… It is good for the heart to be strengthened by grace … Hebrews 13:9 Issue 204 February 2014 Christ, Our New Covenant King #3 In This Issue Christ, Our New Covenant King John G. Reisinger #3 1 John G. Reisinger This is the third study on “Christ Our New Covenant King.” Some of the Law, Wisdom and Christ, A Study material in this article should have been given in the first of these studies. in Biblical Theology, Part 3, Christ 1 Nearly everyone agrees with most of what we said about Christ as our Prophet Stan F. Vaninger and Priest, but there is great disagreement concerning Christ in the role of King. The primary reason for the disagreement centers on Dispensationalism’s Shepherding the New Covenant Flock: Part 3 of 6 3 position on the establishing of a future earthly kingdom with one of David’s Shepherding Imagery in the OT: sons sitting on the throne of that kingdom as king. This is referred to as “the The Lord is my Shepherd Davidic kingdom.” Steve West Scripture is quite clear in 2 Samuel 7:1-17 and 1 Chronicles 17:1-15 that God New Covenant Theology— Questions Answered 5 promised David that he, God, would establish a future kingdom and raise up one of David’s sons to sit as king on a throne in that kingdom. No one disputes the A. Blake White fact of that covenant; however, all do not agree on either the nature of the promised kingdom to David or the time of the promise being fulfilled. I would insist that the kingdom promised to David was a spiritual kingdom that was established by Christ at his first coming. I believe Christ is already sitting on the throne of that kingdom. The kingdom promised to David is the Church and Christ is David’s greater son. Classical Dispensationalism Reisinger—Continued on page 2 Law, Wisdom and Christ A Study in Biblical Theology–Part 3–Christ Stan F. Vaninger When we come to the NT, a dominant theme is that of a thew portrays Jesus as a new Moses. ‘Matthew portrays progression and fulfillment from OT revelation to the per- Jesus as the new Moses, who provides the new Israel with son and work of Christ. Jesus himself told the two disciples her new law (especially in Mt 5-7).’1 Without doubt, there on the road to Emmaus that ‘all the Scriptures’ spoke of are a number of striking parallels in Matthew between Mo- him (Luke 24:27, cf. Acts 3:24). Jesus was the prophet that ses and Christ. Typical is the list adapted from Westerholm was to come after Moses (Matt. 17:1-8; Acts 3:22-23; 7:37). and summarized below:2 The faithful were now to listen to him. The wisdom of the • Shortly after birth, both barely escape death at the OT found its fullest expression in the life and words of hands of a wicked ruler. Christ. All the promises of the OT era found their fulfill- ment in Christ (2 Cor. 1:20). Many OT types and shadows • Early in life, both spend time in Egypt. were found to have anticipated Christ. Likewise, many OT prophecies pointed to Christ in various ways. Here we are 1 Bartholomew; O’Dowd, Old Testament Wisdom Literature: A primarily interested in seeing how Christ has become a Theological Introduction, 240. more perfect expression of the wisdom of God. 2 Stephen Westerholm, Understanding Matthew (Grand Rapids, Many writers have emphasized that the gospel of Mat- MI: Baker, 2006), 68-69. Vaninger—Continued on page 12 Page 2 February 2014 Issue 204 Reisinger—Continued from page 1 cross for my sins. I totally reject the Sound of Grace is a publication of Sovereign disagrees and insists that the kingdom statement “Jesus Christ, the rejected Grace New Covenant Ministries, a tax exempt King, has died on the cross.” It was 501(c)3 corporation. Contributions to Sound promised to David was an earthly of Grace are deductible under section 170 of kingdom, and it is not yet established. not a rejected king that died for me. the Code. Jesus is said to have offered that This idea is a necessary consequence Sound of Grace is published 10 times a year. kingdom to the Jews at his first of holding the postponement theory. The subscription price is shown below. This is I believe the death of Christ on the a paper unashamedly committed to the truth coming, and they rejected it. It was of God’s sovereign grace and New Covenant postponed and will be fulfilled in cross is the good news that Jesus Theology. We invite all who love these same a future earthly millennium. The Christ, not a rejected king, but truths to pray for us and help us financially. following note in the first edition of God’s anointed Son and ordained We do not take any paid advertising. the Scofield Bible sets forth classical Prophet, Priest and King, has, in The use of an article by a particular person perfect fulfillment of the eternal is not an endorsement of all that person Dispensationalism’s position on the believes, but it merely means that we thought Davidic kingdom and throne. The purpose and promise of the Father, that a particular article was worthy of printing. quotation is listed in the footnote died on the cross as promised and Sound of Grace Board: John G. Reisinger, titled “four forms of the Gospel.” The covenanted. It is no accident that David Leon, John Thorhauer, Bob VanWing- quotation is the first form mentioned. another consequence of rejecting erden and Jacob Moseley. the present kingship of Christ is the Editor: John G. Reisinger; Phone: (585)396- II. Four forms of the Gospel are to 3385; e-mail: [email protected]. carnal Christian doctrine. Many be distinguished: General Manager: Jacob Moseley: modern dispensationalists reject the [email protected] (1) The Gospel of the kingdom. carnal Christian doctrine, but others Send all orders and all subscriptions to: This is the good news that God say such people are inconsistent in Sound of Grace, 5317 Wye Creek Drive, purposes to set up on the earth, so doing. I am sure it is not intended, Frederick, MD 21703-6938 – Phone 301- in fulfilment of the Davidic 473-8781 Visit the bookstore: http://www. Covenant (2 Sam. vii. 8, and refs.), but Scofield in the above quotation newcovenantmedia.com a kingdom, political, spiritual, makes the cross sound like a “plan B” Address all editorial material and questions Israelitish, universal, over which or after-thought. God’s real purpose to: John G. Reisinger, 3302 County Road 16, God’s Son, David’s heir, shall be and goal, or plan A, was establishing Canandaigua, NY 14424-2441. King, and which shall be, for one the earthly kingdom, but the Jews Webpage: www.soundofgrace.org or SOGNCM.org thousand years, the manifestation refused to go along with that, so plan Scripture quotations marked (NIV) are taken of the righteousness of God in B, the cross and the Church, was put from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNA- 1 human affairs. into effect. Plan A was “postponed” TIONAL VERSION® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. Used by Dispensationalism is clear that until the second coming of Christ. The nature of the kingdom and its Permission. All rights reserved. Christ is not yet reigning as king. Scripture quotations marked “NKJV” are These writers will often state that supposed rejection and postponement taken from the New King James Version. Christ is our Prophet, Priest and is at the heart of the theology of Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. coming King. The following Scofield Dispensationalism. It seems to me this Used by Permission. All rights reserved. down grades the cross even though Scripture quotations marked (ESV) are from footnote defining the second “form The Holy Bible, English Standard Version, of the Gospel” refers to Jesus as the that was certainly not its intention. copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a “rejected king.” It is the second of It might be good to mention division of Good News Publishers. Used by four forms of the Gospel. permission. All rights reserved. several things that are often not Contributions (2) The Gospel of the grace of discussed when Dispensationalism Orders God. This is the good news that Jesus is taught. 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Or if you “rejected king” that died on the universal,” they would have accepted would prefer to have a pdf file emailed, that is it without hesitation. They would available for $10.00 for ten issues. If you are 1 C.I. Scofield,The First Scofield Refer- unable to subscribe at this time, please call or ence Bible (Westwood, NJ, Barbour never have crucified him. They would drop a note in the mail and we will be glad to and Company, 1986) 1343. have shouted, “Amen!” Those words, continue Sound of Grace free of charge. 2 Ibid. Reisinger—Continued on page 4 Issue 204 February 2014 Page 3 Shepherding the New Covenant Flock: Part 3 of 6 Shepherding Imagery in the OT: The Lord is my Shepherd Steve West This is the Word of the Lord: sheep and find homes for them—but this imagery because—as art does—it The Lord is my shepherd, not cars. My five year old daughter allows us to think of God in a symbol- I lack nothing. chimed in that Daniel was a shepherd ic way that touches us deeply in our He makes me lie down in green pas- and drove away lions and bears by hearts without bypassing our intellect. tures, throwing rocks at them. She then cor- The general impression the metaphor he leads me beside quiet waters, rected Daniel to David. creates is one of a strong, competent, he refreshes my soul. caring overseer watching over and All in all I thought that wasn’t bad. He guides me along the right paths tending a group that needs help and A few things struck me about their re- for his name’s sake. is dependent upon their leader. It can sponses. First, they have been taught. Even though I walk through the dark- be frightening to consider how many est valley, They are intelligent (of course!) but dangers—physical, emotional, mental, I will fear no evil, they have also been taught some basic and spiritual—there are in this world: for you are with me; biblical content which gives them the if your lot in life is to be a sheep sur- your rod and your staff, they comfort necessary framework in which they rounded by wolves, it is quite com- me. can think through an easy biblical forting (to say nothing of necessary) You prepare a table before me metaphor (without having the faint- in the presence of my enemies. to have an omnicompetent shepherd est idea what the word “metaphor” You anoint my head with oil; around who loves you. my cup overflows. means). Second, the imagery seems Surely your goodness and love very natural and intuitive to them. During times of sadness, despair, will follow me all the days of my life, Once they have identified God as the confusion, and loss, Psalm 23 can be and I will dwell in the house of the shepherd and people as his sheep, a tremendous aid. But the Lord our Lord forever. (Psalm 23 NIV) the imagery seems to run along very shepherd is also a cause for exuberant smoothly. It simply unfolds itself. rejoicing. Read and feel the celebra- Although many people in our Third, although we did not read Psalm tory exclamation of praise found in society have never seen a live flock of 23 or any other biblical passage before Psalm 100: sheep being watched over by a shep- I heard their answers, much of what herd, the pastoral image still resonates Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth. they said can easily be found in Psalm in a profoundly deep way. This is true Worship the Lord with gladness; come 23. Compare the list: for both young and old. Just now I was before him with joyful songs. sitting at the breakfast table with my 1. God drives away Satan and our Know that the Lord is God. It is he who made us, and we are his; two daughters who are seven and five. enemies. “I will fear no evil.” “You we are his people, the sheep of his I asked them if they would like to help prepare a table before me in the pres- pasture. me work on an article. They said yes. ence of my enemies.” “Your rod [a Enter his gates with thanksgiving and I told them I wanted help thinking shepherd’s weapon] and your staff, his courts with praise; about what the Bible means when it they comfort me.” give