulfills the Law When in Rom 13:8-10 Paul wrote “Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law,” he was reiterating the formula established and repeatedly affirmed in the Sinai Covenant.

Love Fulfills the Law When in Rom 13:8-10 Paul wrote “Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law,” he was reiterating the formula established and repeatedly affirmed in the Sinai Covenant. Every appeal in Scripture (OT and NT) to obey God’s commandments always has in mind love to God as the foundation of all obedience and God’s love for us as its source.

Love Fulfills the Law When in Rom 13:8-10 Paul wrote “Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law,” he was reiterating the formula established and repeatedly affirmed in the Sinai Covenant. Every appeal in Scripture (OT and NT) to obey God’s commandments always has in mind love to God as the foundation of all obedience and God’s love for us as its source. Every appeal in Scripture (OT and NT) to love God and one another always has in mind obedience to God’s commandments which describe how love to God and others is expressed in actions.

Love Fulfills the Law “Instead of the many [613] detailed laws [in the old covenant] the new covenant gives a few basic principles falling under the one chief moral commandment of ‘you shall love one another as I have loved you.’ [John 13:34] Therefore Paul could say, ‘For he who loves his neighbor has fulfilled the law… [Romans 13:8-10 quoted] …love therefore is the fulfillment of the law.’” Dale Ratzlaff, The Sabbath in Crisis, 208

When in Rom 13:8-10 Paul wrote “Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law,” he was reiterating the formula established and repeatedly affirmed in the Sinai Covenant.

Every appeal in Scripture (OT and NT) to obey God’s commandments always has in mind love to God as the foundation of all obedience and God’s love for us as its source.

The NT contains over 900 direct, and 300 indirect, commandments, including the repetitions for emphasis (compared to the Sinai Covenant’s 613 specific commands).

Legalism is not predicated on the number of commands God has given, or even on the nature of those commands. Even the command to love God and one’s neighbor can be legalistically attempted by someone who has been merely born of the flesh and not of the Spirit.

Paul considered himself “blameless” before the law before he met Jesus (Phil 3:3-6). Only when he “turned to the Lord [was] the veil taken away” (2 Cor 3:16). Thereafter his reliance was exclusively on the righteousness of Christ, “the righteousness that comes from God on the basis of faith” (Phil 3:7-11).

The NT raised the moral bar exponentially higher (e. g
The NT raised the moral bar exponentially higher (e.g., Matt 5-7’s Sermon on the Mount, etc.) so that we would know more than ever that without Christ and His grace there is no salvation, but that with Him and in Him it is guaranteed!

New Covenant Experience
Steps to Christ, 62-64, 70-72, 81-83

Steps to Christ, 62-64 “The condition of eternal life is now just what it always has been,--just what it was in Paradise before the fall of our first parents,--perfect obedience to the law of God, perfect righteousness. If eternal life were granted on any condition short of this, then the happiness of the whole universe would be imperiled. The way would be open for sin, with all its train of woe and misery, to be immortalized.

Steps to Christ, 62-64 “It was possible for Adam, before the fall, to form a righteous character by obedience to God's law. But he failed to do this, and because of his sin our natures are fallen and we cannot make ourselves righteous. Since we are sinful, unholy, we cannot perfectly obey the holy law. We have no righteousness of our own with which to meet the claims of the law of God.

Steps to Christ, 62-64 “But Christ has made a way of escape for us. He lived on earth amid trials and temptations such as we have to meet. He lived a sinless life. He died for us, and now He offers to take our sins and give us His righteousness. If you give yourself to Him, and accept Him as your Saviour, then, sinful as your life may have been, for His sake you are accounted righteous. Christ's character stands in place of your character, and you are accepted before God just as if you had not sinned.

Steps to Christ, 62-64 “More than this, Christ changes the heart. He abides in your heart by faith. You are to maintain this connection with Christ by faith and the continual surrender of your will to Him; and so long as you do this, He will work in you to will and to do according to His good pleasure.

