In case you have never heard of the Westminster Confession of Faith, or “confession of faith,” it basically collects, from the Bible, information on each doctrine presented therein. Then it explains each doctrine.
The purpose of this post is to explain covenant theology as part of a mini-series on ‘Dispensationalism and Eschatology.’
The first WCF I obtained was given to me by the first reformed church I attended. I sat in a class for a few months going through it. It has old language like Gerstner’s copy and it also has scripture proofs under each section which explain from where in the Bible the doctrines derived.
So, it is not something Presbyterians made up to catechize their members; but to teach them Bible doctrine.
The following narrative accompanied the video at YouTube, the site, John Gerstner. He was in a Ligonier classroom teaching at the request of R C Sproul.
“The Westminster Confession of Faith has, for hundreds of years, served as the doctrinal foundation of the Reformed churches. In this series, Dr. Gerstner focuses his lifetime of scholarship on a comprehensive treatment of the meaning and application of this important confession for the life of the church. This is an exceptional series for pastors and church leaders.”
In the following instruction by John Gerstner (R C Sproul held Gerstner in high regard – he was an instructor and later, a friend), he explains God’s covenants with Man from the Old and New Testaments.
He explained the covenant of works established with Adam in the Garden, showing how it was also a covenant by grace; then he explains the New Covenant.
His talk was framed by the following 6 points from the Westminster Confession of Faith, chapter 7:
[The following points are from a modern translation of the WCF which is also a commentary, by; Williamson, G.I.. The Westminster Confession of Faith: for Study Classes (pp. 86-87). P&R Publishing. Kindle Edition. Gerstner is reading from a copy written in KJV language. But he makes it understandable with his explanations.]
- The distance between God and the creature is so great that although reasonable creatures do owe obedience unto him as their Creator, yet they could never have any fruition of him as their blessedness and reward, but by some voluntary condescension on God’s part, which he hath been pleased to express by way of covenant.
- The first covenant made with man was a covenant of works, wherein life was promised to Adam, and in him to his posterity, upon condition of perfect and personal obedience.
- Man by his fall having made himself incapable of life by that covenant, the Lord was pleased to make a second, commonly called the covenant of grace: wherein he freely offered unto sinners life and salvation by Jesus Christ, requiring of them faith in him, that they may be saved, and promising to give unto all those that are ordained unto life his Holy Spirit, to make them willing and able to believe.
- This covenant of grace is frequently set forth in the Scripture by the name of a testament, in reference to the death of Jesus Christ the testator, and to the everlasting inheritance, with all things belonging to it, therein bequeathed.
- This covenant was differently administered in the time of the law, and in the time of the gospel; under the law it was administered by promises, prophecies, sacrifices, circumcision, the paschal lamb, and other types and ordinances delivered to the people of the Jews, all fore-signifying Christ to come, which were for that time sufficient and efficacious, through the operation of the Spirit, to instruct and build up the elect in faith in the promised Messiah, by whom they had full remission of sins, and eternal salvation; and is called the Old Testament.
- Under the gospel, when Christ the substance was exhibited, the ordinances in which this covenant is dispensed are the preaching of the Word, and the administration of the sacraments of Baptism and the Lord’s Supper, which, though fewer in number, and administered with more simplicity and less outward glory, yet in them it is held forth in more fullness, evidence, and spiritual efficacy, to all nations, both Jews and Gentiles, and is called the New Testament. There are not therefore two covenants of grace differing in substance, but one and the same under various dispensations.
The following link is to the entire series at YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O8zn4uhMQ5g&list=PLhORVCVz3B2YyeXLs8b0SAtC3OZW7Vokj&index=1
The following list is of WCF content page, from my Kindle version:
Contents Preface to the Second Edition Preface to the First Edition
- Of the Holy Scriptures (I)
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Of God, and of the Holy Trinity (II)
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Of God’s Eternal Decree (III)
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Of Creation (IV)
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Of Providence (V)
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Of the Fall of Man, of Sin, and of the Punishment Thereof (VI)
7. Of God’s Covenant with Man (VII)
- Of Christ the Mediator (VIII)
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Of Free Will (IX)
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Of Effectual Calling (X)
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Of Saving Faith (XIV) and Of Repentance unto Life (XV)
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Of Justification (XI)
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Of Adoption (XII)
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Of Sanctification (XIII)
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Of Good Works (XVI)
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Of the Perseverance of the Saints (XVII)
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Of Assurance of Grace and Salvation (XVIII)
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Of the Law of God (XIX)
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Of Christian Liberty, and Liberty of Conscience (XX)
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Of Religious Worship, and the Sabbath Day (XXI)
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Of Lawful Oaths and Vows (XXII)
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Of Marriage and Divorce (XXIV)
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Of the Church (XXV)
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Of Communion of Saints (XXVI)
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Of the Sacraments (XXVII)
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Of Baptism (XXVIII)
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Of the Lord’s Supper (XXIX)
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Of Church Censures (XXX)
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Of the Civil Magistrate (XXIII)
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Of the Civil Magistrate (continued) and Of Synods and Councils (XXXI)
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Of the State of Men after Death, and of the Resurrection of the Dead (XXXII)
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Of the Last Judgment (XXXIII) Answers to the Questions Index of Scripture
Williamson, G.I.. The Westminster Confession of Faith: for Study Classes . P&R Publishing. Kindle Edition.