thanks to him and praise his calls God a shepherd. “How,” I asked, name. 2. God finds us food to eat and “is God like a shepherd?” For the Lord is good and his love water to drink. “I lack nothing.” “He endures forever; My seven-year-old immediately makes me lie down in green pastures, his faithfulness continues through all said that shepherds drive away bears he leads me beside quiet waters.” generations. and wolves from their sheep, and 3. God provides us with a home. since we’re God’s sheep he will drive Notice that embedded in this psalm “…and I will dwell in the house of the away Satan from us so we can be safe. of praise is the imagery of our being Lord forever.” I asked what else shepherds do. She related to God as his sheep. There is thought for a moment and then said 4. God watches over us. Surely that no need for the psalmist to elaborate that shepherds care for their sheep and is a fair summary of the ethos of the on the imagery; there is no extended get them food and water. Then she psalm. discourse or even any sketching out of added that shepherds watch over their other aspects of the metaphor. For the I believe that God’s people love West—Continued on page 18 Page 4 February 2014 Issue 204 Reisinger—Continued from page 2 you will claim as his rights: He will them of their rash decision to reject especially the word Israeltitish, take your sons and make them serve God as their king and choose an with his chariots and horses, and they perfectly describe the very kind of earthly king to rule over them, “… will run in front of his chariots. Some you said unto me, Nay; but a king kingdom the Jews wanted. Another he will assign to be commanders of point established in the quotation is thousands and commanders of fifties, shall rule over us: when the Lord your that this covenant made with David and others to plow his ground and God was your king” (1 Sam. 12:12). It has not yet been fulfilled. It will be reap his harvest, and still others to seems to me that any doctrine that has fulfilled when the millennium is make weapons of war and equipment its origins in man’s rebellion should at supposedly established. The New for his chariots. He will take your least make us tread lightly. We surely Testament makes it clear the Davidic daughters to be perfumers and cooks should not use something born out kingdom is already established. and bakers. He will take the best of of rebellion to God as the foundation your fields and vineyards and olive points of an important doctrine. The whole subject of an earthly groves and give them to his attendants. kingdom would be much easier to He will take a tenth of your grain I am sure that many of my readers understand if we remembered one and of your vintage and give it to his would like to ask, “Why would God clear fact. The whole idea of an officials and attendants. Your male deliberately allow Israel to choose earthly kingdom and king to rule and female servants and the best of an earthly king and reject him as over Israel was born out of Israel’s your cattle[c] and donkeys he will take their king.” I cannot answer that for his own use. He will take a tenth rebellion to God. The first mention question nor can anyone else. We may of your flocks, and you yourselves speculate and come up with some of an earthly kingdom is found in 1 will become his slaves. When that day Samuel 8. Israel insisted they wanted comes, you will cry out for relief from very plausible reasons, but they would “to be like the other nations” and have the king you have chosen, but the Lord all be mere speculation. We face two a king. Their desire for a king was a will not answer you in that day” (1 dangers in seeking to understand deliberate rejection of God as their Sam. 8:8-18). Scripture. One, we need the courage to follow Scripture as far as it goes king. The people refused to heed God’s on any subject. We must neither avoid So all the elders of Israel gathered warning but insisted that they wanted nor minimize anything Scripture says. together and came to Samuel at a king. They wanted to be “like Many sincere people feel a subject Ramah. They said to him, “You are all the other nations.” They chose should be avoided if it is controversial. old, and your sons do not follow your Saul as their king and suffered the That is saying that God put something ways; now appoint a king to lead us, disastrous results. Regardless of what such as all the other nations have.” in Scripture that should not be there. millennial view you hold it must take But when they said, “Give us a king to If God put something in Scripture, we into account the fact that an earthly lead us,” this displeased Samuel; so must seek to understand it. Two, we king over God’s people is an earthly he prayed to the Lord. And the Lord need the humility to stop where God kingdom “like the other nations” told him: “Listen to all that the people stops. Hyper-Calvinism uses human and is born out of Israel’s conscious are saying to you; it is not you they logic to deduce more than Scripture have rejected, but they have rejected and deliberate rejection of God as actually says. John Calvin emphasized me as their king (1 Sam. 8:4-7). their king. There is no mention or this need for humility when intimation that God desired an earthly God instructed Samuel to warn the discussing predestination. He said king to be established. The idea Israelites of the demands that a king we must admit to having a “learned totally originated in Israel’s rejection would make of them and told them ignorance.” Logic is a wonderful of God as their king. that they would be sorry for rejecting handmaid but a hard master. Logic him as their king. But the people refused to listen to cannot deduce truth that is not stated Samuel. “No!” they said. “We want a As they have done from the day I in actual texts of Scripture. It is just king over us. Then we will be like all brought them up out of Egypt until this as arrogant to add our human wisdom the other nations, with a king to lead day, forsaking me and serving other to Scripture as it is to detract from us and to go out before us and fight gods, so they are doing to you. Now Scripture. our battles.” When Samuel heard all listen to them; but warn them solemnly that the people said, he repeated it and let them know what the king who The kingship of David begins before the Lord. The Lord answered, will reign over them will claim as his with his secret anointing by Samuel “Listen to them and give them a rights.” Samuel told all the words as recorded in 1 Samuel 16. That is king…” (1 Sam. 8:19-22). of the Lord to the people who were an interesting passage. God instructs asking him for a king. He said, “This In 1 Samuel 12, Samuel recounts Samuel to anoint one of Jesse the is what the king who will reign over some of Israel’s history and reminds Reisinger—Continued on page 6 Issue 204 February 2014 Page 5

New Covenant Theology—Questions Answered A. Blake White

1. What is New Covenant Theol- it is hard to paint with a broad brush know the Lord. In short, the new ogy (NCT)? without mischaracterizing at least covenant community is a regenerate some, but generally speaking the main community, unlike Israel, who was New Covenant Theology (here- differences between NCT and CT are a mixed community of the faithful after NCT) is a biblical–theological four: remnant and the stiff-necked idolaters. system that strives to use biblical Both the faithful and the idolatrous language when possible, takes the pro- First, CT sees more continuity received the covenant sign. Building gressive nature of revelation seriously, across the canon than NCT does. With on the first difference, this is where and sees the new covenant as the goal their theological category of “cove- Pentecost brings discontinuity. The and climax of the previous biblical nant of grace,” CT tends to flatten out permanent indwelling of the Holy covenants. In What is New Covenant the biblical covenants. Specifically, Spirit in every member of the new Theology, I have briefly mapped out it tends to reduce the new covenant covenant community is new. So in seven essential points: merely to a renewed covenant. When John we read, “Those who believed Jeremiah prophesied of a new cov- 1. One plan of God centered in in Jesus were going to receive the enant, he was explicitly clear: “This Jesus Christ Spirit, for the Spirit had not yet been one will not be like the covenant I received because Jesus had not yet 2. The Old Testament should be made with their ancestors when I took been glorified” (John 7:39, cf 14:16-17, interpreted in light of the New Testa- them by the hand to bring them out of 16:7). Clearly, the Spirit had not yet ment the land of Egypt” (Jer. 31:32 HCSB; been given before Pentecost. Israel’s cf. Ezek. 16:61). The new covenant 3. The Old Covenant was tempo- experience of the Spirit was not the will not be like the old one. It will be rary by divine design same as the church’s (Num. 11:29, Joel different, radically so. CT is correct in 2:28-29, Isa. 32:15, 44:3). 4. The Law is a unit seeing redemptive history structured 5. Christians are not under the Law around two covenants but wrong in Third and related still, NCT differs of Moses but the ‘Law’ of Christ identifying them as the so–called from CT on the relationship between “covenant of grace” and “covenant the church and Israel. It is not quite 6. All members of the New Cov- of works.” There is one plan of God right to say that the church is Israel enant community have the Holy Spirit centered in and on the Messiah, struc- and Israel is the church. Scripture 7. The church Is the eschatological tured around two covenants–the old doesn’t make that straightforward, Israel and the new. One pointing to Him; the unmediated type of connection. The other ratified by Him. pattern is not Israel = Church, but If the reader is aware of the other Israel = Messiah = Church. Galatians Second and related, NCT dif- two major systems of theology, they 3:29 reads, “If you belong to Christ, fers from CT’s view of the nature of will see that some of these points fit then you are Abraham’s seed, heirs the new covenant community. If the within Covenant Theology (hereafter according to the promise.” There is an new covenant is different from the CT), while others fit more within Dis- eschatological difference between Is- old covenant, so are the correspond- pensational Theology (hereafter DT), rael and the church. The new covenant ing communities of those covenants. but taken together, these points make is new. Again, this also has implica- Again, Jeremiah 31 is clear; in the up a unique system of theology. tions for the nature of the new cov- new covenant, no longer will a cov- enant community. To be a part of this 2. How does New Covenant The- enant member say to another covenant new covenant community, one must ology differ from Covenant Theol- member “Know the Lord,” for every be united to Christ, the instrument of ogy (CT)? member of the covenant community which is faith. If being in Christ, the With so many different theolo- will have circumcised hearts (Deut. singular seed of Abraham (Gal. 3:16), gians, who bring their own nuances, 30:6, Ezek. 36:25-27). They will all White—Continued on page 7 Page 6 February 2014 Issue 204 Reisinger—Continued from page 4 in a palace of cedar, while the ark of of his kingdom forever.” Hebrews 3:6 Bethelemite’s sons as king. Samuel God remains in a tent.” Nathan replied specifically calls the Church God’s assumes it would be Eliab, the oldest to the king, “Whatever you have in mind, house, “But Christ is faithful as a son. Samuel thought, “Surely, the go ahead and do it, for the Lord is with son over God’s house. And we are Lord’s anointed is before him,” but you.” That night the word of the Lord his house, …” Believers are the true came to Nathan, saying: “Go and tell my God said no and then gave Samuel a and final temple of God in which lesson on choosing leadership. servant David, ‘This is what the Lord says: Are you the one to build me a house God dwells. We are the true house of “… Do not consider his to dwell in? I have not dwelt in a house David. Christ is David’s greater son appearance or his height, for I have from the day I brought the Israelites and is building the true house of God rejected him. The Lord does not look up out of Egypt to this day. I have been out of living stones. Again, this is at the things people look at. People moving from place to place with a tent not speculation; it is quoting the New look at the outward appearance, but as my dwelling. Wherever I have moved Testament. In 2 Samuel 7:12 part of the Lord looks at the heart” (1 Sam with all the Israelites, did I ever say to the promise to David was that God 16:7). any of their rulers whom I commanded would “raise up thy seed after thee.” to shepherd my people Israel, “Why You would think that Israel would When Peter quotes that text in Acts have you not built me a house of cedar?” 