A Covenant People

GracePointe Church of Christ in Elizabethtown, PA

Paul reads the Bible through a certain lens, and it is important that we understand that lens so we can enter into his letters with an understanding of his approach to the Old Testament. Many readers of the Bible approach it in an individual manner, meaning that we read for personal guidance, growth, and gratitude. This is good and we should do this, but there is, in addition to this, a covenantal manner in which we should also read the Bible. That is to say, The covenant with Abraham sets the story of the Bible as one continuous unfolding history of the revelation of God, and all other moments, like the covenant with Moses, must be seen as a part of this larger narrative. (As is the Covenant with David). We must understand the Promise to Abraham if we are to understand Jesus and the mission of God throughout the entire Bible into today’s mission. More than a collection of devotional readings to make us feel better about today’s particular challenge, the Bible is the unfolding story of a committed God who works throughout history to keep His promise to Abraham - one that blesses the world.