Steps to Christ, 62-64 “So you may say, ‘The life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave Himself for me.’ Galatians 2:20. So Jesus said to His disciples, ‘It is not ye that speak, but the Spirit of your Father which speaketh in you.’ Matthew 10:20. Then with Christ working in you, you will manifest the same spirit and do the same good works --works of righteousness, obedience.

Steps to Christ, 62-64 “So we have nothing in ourselves of which to boast. We have no ground for self-exaltation. Our only ground of hope is in the righteousness of Christ imputed to us, and in that wrought by His Spirit working in and through us.” 701

Steps to Christ, 62-64 “There are those who have known the pardoning love of Christ and who really desire to be children of God, yet they realize that their character is imperfect, their life faulty, and they are ready to doubt whether their hearts have been renewed by the Holy Spirit. To such I would say, Do not draw back in despair. We shall often have to bow down and weep at the feet of Jesus because of our shortcomings and mistakes, but we are not to be discouraged. Even if we are overcome by the enemy, we are not cast off, not forsaken and rejected of God. 702

Steps to Christ, 62-64 “No; Christ is at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us. Said the beloved John, ‘These things write I unto you, that you sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.’ 1 John 2:1. And do not forget the words of Christ, ‘The Father Himself loves you.’ John 16:27. He desires to restore you to Himself, to see His own purity and holiness reflected in you. And if you will but yield yourself to Him, He that hath begun a good work in you will carry it forward to the day of Jesus Christ.” 703

Steps to Christ, 70-72 “Consecrate yourself to God in the morning; make this your very first work. Let your prayer be, ‘Take me, O Lord, as wholly Thine. I lay all my plans at Thy feet. Use me today in Thy service. Abide with me, and let all my work be wrought in Thee.’ This is a daily matter. Each morning consecrate yourself to God for that day. Surrender all your plans to Him, to be carried out or given up as His providence shall indicate. Thus day by day you may be giving your life into the hands of God, and thus your life will be molded more and more after the life of Christ….

Steps to Christ, 70-72 “A life in Christ is a life of restfulness. There may be no ecstasy of feeling, but there should be an abiding, peaceful trust. Your hope is not in yourself; it is in Christ. Your weakness is united to His strength, your ignorance to His wisdom, your frailty to His enduring might. So you are not to look to yourself, not to let the mind dwell upon self, but look to Christ. Let the mind dwell upon His love, upon the beauty, the perfection, of His character.

Steps to Christ, 70-72 “Christ in His self-denial, Christ in His humiliation, Christ in His purity and holiness, Christ in His matchless love --this is the subject for the soul's contemplation. It is by loving Him, copying Him, depending wholly upon Him, that you are to be transformed into His likeness.

Steps to Christ, 70-72 “Jesus says, ‘Abide in Me.’ These words convey the idea of rest, stability, confidence. Again He invites, ’Come unto Me, and I will give you rest.’ Matthew 11:28. The words of the psalmist express the same thought: ‘Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for Him.’ And Isaiah gives the assurance, ‘In quietness and in confidence shall be your strength.’ Psalm 37:7; Isaiah 30:15.

Steps to Christ, 70-72 “This rest is not found in inactivity; for in the Saviour's invitation the promise of rest is united with the call to labor: ‘Take My yoke upon you: and ye shall find rest.’ Matthew 11:29. The heart that rests most fully upon Christ will be most earnest and active in labor for Him.

Steps to Christ, 70-72 “When the mind dwells upon self, it is turned away from Christ, the source of strength and life. Hence it is Satan's constant effort to keep the attention diverted from the Saviour and thus prevent the union and communion of the soul with Christ. The pleasures of the world, life's cares and perplexities and sorrows, the faults of others, or your own faults and imperfections--to any or all of these he will seek to divert the mind. Do not be misled by his devices.