2:30, he changes the word “seed” to have learned the folly of judging by ‘“Now then, tell my servant David, ‘This outward appearance. Saul won the is what the Lord Almighty says: I took you the word “Christ,” “… he would raise beauty contest by unanimous vote, from the pasture and from following the up Christ (David’s seed) to sit on his but he was a dud. He was not God’s flock to be ruler over my people Israel. throne.” man. Jesse brought in every son until I have been with you wherever you have Look at the two texts: When your gone, and I have cut off all your enemies only David was left, and each time days are over and you rest with your from before you. Now I will make your God said no. Jesse did not even bring fathers, I will raise up your offspring name great, like the names of the greatest in David. Samuel had to ask, “Are (“seed” – KJV) to succeed you, … (2 men of the earth. And I will provide a there no more sons?” Then David Samuel 7:12 NIV). Therefore being a place for my people Israel and will plant was brought in, and God told Samuel, prophet, and knowing that God had them so that they can have a home of sworn with an oath to him, that of the “That’s my man.” It will be a long their own and no longer be disturbed. fruit of his loins, according to the flesh, and tumultuous time before David is Wicked people will not oppress them he would raise up Christ to sit on his anointed king by all of Israel. After anymore, as they did at the beginning and throne; (Acts 2:30 KJV). Saul’s death he will be anointed by the have done ever since the time I appointed tribe of Judah (2 Samuel 2) and later leaders over my people Israel. I will David understood that God was by all 12 tribes (2 Samuel 5). also give you rest from all your enemies. talking about Christ. David also “‘The Lord declares to you that the Lord The next important event in understood that when God said he himself will establish a house for you: would “set up thy seed after thee” (2 David’s kingship is God making a When your days are over and you rest Samuel 7:12), he was talking about covenant with David. It is recorded in with your fathers, I will raise up your 2 Samuel 7 and I Chronicles 17. David offspring to succeed you, who will come the resurrection of Christ. Again, has been anointed king over all Israel. from your own body, and I will establish this is quoting the New Testament He wants to build a house for God to his kingdom. He is the one who will build Scriptures. Peter is interpreting dwell in. He shares his desire with a house for my Name, and I will establish the Davidic covenant recorded in 2 Nathan the prophet, and Nathan says, the throne of his kingdom forever. I Samuel 7. will be his father, and he will be my “Go ahead, God is with you.” That Therefore being a prophet, and son. When he does wrong, I will punish knowing that God had sworn with night God told Nathan that he did him with the rod of men, with floggings an oath to him, that of the fruit of his not want David to build him a house. inflicted by men. But my love will never loins, according to the flesh, he would God then promises to build a house be taken away from him, as I took it away raise up Christ to sit on his throne; for David. That house is the Church from Saul, whom I removed from before He seeing this before spake of the and David’s greater son who will you. Your house and your kingdom will resurrection of Christ, that his soul build the house is Christ. That is not endure forever before me; your throne was not left in hell, neither his flesh will be established forever.’“ Nathan speculation on my part; it is quoting did see corruption. This Jesus hath reported to David all the words of this the New Testament interpretation of God raised up, whereof we all are entire revelation (2 Sam 7:1-17 NIV). the Davidic covenant. witnesses (Acts 2:30-32 KJV). The heart of God’s covenant with After the king was settled in his This covenant was the basis for David is found in verse 13: “He is the palace and the Lord had given him rest David’s hope in both life and death. from all his enemies around him, he said one who will build a house for my to Nathan the prophet, “Here I am, living Name, and I will establish the throne Reisinger—Continued on page 8 Issue 204 February 2014 Page 7 White—Continued from page 5 the Sabbath, being one of the cher- related to their view of the kingdom as is what constitutes membership in the ished Ten, is on the same moral level wholly future, even positing that Jesus end-time Israel, then faith is neces- as adultery and murder, but when is is not currently sitting on the Davidic sary–which infants cannot exercise. the last time you heard of a church throne. The church consists of believers only. member being disciplined over break- Thankfully, DT has made adjust- ing the Sabbath? NCT’s theological Fourth and finally, NCT differs ments. Largely due to George Eldon formulations are more consistent with from CT on the notion of law. “Re- Ladd’s popularizing of inaugurated CT’s practice on this point. formed Baptists” would mostly agree eschatology, academic theologians on the previous three disagreements, 3. How does New Covenant The- have in large part abandoned tradi- but it is this issue that separates Re- ology differ from Dispensational tional DT. Now, many have adopted formed Baptists from New Covenant Theology (DT)? Progressive Dispensationalism. But Theologians. The confessions where according to Ryrie and many other NCT is further from DT than it is CT is found (viz. Westminster and the traditional Dispensationalist theolo- from CT. Though more could be said, Second London of 1689), force CT to gians, Progressive Dispensational- the main differences are three-fold: hold the Decalogue as God’s eternal ism can no longer truly be called moral law. NCT sees the Decalogue First, I think the fundamental Dispensational (notice how Ryrie as part of the old covenant law, which difference between NCT and Dis- changed the title of his 1966 book Christians are no longer under. Since pensational Theology (DT) is herme- Dispensationalism Today to Dispen- nine of the Ten Commandments are neutics. DT attempts to maintain a sationalism–implied now and forev- repeated in the New Testament, they “literal” reading of the promises in the ermore–when it was revised in 2007). pose no problem. The Sabbath, how- Old Testament. NCT seek more of a Progressive DT sees the church as ever, does. It seems to us that the New “literary” hermeneutic, allowing Jesus sharing only in the spiritual aspects of Testament is clear that Christians are and His apostles to teach us how to Israel’s new covenant. So the church no longer under the Sabbath, and we approach and interpret the Old Testa- receives forgiveness of sins and the see no exegetical warrant for changing ment. NCT sees DT’s “literal” Old gift of the Holy Spirit, but the gist of the original commandment to make Testament hermeneutic as a failure to the new covenant will not find fulfill- six days of work optional or chang- fully appreciate the progressive nature ment until the millennium with ethnic ing it to Sunday. Rather, Hebrews 3-4 of Scripture. Sometimes DT accuses Israel. shows that the Sabbath has been ful- NCT of “spiritualizing” certain Old Third, NCT differs with DT with filled by rest in Christ (cf. Matt 11:28- Testament promises, but NCT coun- regard to typology. Most of the dif- 12:8). In one of the most shocking ters that it takes the Apostles “liter- ferences between NCT and DT stand passages in the New Testament, Paul ally” when they literally “spiritualize” on the land promise. In the opinion said that to return to the Sabbath was the Old Testament (e.g. Joel 2:28-32 in of NCT, DT fails to see the typologi- to return to enslavement to paganism Acts 2:14-21 or Amos 9:11-12 in Acts cal nature of the land promise, which (Gal. 4:8-10). He said the Sabbath was 15:12-21 to name two of many). Liter- finds fulfillment by being “in Christ” a shadow, but the body is Christ (Col. alism makes for a good slogan but is rather than “in the land” now and will 2:16-17), and even went so far as to impossible to carry out consistently. find ultimate fulfillment on a reno- say one should do whatever their own NCT reads the old in light of the new. vated earth at the resurrection (Rom. mind was convinced of (Rom. 14:5), This, of course, is an anathema to 4:13, 8:18ff, Rev. 21-22). The same a far cry from Exodus 20:8 on any DT and has some major theological goes for the typology of the temple. reading. implications. 4. Is New Covenant Theology a Those who seek to enforce the Second, NCT denies DT’s sharp brand new innovation, or can it be Sabbath on new covenant Christians distinction between Israel and the found throughout church history? would do well to heed Paul’s teach- church. This difference is particularly ing and warnings on this very matter. manifested in the church’s relationship The label “NCT” is a relatively His rebuke is sharp. In fairness, I do to the new covenant. NCT sees the new innovation, but one can find as realize that most CT advocates are new covenant as for the church–those much exegetical evidence for this way not seeking to enforce the Sabbath in Christ, the inaugurator of the new of “putting the canon together” as one on Christians. In fact, most live life covenant. DT sees the new covenant can find for CT or DT. I would actual- on the weekends just like I do. But it for ethnic Israel in the future. NCT, ly argue more evidence, though more must be pointed out that this is incon- like CT, rejects DT’s sharp distinction work needs to be done. One neither sistent with their theology. For CT, between Israel and the church. This is White—Continued on page 9 Page 8 February 2014 Issue 204 Reisinger—Continued from page 6 promised to his father David. that the kingdom prophesied in Joel He spells this out in 2 Samuel 23:5, Mary was greatly troubled at his was fulfilled on the day of Pentecost. his last words. David rejoices that God words and wondered what kind of The gift of the Holy Spirit was the made: greeting this might be. But the angel proof that Christ was enthroned ...an everlasting covenant, arranged said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, in heaven on David’s throne, and and secured in every part? Will he you have found favor with God. You the promised kingdom had come. not bring to fruition my salvation and will be with child and give birth to a There is no way you can take Peter’s grant me my every desire? (2 Samuel son, and you are to give him the name interpretation “literally” without 23:5 NIV). Jesus. He will be great and will be seeing that he spiritualized Joel’s called the Son of the Most High. The prophecy. Matthew Henry has some excellent Lord God will give him the throne of comments on this text. his father David, and he will reign No, this is what was spoken by the over the house of Jacob forever; his prophet Joel: [“this is that” cannot God has made a covenant of kingdom will never end” (Luke 1:29- mean anything but “this is that.” grace with us in Jesus Christ, and 33 NIV). JGR] we are here told, First, That it is an everlasting covenant, from everlasting Acts 2 is a crucial passage. Like “‘In the last days, God says, in the contrivance and counsel of it, most key passages, it is also very I will pour out my Spirit on all people. and to everlasting in the continuance controversial. The first section records Your sons and daughters will prophesy, and consequences of it. Secondly, the coming of the Holy Spirit and the That it is ordered, well ordered in all your young men will see visions, subsequent speaking in tongues. The things, admirably well, to advance the your old men will dream dreams. unbelieving Jews said those speaking glory of God and the honour of the Even on my servants, both men Mediator, together with the holiness in tongues were drunk (Acts 2: 1-13). Peter shows that the event was the and women, and comfort of believers. It is herein I will pour out my Spirit in those days, fulfillment of two Old Testament well ordered, that whatever is required and they will prophesy. in the covenant is promised, and that prophecies. First, the promise of the every transgression in the covenant Gospel and establishing the kingdom I will show wonders in the heaven does not throw us out of covenant, promised in the prophet Joel (Act 2: above and that it puts our salvation, not in 14-21). Second the promise to David and signs on the earth below, blood and fire and billows of smoke. our own keeping, but in the keeping (2 Samuel 7) to raise one of his sons of a Mediator. Thirdly, That it is from the dead and crown him as king The sun will be turned to darkness sure, and therefore sure because well and the moon to blood ordered; the general offer of it is over an eternal kingdom (2 Samuel 7: 22-36). before the coming of the great and sure; the promised mercies are sure glorious day of the Lord. on the performance of the conditions. We will begin looking at Acts And everyone who calls The particular application of it to 2:14. This is Peter’s response to the true believers is sure; it is sure to all on the name of the Lord will be saved unbelieving Jews’ accusation that the seed. Fourthly, That it is all our (Acts 2:16-21 NIV). salvation. Nothing but this will save those speaking in tongues were drunk Dispensationalism cannot us, and this is sufficient: it is this only with wine. In verses 14 and 15 Peter upon which our salvation depends. assures them that those speaking in spiritualize kingdom promises and Fifthly, That therefore it must be all tongues were not drunk. must therefore insist the events of Pentecost are only a type or our desire. Let me have an interest in Then Peter stood up with the this covenant and the promises of it, prefiguring of the kingdom promised 3 Eleven, raised his voice and addressed and I have enough, I desire no more. the crowd: “Fellow Jews and all of in Joel. In that system, the words “this is that” which was spoken by The New Testament immediately you who live in Jerusalem, let me Peter must be understood to mean announces that Jesus would inherit explain this to you; listen carefully to that Pentecost is not a fulfillment the Davidic throne and kingdom. what I say. These men are not drunk, as you suppose. It’s only nine in the of Joel’s prophecy but only a When the angel spoke to the Virgin morning! (Acts 2:14-15 NIV). prefiguring of what will happen when Mary she was confused. Part of the Christ, in the future, establishes angel’s message concerned Jesus In verses 16-21, Peter says the the Davidic (millennial) kingdom. receiving the throne of the kingdom phenomenon of tongues was an evidence of a prophecy that was made John MacArthur is typical of 3 Matthew Henry, www.biblegate- by the prophet Joel is being fulfilled. Dispensational writers. Here are two way.com/resources/matthew- It is clear that Peter spiritualized Joel’s quotations from his study Bible. The henry/2Sam.23.1-2Sam.23.7 (Ac- cessed 12/19/2013). prophecy. Peter definitely understood Reisinger—Continued on page 10 Issue 204 February 2014 Page 9 White—Continued from page 7 and Gentiles and the New Testament the temporary nature of the law. It had finds the language of CT or DT in the preaches another message, that’s prob- a definite starting point (430 years Patristics, but one finds many similar- lematic. I think CT has trouble with after the promise to Abraham) and a ities to NCT in their writing. Consider Galatians in particular, where there definite ending point (when Messiah/ the way Irenaeus of Lyons and Justin is a clear difference between the old faith came). The law functioned like a Martyr spoke of the newness of the covenant and the Abrahamic covenant babysitter for Israel, but once adult- new covenant. Justin speaks of a “new (again, I do realize that some strands hood has come, it is no longer needed. law,” “the true spiritual Israel,” and of CT are better than others here, e.g. Galatians is also clear on the oneness even calls Jesus a “new lawgiver” (see Westminster West vis-à-vis Westmin- of Jews and Gentiles in Jesus. “Those chapter 11 of Dialogue with Trypho). ster East). They also struggle with the who have faith”–that is, the church– The exegesis of the golden-mouth passages on the fulfillment of the Sab- “are Abraham’s Sons”–that is, Israel preacher, John Chrysostom, also lines bath mentioned in question 2. (Gal.3:7). At the end of the letter, Paul up nicely with the key tenets of NCT summarizes his message. He lays out Constructively, NCT sees the (see his Galatians commentary, for in- the rule of the new creation: neither promise of the obsolescence of the old stance). Moving right past the Middle circumcision nor uncircumcision covenant within the Old Testament Ages (as we all do; again, more work matters. Then he wishes a blessing of itself. This is the argument of He- to be done), one finds much to glean peace and mercy on all who follow brews. Notice how the author shows from Martin Luther. Luther would that rule: the Israel of God (Gal. 6:15- from the Old Testament itself that often de-historicize “law” to merely 16). Based on the context of the book, something new was needed (Ps. 8, 95, refer to God’s demand, missing the the Israel of God here is clearly all 110, Jer. 31). The argument of the ser- redemptive-historical nature of the who find themselves in Christ by faith mon could be summarized as “Don’t New Testament teaching on law, but since “there is no Jew or Greek … for go back. Jesus is better! Your own many NCT folks will shout a hearty you are all one in Christ Jesus” (Gal. Scriptures pointed to Him!” A couple amen as they read through his How 3:28). Christians Should Regard Moses crucial passages are Hebrews 7:11-12 (1525), as well as his work on Romans and chapter 8. The former explicitly Another key passage for NCT is and Galatians. Doug Moo, who now says that the people received the law 1 Corinthians 9:20-21: “To the Jews identifies himself as NCT, previously under the priesthood. Law and priest- I became like a Jew, to win Jews; to referred to his view as a “modified hood go together since the law is a those under the law, like one under the Lutheran” view. One also finds the unit (another key NCT tenet). The tri- law–though I myself am not under the roots of the hermeneutic of NCT in partite division of the law into moral, law-- to win those under the law. To the Evangelical Anabaptists. Long ceremonial, and civil is a product of those who are without that law, like before his time, Pilgram Marpeck Thomas Aquinas, not biblical exege- one without the law-- not being with- grasped the progressive nature of sis. Then the preacher to the Hebrews out God’s law but within Christ’s law– God’s revelation and referred to the says “For when there is a change in to win those without the law.” Here, old covenant as “yesterday” and the the priesthood, there must be a change Paul says that God’s law can no longer new covenant as “today.” of law as well” (I should add that the be equated with the Mosaic law. He ESV botches this one, inexcusably is not under the old covenant law, but 5. What is the broad Scriptural translating genitives as datives). NCT that does not mean he is autonomous. case for New Covenant Theology? is not making this stuff up. There was To be law-less is not to be lawless; to I would argue that NCT is the a change of law (contra CT). In the be without law is not to be an outlaw. system that has the least amount of next chapter, the author includes the No, he is under God’s law–in-lawed to “problem passages” that do not fit longest Old Testament quotation in Messiah. the New Testament to say that the new within the system. Dispensationalism So NCT strives to read Scripture covenant promised long ago has now has trouble with the warp and woof on its own terms. Much more could been instituted. He applies Jeremiah’s of the New Testament. What I mean be said, and since many passages have promise to the church (contra DT). by this is that it is at odds with one been pointed to, I hope one can get a Second Corinthians 3 says much the of the central messages of the New feel for the exegetical foundation for same. Testament, namely the unity of Jews NCT. For the curious-minded, books and Gentiles in Christ. The book of Another favorite letter for NCT is abound (for starters see Reisinger’s Acts, Ephesians, Romans, and Ga- Galatians, our Katie Von Bora (let the Abraham’s Four Seeds, Meyer’s latians come readily to mind. When reader understand). Here the Apostle End of the Law, Moo’s entry in Five DT wants to sharply distinguish Jews is crystal clear about such things as White—Continued on page 11 Page 10 February 2014 Issue 204 Reisinger—Continued from page 8 to you by God’s set purpose and the second coming. Again, this is not first quotation is from the introduction foreknowledge; and you, with the idle speculation. David understood to the book of Joel and the second one help of wicked men, put him to death this timing of the establishing of the is from Acts 2. by nailing him to the cross. But God kingdom. Read the following verses raised him from the dead, freeing him carefully. It is impossible to read a A second issue confronting the from the agony of death, because it future earthly kingdom into Peter’s interpreter is Peter’s quotation from was impossible for death to keep its Joel 2:28-32 in Acts 2:16-21. Some hold on him (Acts 2:23-24 NIV). words. Peter specifically identifies the have viewed the phenomena of Acts time of David assuming the kingship 2 and the destruction of Jerusalem Peter assures us that David died of the kingdom was at the resurrection A.D. 70 as the fulfillment of the Joel in the sure hope that not only would of Christ while David was still in the he be raised from the dead, but one passage, while others have reserved grave. It is definitely past—not future. of his sons would be the Messiah its fulfillment to the final Day of the It happened when David’s greater son Lord only−but clearly Joel is referring who establishes the eternal kingdom was raised from the dead and David to the final terrible Day of the Lord. promised to David’s greater son. The pouring out of the Holy Spirit was still dead and buried. The whole David said about him: argument of verses 30-34 hinges at Pentecost is not a fulfillment, but “‘I saw the Lord always before me. on the fact that the resurrection of a preview and sample of the Spirit’s Because he is at my right hand, power and work, to be released fully I will not be shaken. Christ, not the resurrection of David, and finally in the Messiah’s kingdom established the kingdom to David after the Day of the Lord.4 Therefore my heart is glad and my concerning one of his sons. Follow tongue rejoices; Peter’s argument carefully in verses Joel’s prophecy will not be my body also will live in hope, completely fulfilled until the 30-35. Note how clearly Peter shows millennial kingdom and the final because you will not abandon me that the Davidic covenant has been judgment. But Peter by using it, shows to the grave, fulfilled, and David’s greater son is that Pentecost was a pre-fulfillment, nor will you let your Holy One see presently seated in heaven on the a taste of what will happen in the decay. Davidic throne. There is a not a hint millennial kingdom when the Spirit is You have made known to me the of an earthly future kingdom. 