Steps to Christ, 70-72 “Many who are really conscientious, and who desire to live for God, he too often leads to dwell upon their own faults and weaknesses, and thus by separating them from Christ he hopes to gain the victory. We should not make self the center and indulge anxiety and fear as to whether we shall be saved. All this turns the soul away from the Source of our strength. Commit the keeping of your soul to God, and trust in Him. Talk and think of Jesus. Let self be lost in Him. .

Steps to Christ, 70-72 “Put away all doubt; dismiss your fears. Say with the apostle Paul, ‘I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave Himself for me.’ Galatians 2:20. Rest in God. He is able to keep that which you have committed to Him. If you will leave yourself in His hands, He will bring you off more than conqueror through Him that has loved you.

Steps to Christ, 70-72 “When Christ took human nature upon Him, He bound humanity to Himself by a tie of love that can never be broken by any power save the choice of man himself. Satan will constantly present allurements to induce us to break this tie--to choose to separate ourselves from Christ. Here is where we need to watch, to strive, to pray, that nothing may entice us to choose another master; for we are always free to do this.

Steps to Christ, 70-72 “But let us keep our eyes fixed upon Christ, and He will preserve us. Looking unto Jesus, we are safe. Nothing can pluck us out of His hand. In constantly beholding Him, we ‘are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.’ 2 Corinthians 3:18.”

MISSION Steps to Christ, 81 “We need not go to heathen lands, or even leave the narrow circle of the home, if it is there that our duty lies, in order to work for Christ. We can do this in the home circle, in the church, among those with whom we associate, and with whom we do business.” 714

MISSION Steps to Christ, 81 “The greater part of our Saviour's life on earth was spent in patient toil in the carpenter's shop at Nazareth. Ministering angels attended the Lord of life as He walked side by side with peasants and laborers, unrecognized and unhonored. He was as faithfully fulfilling His mission while working at His humble trade as when He healed the sick or walked upon the storm-tossed waves of Galilee. So in the humblest duties and lowliest positions of life, we may walk and work with Jesus. 715

MISSION Steps to Christ, 82 “The apostle says, ‘Let every man, wherein he is called, therein abide with God.’ 1 Corinthians 7:24. The businessman may conduct his business in a way that will glorify his Master because of his fidelity. If he is a true follower of Christ he will carry his religion into everything that is done and reveal to men the spirit of Christ. The mechanic may be a diligent and faithful representative of Him who toiled in the lowly walks of life among the hills of Galilee…. 716

MISSION Steps to Christ, 83 “If your daily life is a testimony to the purity and sincerity of your faith, and others are convinced that you desire to benefit them, your efforts will not be wholly lost. The humblest and poorest of the disciples of Jesus can be a blessing to others…. 717

MISSION Steps to Christ, 83 “They may not realize that they are doing any special good, but by their unconscious influence they may start waves of blessing that will widen and deepen, and the blessed results they may never know until the day of final reward. 718

MISSION Steps to Christ, 83 “They are not required to weary themselves with anxiety about success. They have only to go forward quietly, doing faithfully the work that God's providence assigns, and their life will not be in vain.” 719

Extra Slides

Hebrews 11 believers – Old Testament/New Covenant
The Everlasting Covenant Covenant of Redemption God’s Universal Gift to Humanity (Everlasting Gospel Bridge from Paradise Lost to Paradise Restored) Eternal Life Eternity Past God’s Historical Old Covenant (Everlasting Gospel - OT Era) Gospel In Symbols God’s Historical New Covenant (Everlasting Gospel - NT Era) JESUS Israel David Abraham Noah Humanity’s Response to God’s Gift (faith or disbelief) Post-Fall Adam Creation Sinful-Nature-Generated Old Covenant Experience – Gospel Perverted and Externalized Holy-Spirit-Generated New Covenant Experience – Gospel Accepted and Internalized Hebrews 11 believers – Old Testament/New Covenant

Above the line Historical Orientation
The Everlasting Covenant Covenant of Redemption God’s Universal Gift to Humanity (Everlasting Gospel Bridge from Paradise Lost to Paradise Restored) Eternal Life Eternity Past Above the line Historical Orientation God’s Historical Old Covenant (Everlasting Gospel - OT Era) Gospel In Symbols God’s Historical New Covenant (Everlasting Gospel - NT Era) JESUS Israel David Abraham Noah Humanity’s Response to God’s Gift (faith or disbelief) Post-Fall Adam Creation Sinful-Nature-Generated Old Covenant Experience – Gospel Perverted and Externalized Holy-Spirit-Generated New Covenant Experience – Gospel Accepted and Internalized

Covenant of Redemption God’s Universal Gift to Humanity (Everlasting Gospel Bridge from Paradise Lost to Paradise Restored) Eternal Life Eternity Past Above the line Historical Orientation God’s Historical Old Covenant (Everlasting Gospel - OT Era) Gospel In Symbols God’s Historical New Covenant (Everlasting Gospel - NT Era) JESUS Israel David Abraham Noah Humanity’s Response to God’s Gift (faith or disbelief) Post-Fall Adam Below the line Experiential Orientation Creation Sinful-Nature-Generated Old Covenant Experience – Gospel Perverted and Externalized Holy-Spirit-Generated New Covenant Experience – Gospel Accepted and Internalized

Rev 20:4-6 “I saw thrones on which were seated those who had been given authority to judge… They had not worshiped the beast or its image and had not received its mark on their foreheads or their hands. They came to life and reigned with Christ a thousand years. 5 The rest of the dead did not come to life until the thousand years were ended. This is the first resurrection. 6 Blessed and holy are those who share in the first resurrection.”

Rev 20:4-6 “I saw thrones on which were seated those who had been given authority to judge… They had not worshiped the beast or its image and had not received its mark on their foreheads or their hands. They came to life and reigned with Christ a thousand years. 5 (The rest of the dead did not come to life until the thousand years were ended.) This is the first resurrection. 6 Blessed and holy are those who share in the first resurrection.”

Covenant of Redemption God’s Universal Gift to Humanity (Everlasting Gospel Bridge from Paradise Lost to Paradise Restored) Eternal Life Eternity Past God’s Historical Old Covenant (Everlasting Gospel - OT Era) Gospel In Symbols God’s Historical New Covenant (Everlasting Gospel - NT Era) JESUS Israel David Abraham Noah Humanity’s Response to God’s Gift (faith or disbelief) Post-Fall Adam Creation Sinful-Nature-Generated Old Covenant Experience – Gospel Perverted and Externalized Holy-Spirit-Generated New Covenant Experience – Gospel Accepted and Internalized

Above the line Historical Orientation?
The Everlasting Covenant Covenant of Redemption God’s Universal Gift to Humanity (Everlasting Gospel Bridge from Paradise Lost to Paradise Restored) Eternal Life Eternity Past Above the line Historical Orientation? God’s Historical Old Covenant (Everlasting Gospel - OT Era) Gospel In Symbols God’s Historical New Covenant (Everlasting Gospel - NT Era) JESUS Israel David Abraham Noah Humanity’s Response to God’s Gift (faith or disbelief) Post-Fall Adam Creation Sinful-Nature-Generated Old Covenant Experience – Gospel Perverted and Externalized Holy-Spirit-Generated New Covenant Experience – Gospel Accepted and Internalized

Covenant of Redemption God’s Universal Gift to Humanity (Everlasting Gospel Bridge from Paradise Lost to Paradise Restored) Eternal Life Eternity Past Above the line Historical Orientation? God’s Historical Old Covenant (Everlasting Gospel - OT Era) Gospel In Symbols God’s Historical New Covenant (Everlasting Gospel - NT Era) JESUS Israel David Abraham Noah Humanity’s Response to God’s Gift (faith or disbelief) Post-Fall Adam Below the line Experiential Orientation? Creation Sinful-Nature-Generated Old Covenant Experience – Gospel Perverted and Externalized Holy-Spirit-Generated New Covenant Experience – Gospel Accepted and Internalized