5 poured out on all flesh … paths of life; But he was a prophet and knew you will fill me with joy in your Peter next gives us the New that God had promised him on presence’ (Acts 2:25-28 NIV). Covenant fulfillment of the covenant oath that he would place one of his made with David in 2 Samuel 7. The next few verses give us the descendants on his throne. Seeing He first shows that Christ had all Holy Spirit’s interpretation of how what was ahead, he spoke of the the credentials to prove that he was David understood the covenant that resurrection of the Christ, [The David’s greater son to whom the God made with him. Davidic covenant promised that one kingdom promises had been made. of David’s sons, not David, would “Brothers, I can tell you be raised from the dead and seated “Men of Israel, listen to this: Jesus confidently that the patriarch David on a throne. The establishing of this of Nazareth was a man accredited died and was buried, and his tomb is throne and kingdom would take place by God to you by miracles, wonders here to this day (Acts 2:29 NIV). at the resurrection of Christ and not at and signs, which God did among you Why would Peter emphasize that a supposed future millennium when through him, as you yourselves know David will be raised from the dead] David was dead and buried? Because (Acts 2:22 NIV). that he was not abandoned to the the covenant to raise up one of his grave, nor did his body see decay. Despite the fact that Jesus gave sons and seat him on the throne of an God has raised this Jesus [not David] ample proof that he was David’s eternal kingdom was to be fulfilled to life, and we are all witnesses of the son who was the heir to the Davidic “while David slept with the fathers!” fact. Exalted to the right hand of God throne and kingdom, the Jews still See 2 Samuel 7:12 and 1 Chronicles [This cannot be referring to David crucified him, but God raised him 17:11. The Davidic kingdom was to be since he is not exalted at the Father’s from the dead as prophesied in the established with a resurrected Christ right hand. David has not ascended Davidic covenant. but BEFORE David was resurrected. to heaven], he has received from the David’s son would be raised from Father the promised Holy Spirit and This man was handed over has poured out what you now see and the dead and the kingdom would be hear. For David did not ascend to 4 John MacArthur, ed., The MacArthur established “while David slept with heaven, and yet he said, Study Bible (Nashville: Word Publish- the fathers.” He is still sleeping in ing, 1997), 1268. the grave and will remain there until 5 Ibid., 1635. Reisinger—Continued on page 17 Issue 204 February 2014 Page 11 White—Continued from page 9 you, because you are not under sin yes in him (Gal.3:16, 2 Cor. 1:20). Views on Law and Gospel, Wells and but under grace.” But he doesn’t; he Those in faith-union with Christ are Zaspel’s New Covenant Theology, writes, “For sin will not rule over you, co-heirs. The message of the New and Wellum and Gentry’s Kingdom because you are not under law but Testament is univocal on this point: Through Covenant). under grace.” Remember that Paul “Those who have faith are Abraham’s 6. How does New Covenant The- has just fleshed out the representative sons” (Gal. 3:7). There is no longer ology view the Christian’s relation- natures of Adam and Christ a chapter Jew or Gentile, but all are sons of God ship to the Old Testament Law? earlier (Rom. 5:12-21). For Paul, being through faith since if you belong to under law is eschatologically old (see Christ you are Abraham’s seed, heirs Paul is crystal clear that believ- Jason Meyer’s book The End of the according to promise (Gal. 3:26-29). ers are not under the law. By “law,” Law on this point). Abraham is now the Father of all 98% of the time, Paul means Mosaic who believe (Rom. 4:12, 16, cf. 1 Cor. In sum, one cannot improve law-covenant. For him, and all first 10:1). Believers are those whose moth- on Paul’s words in Romans 7:4-6: century Jews, the law was a package er is the free woman, the Jerusalem “Therefore, my brothers, you also deal. A careful reading of Exodus above, and it is they who are children were put to death in relation to the 19-24 bears this out. The words of of promise, like Isaac (Gal. 4:21-31). law through the crucified body of the Exodus 20 and the ordinances of The church is the community of the Messiah, so that you may belong to Exodus 21-23 constitute the book of new creation, the new Israel, who fol- another to Him who was raised from the Covenant (Ex. 24:3-7). One cannot lows the rule that ethnicity no longer the dead—that we may bear fruit for extrapolate the commands from the matters (Gal. 6:16). Gentiles were God. For when we were in the flesh, covenant in which they were given. without the Messiah but are now in the sinful passions operated through The old covenant and its law have Him by faith, included in the citizen- the law in every part of us and bore been replaced by the new covenant. ship of Israel (Eph. 2:11-12, 19). Jesus fruit for death. But now we have been Paul is fond of making contrasting al- made Jews and Gentile one by tearing released from the law, since we have ternatives. Geerhardus Vos was right down the law in his flesh, creating in died to what held us, so that we may to say that these contrasts are part of Himself one new humanity out of the serve in the new way of the Spirit and the substructure of Paul’s theology. two (Eph. 2:14-15). The “circumci- not in the old letter of the law.” The various contrasts (law/Spirit, sin/ sion” are believers–those who serve righteousness, flesh/Spirit, death/life, I hasten to add that this does not by the Spirit, boast in Christ, and put etc) can be summarized under Adam entail that NCT is antinomian. There no confidence in the flesh (Phil. 3:3). and the Last Adam. Adam is the head are some 2,000 imperatives in the In the new covenant, a person is not of the old age. The last Adam is the New Testament, and if anything, its a Jew by virtue of anything external head of the new age. In the equation moral vision is amplified–targeting but internally by having their heart of redemptive history, Paul lumps the the heart (see the antitheses of Jesus’ circumcised by the Spirit (Rom. 2:28- law on the Adam side. This is why he Sermon on the Mount). Christians are 29). begins the letter to the Galatians the bound to the example of Christ, the 8. Dispensationalists are premi- way he does. Recall that the funda- teaching of Christ and His Apostles llennial, Covenant Theologians are mental issue is false teachers trying to (supremely in the love command), and generally amillennial or postmillen- force Gentile Christians to obey the the Old Testament interpreted and ap- nial. Does New Covenant Theology law. He begins by saying that Jesus plied in light of the new covenant. But have a particular eschatological has delivered us from the present evil centrally, new covenant Christians are commitment? age (Gal. 1:4) and ends the letter men- commanded to walk and be led by the tioning the new creation (Gal. 6:15). Spirit (Gal.5, 2 Cor. 3). NCT does not entail or require a The Judaizers were confused about particular view of the millennium. It 7. What is New Covenant The- what time it was in redemptive his- is unfortunate that people typically ology’s view of the relationship of tory; their eschatological time-clocks think immediately of the timing of Israel to the Church? were in need of fresh batteries. the rapture and the millennium when This is also why Paul can say what See Questions 2 and 3 above. In one speaks of eschatology. There is so he does in Romans 6:14. In context, short, the church is the eschatological much more!! NCT focuses on the al- Paul is teaching on our victory over Israel by virtue of union with Israel’s ready of the already/not yet nature of sin through union with Christ. You Messiah. Jesus sums up Israel’s his- the kingdom, the inaugurated aspects would think he’d conclude the sec- tory, is the singular seed of Abraham, of eschatology. G.K. Beale and others and all the promises of God find their tion with, “For sin will not rule over White—Continued on page 17 Page 12 February 2014 Issue 204 Vaninger—Continued from page 1 is thus a typology of which Matthew 18 says that the Prophet to come • Both were kept out of reach of is well aware, but which he uses with would be ‘like Moses’? I take it to the wicked ruler seeking their considerable restraint. It is absorbed mean that he would be a great proph- death until the ruler himself was into a much richer conception of Jesus et as was Moses. It should be obvious, reported to be dead. as Messiah.’6 France points out that that if the prophet to come was going • Both were called by God out of even W.D. Davies, who devoted much to be ‘exactly like’ Moses, then there Egypt. study to the issue, was cautious in would be no point in the Lord sending drawing a conclusion about the mat- him. This suggests that there would • Both fasted for 40 days and 40 ter. 7 be some significant differences be- nights in the wilderness. tween Moses and the prophet to come. Schreiner is likewise hesitant to • Both delivered moral and spiri- Deuteronomy 18 makes it clear that place too much emphasis on this, tual guidelines from a mountain. the authority of the prophet to come ‘the theme is present but not particu- would be greater than that of Moses. Other parallels between Moses and 8 larly prominent.’ All three (Davies, No Christian scholar who wants to Jesus have been noted. Jesus’ feeding France, and Schreiner) agree that, maintain his credibility is going to of the 5,000 in John 6 is frequently “Jesus is not just ‘another Moses’, contest that Christ was different from cited as being a parallel to Moses pro- 9 but something far higher.” There are Moses in various ways and, in fact, viding manna for Israel in Sinai.3 certainly similarities between Moses greater than Moses in several ways. The quote above from Bar- and Jesus, but also significant differ- One problem with placing too tholomew and O’Dowd was chosen ences. ‘For the law was given through much emphasis on Jesus being a new deliberately because it specifically Moses; grace and truth came through Moses is that Moses will forever be speaks of Jesus as a new Moses and a Jesus Christ’ (John 1:17). associated with a written (and there- new lawgiver. Frequently, when Jesus Rather than showing Christ to be fore external) law code and the as- is spoken of both as a new Moses and a new Moses in the sense of a new sociated old covenant that lacked the a new lawgiver, a distinction is not lawgiver, the parallels between Moses power that later came with Christ and made between the two. The discussion and Jesus are better seen as show- the indwelling Holy Spirit. Paul takes goes forward with the assumption ing Christ to be the greater prophet great pains to emphasize this point in that there is an equivalence between who was to come after Moses. The Romans 7-8. The NT writings scream ‘new Moses’ and ‘new lawgiver.’ That difference is subtle but an important out on every page that Jesus changed needs some further consideration. one. We have more solid ground to everything. We can think of Jesus as Some scholars are cautious about stand on here. Deuteronomy 18:15-19 a new Moses but it must include the Jesus being a new Moses. When clearly states that the Lord will raise thought that Christ brings a significant France reviews the evidence for up a prophet like Moses and that advance in God’s plan of redemption. Matthew presenting Jesus as the new Israel will be obligated to listen to Salvation history took a sharp turn Moses, he points out that the com- that prophet. It does not speak of that with the coming of Moses; another parisons between Moses and Jesus are prophet as a lawgiver. As John him- sharp turn occurred with the coming implicit rather than explicit. Speak- self brings out in John 6:14, the people of Christ. ing of the comparisons in Matthew’s who were fed from the seven barley We see in the NT an emphasis on Gospel, he writes, ‘the more obvious loaves and two fish (and later that day the continuity between the Old Cove- typological motif is of Jesus as the heard the discourse on the bread of nant era and the New Covenant era in new Israel who undergoes the Exo- life), recognized Jesus not as another order to show that Christ fulfills OT dus experience, rather than the new Moses or another lawgiver but as ‘the promises, prophecies and types. But Moses who leads it.’4 He speaks of Prophet who is to come.’ there is also a greater emphasis on the Jesus as the new Moses as a ‘sort of What is meant when Deuteronomy discontinuity between the two eras. sub-plot.’5 ‘Jesus as the new Moses Teacher, 188. The writer to the Hebrews reminds us 3 Craig L. Blomberg, The Historical 6 France, Matthew: Evangelist and that everything was ‘better’ under the Reliability of John’s Gospel (Downers Teacher, 187. New Covenant. The coming of Christ Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 2001), 7 France, Matthew: Evangelist and was a space-time singularity. To use 119. Teacher, 186-188. an expression of Beale, it was ‘an ir- 4 R. T. France, Matthew: Evangelist and 8 Schreiner, New Testament Theology, reversible radical break with a former Teacher (Grand Rapids, MI: Zonder- 173. period.’10 Jesus changed everything. van, 1989), 186-187. 9 France, Matthew: Evangelist and 5 France, Matthew: Evangelist and Teacher, 187. 10 G. K. Beale, A New Testament Biblical Issue 204 February 2014 Page 13 Jesus was a new Moses in the works very well with the expression to wisdom.14 sense that he was the prophet who ‘under the law of Christ’ in 1 Corin- While Jesus has not formulated a was to come after Moses. But Jesus thians 9:21. new law code, he has given us a rule was not a new Moses in the sense These two references certainly of life. It is greatly superior to the Law of being a new lawgiver. The law make it legitimate to speak of the ‘law of Moses. A. Blake White has shown era was over. It was an age of im- of Christ’ but some clarification (such that it involves the teaching and ex- maturity. It was preliminary and as that given by Longenecker) would ample of Christ and his apostles, the preparatory. It pointed to an era of certainly be appropriate if we feel that law (principle) of love, and the entire fulfillment. The OT is full of prom- Scripture gives evidence that Paul canon seen in the light of Christ.15 We ises, prophecies and types. All three used the expression to mean some- should probably not call this rule of require fulfillment. All three point to thing quite different than the Law of life a ‘law’ or ‘law code’ without fur- change. Jesus changed everything. In Moses. The internalization of the law ther clarification lest we unnecessarily 1 Corinthians 1:20, while speaking of spoken of in Jeremiah 31 certainly confuse the old with the new. The NT Christ, Paul dramatically asserts that, suggests a concept different than the never speaks of Jesus as a lawgiver or ‘all the promises of God find their written law given at Sinai. Reisinger as his teachings as a law code. Yes in him.’ Jesus told his disciples, in a recent series of articles speaks of We should adhere to the more bib- ‘everything written about me in the Christ as a ‘new lawgiver’ but is care- lical concept that Christ is the prophet Law of Moses and the Prophets and ful to add that the teachings of Christ who follows Moses as the final and the Psalms must be fulfilled’ (Luke have given us ‘new and higher house ultimate spokesman for God, being 24:44). The total Christ-centeredness rules’ and ‘higher and more spiritual himself the living Word of God. His of the NT drives home the point: Jesus laws’ than that of Mosaic law.13 changed everything. role as the ultimate prophet16 certainly Again, we must read Deuteronomy includes giving mankind a new and But what about Galatians 6:2 18 carefully. It says that when the better rule of life not based upon where Paul uses the expression, ‘the new prophet comes, ‘it is to him you prohibitions and case laws but upon law of Christ’ or 1 Corinthians 9:21, shall listen.’ It doesn’t say he will be wisdom and empowered and guided ‘under the law of Christ’? In his a lawgiver. If we speak of Jesus as a by the indwelling Holy Spirit. discussion of Gal. 6:2, Longenecker lawgiver without some clarification, suggests the possibility that Paul used We should also remember that we run the risk of dragging the old Moses was not just a lawgiver. the expression “polemically in an ad into the new. The new wine has burst hominem fashion either to outclass his the old wineskins which need to be Although modern Christians opponents in their use of νόμος or to discarded. tend to think of Moses primarily as a mock his Galatian converts’ obsession lawgiver, to the ancient Jews he was with Mosaic legislation.”11 He goes on We can recognize Jesus as a ‘new far more. Moses was primarily re- to express the view that Paul uses ‘the Moses’ but must realize that his teach- membered as a redeemer, a deliverer, law of Christ’ to mean the principles ings were very different from the Law and a savior. Presentation of Jesus as the new Moses thus emphasized His behind the teachings and example of of Moses. Thus: redemptive role.17 Christ rather than “ethical prescrip- Matthew also portrays Jesus as a tions to be carried out in rabbinic new Moses. But as Davi[e]s rightly fashion.”12 This interpretation also notes, he is far more than that…it is 14 Bartholomew; O’Dowd, Old Testa- intriguing to note that his new “law” ment Wisdom Literature: A Theologi- cal Introduction, 241. Theology (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker, differs significantly from Mosaic law 2011), 114. in its form and focus. A new act in 15 A. Blake White, The Law of Christ: A Theological Proposal (Frederick, MD: 11 Richard N. Longenecker, WBC, the drama of Scripture - indeed, the New Covenant Media, 2010). Galatians (Dallas, TX: Word Books, central act - has now dawned, and 1990), 275. while Jesus affirms and fulfills the law 16 Reisinger speaks of Christ as ‘the of Moses, he teaches with the new true and final prophet’ and ‘the new 12 Longenecker, WBC, Galatians, 276. situation in mind. Intriguingly his new covenant prophet.’ John G. Reisinger, Immediately before this statement, style of “law” has many resemblances ‘Christ, Our New Covenant Prophet, Longenecker writes “Paul is not set- Priest and King: Introduction’, Sound ting forth Jesus as a new Moses.” I of Grace 189, July-August 2012, 16. take him to mean that Paul is not set- being a lawgiver will help greatly to ting forth Jesus as a new lawgiver in clarify the issues in question. 17 Charles Quarles, NACSBT, Sermon the same sense that Moses was a law- 13 John G. Reisinger, ‘Christ, Our New on the Mount (Nashville, TN: B & H, giver. Making a distinction between Covenant Prophet: Part 2’, Sound of 2011), 23. Jesus being a new Moses and Jesus Grace 190, September 2012, 4. Vaninger—Continued on page 14 Page 14 February 2014 Issue 204 Vaninger—Continued from page 13 partly understood.’ We do not have to one of the primary activities of the Quarles’ approach to Jesus as a choose between a ‘new law’ and the Holy Spirit is to impart godly wisdom new or better Moses is very refresh- Law of Moses clarified by Jesus. The to believers. In this very same pas- ing and helpful, the emphasis being teachings of Christ are in a different sage, Paul associates the teaching of on Jesus’ role as savior rather than as category. the Spirit with having the mind of lawgiver. Moses was perhaps the most Despite the Moses and Sinai Christ (2:16). “‘God’s wisdom’ turns profound type of Christ as a redeemer typology in the introduction to the out to be ‘the mind of Christ,’ con- in the entire OT. Moses was the SM [Sermon on the Mount], one must veyed and revealed through the Holy earthly savior of Israel. He provided not conclude that the SM constitutes Spirit.” 21 redemption from slavery in the ‘iron a new law comparable to the Mosaic This link between godly wisdom furnace’ of Egypt. He put Israel on the law...The SM is categorically differ- and the Holy Spirit is confirmed and path to the Promised Land. ent from the Mosaic law. Its precepts are the law written on the heart in strengthened in Ephesians 5. There When Matthew portrayed Jesus fulfillment of the promise of the new we read three exhortations: ‘Look as the next Moses or the new Moses, covenant (Jer. 31:33).’20 carefully then how you walk, not as he offered a graphic description of unwise but as wise…do not be fool- The NT teaches that law gives way Jesus’ role as Redeemer, Deliverer, ish, but understand what the will of and Savior…Matthew appealed to to a wisdom taught by Christ and the the Lord is…do not get drunk with OT texts about bondage and redemp- apostles and imparted by the Holy wine…but be filled with the Spirit’ tion, slavery and deliverance to show Spirit of God. This wisdom produces (Eph. 5:15-18). Thus wisdom, under- that Jesus would be a deliverer who a higher ethic and standard of conduct standing the will of the Lord, and rescues God’s people from the worst than any law code could produce. plight of all, sin and its serious conse- being filled with the Holy Spirit are quences…The theological point made In an extended passage in 1 Corin- synonymous or at least very closely by comparing Jesus to Moses was thians 2, Paul contrasts ‘the wisdom related. quite profound - Jesus is the Savior of of men’ (2:5) with the ‘wisdom of 18 This link between wisdom and the God’s people.’ God’ (2:7). This passage uses some Holy Spirit brings to mind Paul’s con- very meaningful expressions that Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount is fre- trast between the ‘letter’ (Mosaic law) help us get a handle on an important quently compared to Moses receiving and the ‘Spirit’ in 2 Corinthians 3:6-9. relationship between the attainment the Ten Commandments on Mount The Spirit of God imparts wisdom of godly wisdom and the activity of Sinai. Some teach that Christ present- to the believer that is superior to the the Holy Spirit in the believer. Table ed a new law to replace the Law of instruction of the law. The purpose 1 shows some interesting and instruc- Moses while others teach that Christ of the law was to kill in the sense of tive contrasts. was clarifying or correcting misun- condemning the sinner. In contrast, derstandings of the Law of Moses. In this passage, the wisdom of men the purpose of the wisdom imparted What Jesus delivers is not a new (conveyed using various expressions) by the Spirit of God is to redeem from law, but the true understanding of what is contrasted with the wisdom and sin in the sense of transforming the had been revealed to Moses on Sinai power of God and the working of the life of the believer to one of glory and and only partly understood: he does Holy Spirit. This data suggests that not destroy the old but fulfills it (5.17- 21 Anthony C. Thiselton, The Living 20), as he alone is able to do.’19 20 Quarles, NACSBT, Sermon on the Paul (Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Mount, 38. Press, 2009), 56. Hooker is both right and wrong. She is correct to say that, ‘What Table 1 Jesus delivers is not a new law’ but The wisdom of man The wisdom of God wrong when she says, ‘but the true understanding of what had been ‘plausible words of wisdom’ (2:4) ‘demonstration of the Spirit’ (2:4) revealed to Moses on Sinai and only ‘the wisdom of men’ (2:5) ‘the power of God’ (2:5) 18 Quarles, NACSBT, Sermon on the Mount, 24, 25-26, 37. ‘a wisdom of this age’ (2:6) ‘a secret and hidden wisdom of God’ (2:7) 19 Morna D. Hooker, “Where is Wisdom to be Found (1),” in David F. Ford, ‘the spirit of the world’ (2:12) ‘the Spirit who is from God’ (2:12) Graham Stanton, eds., Reading Texts, Seeking Wisdom (London: SCM Press, ‘human wisdom’ (2:13) being taught ‘by the Spirit’ (2:13) 2003), 122. Issue 204 February 2014 Page 15 righteousness. We find this very con- NT writers did not hesitate to reaffirm The teachings of Jesus not only cept of sanctification conveyed just the moral principles found in the OT provide ‘wisdom designed for life in after Paul’s discussion of the ‘letter’ and to express additional moral guide- the last days’28 in which we currently vs. the ‘Spirit’: lines. Paul, the very one who spoke of live but also anticipate the resurrec- living by the Spirit, filled his letters ‘We all, with unveiled face, behold- tion ethics of the eternal state. ‘Jesus ing the glory of the Lord, are being with specific ethical exhortations and taught absolute ethics which were 24 transformed into the same image from directives. Yet Paul would be the last valid both for the age to come and for one degree of glory to another. For one to think of himself as formulating this age.’29 The Sermon on the Mount this comes from the Lord who is the a new ‘law code.’ Rather Paul saw his gives us guiding principles now and Spirit’ (2 Cor. 3:18). own ethical teachings as having the also a foretaste of what life in the New ‘mind of Christ’ and being conformed Thus the progression from Law Jerusalem will be like when we will to the image of Christ (Rom. 8:29; 1 to Wisdom that we see in the OT is be fully conformed to the image of Cor. 15:49; 2 Cor. 3:18; Col. 3:10). given greater definition in the NT. The Christ. law condemns the sinner exposing The teachings of Jesus are ‘foun- Gordon Fee has written much on man as a fallen creature but the Spirit dational’; they take us down to the the subject of Christ and the wisdom reverses the effects of the fall and im- bedrock of reality.25 They profoundly of God especially regarding 1 Corin- parts to the believer the true wisdom transcend the national law code of OT thians 1:24, 30 and related passages.30 of Christ producing a righteous and Israel and take us to the very heart of Most of this material focuses on two holy life. Thus we see that the wis- the Almighty Creator God. ‘Everyone points. His arguments that Paul is not dom exhibited and communicated by then who hears these words of mine speaking of Christ as being Wisdom Christ and imparted by the Holy Spirit and does them will be like a wise personified (as in Proverbs 8, Sirach, surpasses the law in providing a rule man who built his house on the rock’ and Baruch) are very convincing. But of life for the believer that will serve (Matt. 7:24). he goes even further and asserts that us well in this life and for eternity. Paul does not actually call Christ the The teachings of Jesus build on the 31 Moral issues are frequently very principles of OT wisdom in that, ‘The wisdom of God. Rather, his position complex and a solution requires primary demand of Jesus is for righ- is that Paul is saying that the wisdom more than a list of commands or case teous character’ 26 rather than mere of God is the proclamation of Christ 32 laws. Thus, ‘wisdom often does not outward conformity to a law code. crucified. That is certainly a true set forth specific rules of behavior, ‘The ethics of the Kingdom place a statement but Ebert for one feels that but rather recognizes that there may new emphasis upon the righteousness Fee has overstated his case somewhat be various responses occasioned by of the heart...The primary emphasis and that ‘one can still leave place for different circumstances.’22 ‘In some is upon the inner character which Paul to think of Christ explicitly in 33 ways Paul’s ethic is rather general, underlies outward conduct. The law terms of divine wisdom.’ for he does not give specific guidance condemned murder; Jesus condemned 28 John Goldingay, Theological Diversity for each situation. He realizes that in anger as sin...anger belongs not to the and the Authority of the Old Testament many situations wisdom is needed sphere of outward conduct but to that (Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans, 1987), 27 to determine the prudent and godly of inner attitude and character.’ 228. 23 course of action.’ In the eternal 29 Ladd, The Presence of the Future, resurrected state, we will not live by a 24 Thomas R. Schreiner, Paul, Apostle 295. of God’s Glory in Christ (Downers law code but by the wisdom of Christ 30 Gordon D. Fee, Pauline Christology Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 2001), and the guidance of the indwelling (Peabody, MA: Hendrickson Publish- 307-329. For a very brief summary, Holy Spirit. ers, 2007), 102-107, 317-325, 595- see Thomas R. Schreiner, 40 Ques- 630. On the other hand, it is important tions About Christians and Biblical 31 ‘Paul does not say in isolation that to recognize that living ‘by the Spirit’ Law (Grand Rapids, MI: Kregel, 2010), 105-107. “Christ is the wisdom of God.”‘ Fee, does not eliminate the need in our Pauline Christology, 102. See a simi- 25 H. N. Ridderbos, BSC, Matthew still fallen state for specific guidance lar statement on 104. regarding ethical issues. Jesus and the (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 1987), 155. 32 ‘God’s wisdom lies precisely in the folly of a crucified Messiah.’ Fee, 22 Perdue, Wisdom Literature: A Theo- 26 George Eldon Ladd, The Presence of Pauline Christology, 104. logical History, 34. the Future (Grand Rapids, MI: Eerd- 33 Daniel J. Ebert IV, Wisdom Christol- 23 Thomas R. Schreiner, New Testament mans, 1974), 293. ogy (Nutley, NJ: Presbyterian and Theology (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker, 27 Ladd, The Presence of the Future, 2008), 656. 292. Vaninger—Continued on page 16 Page 16 February 2014 Issue 204 Vaninger—Continued from page 15 of the Holy Spirit imparting godly of ‘worship in spirit and truth’ The controversy over this matter wisdom. The ‘new law’ of the (John 4:24). This comports well is largely irrelevant to the thesis of new covenant is of a totally differ- with the emphasis in the NT on this article. All we are asserting here ent character than OT law being the ‘newness’ and superiority of is that the teachings and example of ‘written not with ink but with the New Covenant faith in Christ. Christ display true biblical wisdom Spirit of the living God, not on 6. The progression of law ð wisdom more perfectly than any previous tablets of stone but on tablets of ð Christ adds another facet to the revelation. ‘The wisdom of God is human hearts’ (2 Cor. 3:3). emphasis in the NT regarding the embodied in Christ.’34 Fee does not 4. More generally, the progression of total exaltation of Christ over all appear to be opposed to that. But on law ð wisdom ð Christ reveals else.  the other hand, Christ cannot be sim- how OT wisdom can be integrated plistically equated with the wisdom of into biblical theology. ‘The New God. Wisdom is one of God’s attri- Testament not only fulfills Old butes while Christ is a person of the November 21, 2013 Testament prophecy; it fulfills Godhead and thus much more than the whole Old Testament, includ- Dear Friends, the wisdom of God.35 ing the law, history, psalms, and 36 Please send me six copies of New Covenant Theology wisdom literature.’ Our focus Sound of Grace for November has been on how law and wisdom It is relevant to ask at the conclu- 2013. relate to Christ from the perspec- sion of our study: ‘How does all this tive of biblical theology. Balchin’s Thank you all for your relate to issues encountered in our statement regarding wisdom is very helpful ministry. study of New Covenant Theology?’ certainly true of both law and I am now a resident of a 1. The understanding of the transi- wisdom, ‘Christ has both fulfilled senior living apartment and 37 tory nature of the Law of Moses is it and gone beyond it.’ I can share with different confirmed and strengthened. The 5. The understanding of OT typolo- folks at each meal and at two progression from law to wisdom gy is confirmed and clarified. The Bible studies! to the teachings of Christ is just nation of Israel in the OT era was that, a progression from good to In Christ, a type of the entire world popula- better to best. tion just as the land of Israel was a Jacqueline S. 2. This progression of law ð wis- type of the entire globe. As we see dom ð Christ helps to clarify God’s plan of redemption unfold how the law can be ‘holy and in time, we see a progression from righteous and good’ and yet at the a national covenant to a universal December 30, 2013 same time be terminated with the covenant applicable to all man- Dear Friends, coming of Christ. kind. The rule of life for God’s 3. This progression of law ð wis- people accordingly progresses This donation is in appre- dom ð Christ also helps to clarify from national laws to universal ciation of Brother Reisinger’s how the internalization of the moral and spiritual principles that ministry. transcend all national, ethnic, and law is accomplished in the new He is the reason my hus- cultural boundaries, and ultimate- covenant era. In contrast to the band Stuart and I came to ly to words from Immanuel, God external laws of the old covenant, Oregon—we are very indebed with us. Closely related to this is which had no power over sin in to him. Of course, it was the a corresponding progression from one’s life, the internalized law Lord’s plan; He receives our a more external religion to a form corresponds to the spiritual trans- praise. formation of the believer into the 36 David L. Baker, Two Testaments, One image of Christ through the power Bible Third Edition (Downers Grove, Keeping you in our IL: InterVarsity Press, 2010), 200. prayers. Reformed Publishing Company, 37 John F. Balchin, “Paul, Wisdom and Adeline K. 2011), 63n2. Christ,” in Harold H. Rowdon, ed., 34 Leon Morris, TNTC, 1 Corinthians Christ the Lord: Studies in Christology (Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity presented to Donald Guthrie, (Down- Press, 1958), 50. ers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 35 Ebert, Wisdom Christology, 176. 1982), 212. Issue 204 February 2014 Page 17 White—Continued from page 11 in this way; see DeYoung’s recent blog not all are consistent. As John Reis- are helpfully reminding us that the (11/7/13) on the matter). Many early inger pointed out in Abraham’s Four whole New Testament is eschatologi- American NCT guys were unwelcome Seeds (see pages 5, 36, 47, 53, 58, 94, cal, but in large measure it is escha- in the “Reformed” Baptist world. 99, 100, 118), CT and DT ironically tologically backward-looking more Many of them used “Sovereign Grace share the same hermeneutic on two than forward-looking. That is to say, Baptist” to distinguish themselves different points: DT on the Abrahamic the eschatology of the New Testament from Reformed Baptists. I think covenant and physical land; CT on is focused more on what the Messiah Reformed folks are those who adhere the Abrahamic covenant and physical has already done than on what He was to the Reformed Confessions and Re- children. Neither consistently views yet to do. NCT in no way downplays formed Baptists are those who adhere these two issues with the Christotelic the yet-unfulfilled aspects of proph- to the 1689 London Baptist Confes- lenses Jesus Himself encouraged us ecy (e.g. resurrection, new earth), but sion, which is built from the West- to wear (Luke 24). DT fails to see wants to place the accent where the minster Confession. Furthermore, that Christ wins the new creation–not New Testament does. The first coming since NCT does not bear directly on merely a strip of land in the Middle of Jesus is very significant for the ful- soteriology, I think an ardent Armin- East–for his people. The land is a type fillment of Old Testament prophecy. ian could adhere to NCT, though I’ve of the new earth. CT fails to see that Having prefaced my answer with never met one personally. the promise was to the mediatorial head and his seed, not the individual that, three of the four millennial views 10. Speaking to someone who believer and their seed. Christ is the are compatible with NCT. One can be does not believe New Covenant The- mediatorial head of the new covenant NCT and be historic premillennial, ology, what would you give as the so the promise is for His seed, which amillennial, or postmillennial with top three reasons to adopt it? theological consistency (though many is spiritual, not physical. Jesus has will be quick to assert that their view At the risk of appearing arrogant, no grandchildren. The same could is the only consistent one!). Obvi- first I would say it is the only theology be said of the way Christ transforms ously Dispensational Premillennial- that can be derived from a plain read- the Sabbath and sums up Israel. NCT ism doesn’t have a seat at the NCT ing of Scripture. One would be hard strives to practice a robustly Christ- table since they have their own. One pressed to find a CT guy who came to centered hermeneutic in all biblical can have the exact same hermeneutic his theological conclusions apart from interpretation.  