(Hebrews 7-10) The Everlasting Covenant Above the line
Covenant of Redemption God’s Universal Gift to Humanity (Everlasting Gospel Bridge from Paradise Lost to Paradise Restored) (Hebrews 7-10) Eternal Life Eternity Past Above the line Historical Orientation God’s Historical Old Covenant (Everlasting Gospel - OT Era) Gospel In Symbols God’s Historical New Covenant (Everlasting Gospel - NT Era) JESUS Israel David Abraham Noah Humanity’s Response to God’s Gift (faith or disbelief) Post-Fall Adam Below the line Experiential Orientation Below the line Experiential Orientation Creation Sinful-Nature-Generated Old Covenant Experience – Gospel Perverted and Externalized Holy-Spirit-Generated New Covenant Experience – Gospel Accepted and Internalized

Sin = Separation from Jesus John 16:7-9 Results in the “works of the flesh” Unrighteous Acts Legalistic Righteousness Gal 5:19-24 Phil 3:4-10

Sin = Separation from Jesus John 16:7-9 Results in the “works of the flesh” Unrighteous Acts Legalistic Righteousness Gal 5:19-24 Phil 3:4-10 “acts of the flesh… impurity,, idolatry, etc.” “... as for righteousness based on the law, faultless”

What does it mean to be “under the law”
What does it mean to be “under the law”? “… you are not under the law, but under grace.” “Under the law” as the standard of salvation, the same standard unfallen Adam had; had he kept God’s commands perfectly he would have gained eternal life.

What does it mean to be “under the law”? “… you are not under the law, but under grace.” “Under the law” as the standard of salvation, the same standard unfallen Adam had; had he kept God’s commands perfectly he would have gained eternal life. Under condemnation for failing to keep the law perfectly.

What does it mean to be “under the law”? “… you are not under the law, but under grace.” “Under the law” as the standard of salvation, the same standard unfallen Adam had; had he kept God’s commands perfectly he would have gained eternal life. Under condemnation for failing to keep the law perfectly. Were Israel and others living during the Old Testament period “under the law” in a way that all those living during the New Testament period were not?

What does it mean to be “under grace”
What does it mean to be “under grace”? “… you are not under the law, but under grace.” God’s grace, not human merit, is the standard of salvation by which sinners are drawn to Christ, converted and empowered to live holy lives and be effective witnesses for the kingdom of God.

What does it mean to be “under grace”? “… you are not under the law, but under grace.” God’s grace, not human merit, is the standard of salvation by which sinners are drawn to Christ, converted and empowered to live holy lives and be effective witnesses for the kingdom of God. Not under condemnation, but graciously forgiven and clothed with the righteousness of Christ.

What does it mean to be “under grace”? “… you are not under the law, but under grace.” God’s grace, not human merit, is the standard of salvation by which sinners are drawn to Christ, converted and empowered to live holy lives and be effective witnesses for the kingdom of God. Not under condemnation, but graciously forgiven and clothed with the righteousness of Christ. Are all those living during the New Testament period “under grace” in a way that all those living during the Old Testament period were not?

Abrahamic Covenant Sinai Covenant “Old Covenant” New Covenant Promise/Faith Gen 15:6, 18 Law/Obedience Deut 4:12-13 5:2-3 Promise/Faith Grace/Love Heb 8:7-9, 13 “Under the law”? “Under grace”? Evangelical Model of the Covenants Especially the Old and New Covenants

Another interpretation of“ under law” /“under grace” “… you are not under the law, but under grace.”
“Under the law” means required to keep the laws God gave His people at Sinai as part of the sanctification process.

“Under the law” means required to keep the laws God gave His people at Sinai as part of the sanctification process. “Under grace” means God has a different standard for the sanctification process in the New Testament period than He did in the Old Testament, love rather than all the laws He gave His people at Sinai.