and biblical-theological outlook, but reading books on Reformed Theology merely read Revelation 20 in different or Reformed confessions. Similarly, ways. In my experience, it seems that you will not find a Dispensationalist historic premillennialism and amillen- who came to DT without reading Sco- nialism are the most common millen- field, Ryrie, MacArthur, or some other Everyone wants the kingdom of nial views of NCT. Bible “helps” from a DT perspective. God, but few want it first. 9. Some people (such as Dr. R.C. Second, one simply will not find Charles L. Venable Sproul) use the terms “Covenant theological categories such as “cov- Theology” and “Reformed The- enant of grace,” “covenant of works,” ology” synonymously. Can New a Sabbath change from Saturday to Covenant Theology maintain a Sunday, a pretribulation rapture, or Reisinger—Continued from page 10 Reformed identity? many other DT and CT theological “‘The Lord said to my Lord: tenets from Scripture. In other words, “Sit at my right hand Hmmm. I am not sure that NCT NCT strives to use the language of has ever been concerned with main- until I make your enemies Scripture in its theological formula- a footstool for your feet.” ‘ taining a “Reformed identity.” Perhaps tion. We believe that theology ought an “always Reforming” identity since to be grounded in the exegesis of the “Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, we think the Protestant Reformers biblical text and in our opinion, NCT whom you crucified, both Lord and did not apply sola Scriptura robustly does this most consistently. enough. I am sure I do not speak for Christ” (Acts 2:30-36 NIV). all NCT advocates, but I agree with Third, I would say that NCT is It is interesting that Peter said that Sproul and many others (Horton, the system of theology that is most God made Jesus both Lord and Christ. Clark, Hart, etc) who say that Re- consistently Christ-centered. All We would expect him to say, “Lord formed Theology is Covenant Theol- Evangelical theology strives to be and Savior.” We will take up with that ogy (though many do not use the label Christ-centered, but in our opinion in our next article.  Page 18 February 2014 Issue 204 West—Continued from page 3 communicate. It is one thing to say, eignty of God in immediate contexts psalmist it is sufficient to be exalting “The Lord cares for you,” and another can be a great warning to his sinning in who God is and what he has done to say, “The Lord is your shepherd,” children, to say nothing of being for his people—and when the bless- even if you are driving at the same ultimately disastrous to his enemies. ings of God to his people are con- point. The metaphorical image, while We must not gloss the discipline and sidered, it is natural for the pastoral ultimately hinging on the proposition- correction motifs that are embedded imagery to come to mind. al claim, carries more emotive punch. in the metaphor: the Lord is our shep- We inescapably think in pictures and herd, and this is a sobering reminder As rich as the comforting entail- they affect us very deeply. The picture that he carries a rod of correction. ments of the metaphor are, they are of God as our shepherd and us as his not the only emotions the image is It should be clear upon reflec- sheep is capable of properly evoking designed to generate. Obviously the tion that aspects of the metaphor an astonishingly wide range of fitting imagery in Psalm 100, though not from which we derive comfort, joy, emotions. antithetical to comfort by any means, warning, etc. are actually dependent is simply focused in a different direc- The shepherd metaphor is, how- on other facets of the image. For tion. The image is being employed to ever, much more than a means for example, it is wonderful to consider heighten and to further rejoicing. This producing human joy and/or comfort: the tender mercy, compassion, and is not a psalm one typically thinks not minimizing the emotional and concern the Lord has for his flock. But of when there is a need for funereal existential impact, it is also used to what does his sympathy amount to if comfort; here the metaphor drives teach us many different things about he is incapable of defending us? Hav- us into higher spheres of celebration. God. This can be seen by noting some ing a concerned but helpless shepherd This means that the shepherd image of the different contexts in which the is not very comforting at all. Like- is so elastic it functions equally well imagery is used. The Lord is referred wise, God could be a very powerful in the valley of the shadow of death to as a shepherd and we are referred shepherd, but if he didn’t care what (the superlatively darkest valley or to as his sheep in contexts where the became of us then his power would trial) and at a party: it is beneficially point lies in a different neighborhood not be a reason for us to find comfort. employed in times of tears and times than us finding this comforting, reas- The distinct elements of compassion of holy merriment. The flexibility and suring, or a source of rejoicing. Some and power only function when they fittingness of the imagery to such a contexts where the Lord is referred to are combined. diverse range of situations and moods as a shepherd are full of judgment; in These two elements come together speaks volumes about its impact and these places the metaphor serves as beautifully in the Book of Isaiah. One resonance. a warning. Now of course there is an of the things God wants his people ultimate sense in which all of God’s As we have seen, the shepherding to know when he begins to comfort attributes, acts, and roles are for the imagery effectively produces a variety them (cf. Isaiah 40:1) is that his care good of his children. But in the same of emotional responses depending on and power and joined together. Isaiah way that the sovereignty of God over the existential situation. The emo- expresses it this way: “See, the Sover- the whole world is ultimately a com- tional responses, of course, cannot eign Lord comes with power, and he fort for his children, any fair reading be detached from the propositional rules with a mighty arm. See, his re- of the Bible will show that the sover- content the metaphor is designed to ward is with him, and his recompense

Annual John Bunyan Conference May 5 ̶ 7, 2014 Reformed Baptist Church, Lewisburg, PA Speakers: Peter Gentry, Larry McCall, Stephen Wellum, Steve West, and A. Blake White Schedule and registration to follow. Mark your calendar—NOW Issue 204 February 2014 Page 19 accompanies him. He tends his flock infinite love by the omnipotent arms Some are given military responsibility like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs of the sovereign shepherd—here the over their flock (e.g. the army), others in his arms and carries them close to point of our metaphor becomes un- are given political responsibility (e.g. his heart; he gently leads those that fathomable and indescribable. Thanks their sheep are cities or nations), and have young” (Isaiah 40:10-11). Notice be to God. still others are given responsibility the connection: the Sovereign Lord in the religious sphere (e.g. they are Not surprisingly, it is at the inter- comes with power and rules with a to function as prophets, priests, or section of God’s power and love that mighty arm, yet he uses his strength to teachers). God as the true shepherd we find the related theme of wisdom. tend his flock, gather his lambs, carry employs undershepherds, and they are This element is not made as explicit them close to his heart, and he gently fully accountable to him for how they when the imagery is used of God—it leads the vulnerable. discharge their duties to his flock. In is assumed that this shepherd has fact, it is desperately important for The only reason these verses are more wisdom than his sheep! When them to remember that their flock comforting and encouraging is that God leads and guides us as a shep- is really never their flock at all: it is they are both true. God coming with herd leads and guides his flock, the God’s flock over which they have been power and ruling with a mighty arm grounding for the image is that God given certain stewardship responsi- is a sheer disaster for the wicked. God knows what’s best for us, he knows bilities. In next month’s article we will nurturing, loving, and tenderly caring where we should be, he cares enough examine some of the OT material that for his flock cannot be comforting un- to take us there, and he is powerful applies the shepherding imagery not less he also rules in sovereign power enough to ensure that we arrive at his to God but to human beings. We will and might. If he has power but no ten- chosen destination. He also knows see, even then, that whether the con- der love, he rules as a tyrant; if he has when we are straying from where we text involves human shepherds who compassion but not power, his shep- should be, and he gathers the scat- are good or bad, the Chief Shepherd herding will be ineffective. And this tered. (More will be said about this in is not too distant in the background. is to say nothing of the richness of the the next article.) And given his sovereign might and picture that results when you recog- One of the very interesting things infinite love for his sheep, human be- nize that God is carrying you close to about the shepherd imagery is that ings who are entrusted with shepherd- his heart, and to do so he scoops you God ultimately fulfills the realities ing responsibilities need to take them up in the same mighty arms by which communicated in the metaphor to a very, very seriously.  he sovereignly rules the universe. A perfect degree, but he also entrusts helpless sheep pulled to the heart of some people with a shepherding role.

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A New Year’s Resolution Matthew Henry

“My times are in Your hand!” Psalm 31:15 Firmly believing that my times are in God’s hand, I here submit myself and all my affairs for the ensuing year, to the wise and gracious disposal of God’s divine providence. Whether God appoints for me health or sickness, peace or trouble, comforts or crosses, life or death—may His holy will be done! All my time, strength, and service, I devote to the honor of the Lord Jesus—and even my common actions. It is my earnest expectation, hope, and desire, my constant aim and endeavor—that Jesus Christ may be magnified in me. In everything I have to do—my entire dependence is upon Jesus Christ for strength. And whatever I do in word or deed, I desire to do all in His name, to make Him my Alpha and Omega. I have all from Him—and I would use all for Him. If this should prove a year of affliction, a sorrowful year to me—I will fetch all my supports and comforts from the Lord Jesus and stay myself upon Him, His everlasting consolations, and the good hope I have in Him through grace. And if it should be my dying year—then my times are in the hand of the Lord Jesus. And with a humble reliance upon His mediation, I would venture into the eternal world looking for the blessed hope. Dying as well as living— Jesus Christ will, I trust, be gain and advantage to me. Oh, that the grace of God may be sufficient for me, to keep me always a humble sense of my own unworthiness, weakness, folly, and infirmity—together with a humble dependence upon the Lord Jesus Christ for both righteous- ness and strength. Courtesy of Grace Gems: www.GraceGems.org