“Under the law” means required to keep the laws God gave His people at Sinai as part of the sanctification process. “Under grace” means God has a different standard for the sanctification process in the New Testament period than He did in the Old Testament, love rather than all the laws He gave His people at Sinai. Does the context of Romans 6:14 help determine the meaning of “under the law” and “under grace” in this text?

Covenant of Redemption God’s Universal Gift to Humanity (Everlasting Gospel Bridge from Paradise Lost to Paradise Restored) Eternal Life Eternity Past Above the line Historical issues God’s Historical Old Covenant (Everlasting Gospel - OT Era) Gospel In Symbols God’s Historical New Covenant (Everlasting Gospel - NT Era) JESUS Israel David Abraham Noah Humanity’s Response to God’s Gift (faith or disbelief) Post-Fall Adam Below the line Experiential issues Below the line Experiential issues Creation Sinful-Nature-Generated Old Covenant Experience – Gospel Perverted and Externalized Holy-Spirit-Generated New Covenant Experience – Gospel Accepted and Internalized (Galatians 4:21 – 5:1)

(1 Cor 15:56-57) The Everlasting Covenant Above the line
Covenant of Redemption God’s Universal Gift to Humanity (Everlasting Gospel Bridge from Paradise Lost to Paradise Restored) Eternal Life Eternity Past Above the line Historical Orientation Above the line Historical Orientation God’s Historical Old Covenant (Everlasting Gospel - OT Era) “The flesh”? “The Spirit”? Gospel In Symbols God’s Historical New Covenant (Everlasting Gospel - NT Era) JESUS Israel David Abraham Noah Humanity’s Response to God’s Gift (faith or disbelief) Post-Fall Adam Below the line Experiential Orientation? Below the line Experiential Orientation? Creation Sinful-Nature-Generated Old Covenant Experience – Gospel Perverted and Externalized “The flesh” Holy-Spirit-Generated New Covenant Experience – Gospel Accepted and Internalized “The Spirit” (1 Cor 15:56-57)

Christ added nothing essential to this old law of love by His parable of the Good Samaritan. He simply tore away the moss of traditional interpretation which had overgrown the ancient stones of Sinai, and, having first of all, as a new finger of God, retraced the worn lettering, He afterwards shed thereon a heavenly light in his parabolic exposition. Even the widening out of the word ‘neighbor’ beyond the limits of traditional interpretations was not an expansion of the old commandment, for the Deuteronomist had given a similar scope to the law by declaring that God ‘regardeth not persons….and loveth the stranger, in giving him food and raiment,’ and on this fact he founded the illimitable precept, ‘love ye therefore the stranger: for ye were strangers in the land of Egypt’ (Deut. x. 19). That this was no casual utterance, but a vital and dominant principle, is evident from the manifold precepts which give specific directions as to the ways in which love is to be expressed to strangers, and from the broad command, ‘Ye shall have one manner of law, as well for the stranger as for the homeborn: for I am the Lord your God’ (Lev. xxiv.22). [Tymms, T. Vincent, The Christian Idea of the Atonement (London, MacMillan and Company, 1904), 94-95]

Covenant of Redemption God’s Universal Gift to Humanity (Everlasting Gospel Bridge from Paradise Lost to Paradise Restored) Eternal Life Eternity Past Above the line Historical Orientation Above the line Historical Orientation God’s Historical Old Covenant (Everlasting Gospel - OT Era) “The Flesh”? “The Spirit”? Gospel In Symbols God’s Historical New Covenant (Everlasting Gospel - NT Era) JESUS Israel David Abraham Noah Humanity’s Response to God’s Gift (faith or disbelief) Post-Fall Adam Below the line Experiential Orientation? Below the line Experiential Orientation? Creation Sinful-Nature-Generated Old Covenant Experience – Gospel Perverted and Externalized “The flesh” Holy-Spirit-Generated New Covenant Experience – Gospel Accepted and Internalized “The Spirit” (Galatians 4:21 – 5:1)

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