The Covenant of Grace and Its Privileges in Jesus Christ
The covenant of grace is a theological concept describing God's gracious promise of salvation and blessing to humanity through faith in Jesus Christ. This covenant is understood as being fulfilled in Christ, contrasting with the law given through Moses [6, 7]. It is described as a testament or will, particularly to God's people, with Christ as its substance and mediator [7, 10].
Central to the covenant of grace is the concept of "grace" itself, which encompasses God's favor, kindness, and forgiving mercy [4]. It is a gift freely bestowed by God, distinguishing the gospel from the law [4]. The Holy Spirit is referred to as the Spirit of grace, and Christ is depicted as being full of grace, through whom grace came and is given [2]. The riches of God's grace are exhibited in His kindness through Christ, and the glory of His grace is seen in the acceptance of believers in Christ [2].
The privileges associated with this covenant for believers, often referred to as "saints," are extensive. These include abiding in Christ, partaking in the divine nature, and having direct access to God through Christ [3]. Believers are considered part of the household of God and members of the "Church of the first-born" [3]. Other privileges include having Christ as their Shepherd and Intercessor, and the assurance that all things work together for their good [3]. The promises of God are given to them, and their names are written in the book of life [3]. The word of God's grace is also understood to build up believers and grant them an inheritance among the sanctified [5].
The concept of election is closely tied to the covenant of grace, referring to God's choice of individuals for eternal life, grounded in His good pleasure [1]. This election is not merely for office or national privilege, but specifically for salvation [1]. The grace given to each individual is measured according to the gift of Christ [8]. The covenant of grace is seen as offering greater privileges than those under the Mosaic law, providing a promise of spiritual rest and communion with God through Christ, leading to ultimate glory [9].
Sources
- Easton's Bible Dictionary “Easton's Bible Dictionary: Election of Grace — The Scripture speaks (1) of the election of individuals to office or to honour and privilege, e.g., Abraham, Jacob, Saul, David, Solomon, were all chosen by God for the positions they held; so also were the apostles. (2) There is also an election of nations to special privileges, e.g., the Hebrews (Deut. 7:6; Rom. 9:4). (3) But in addition there is an election of individuals to eternal life (2 Thess. 2:13; Eph. 1:4; 1 Pet. 1:2; John 13:18). The ground of this election to salvation is the good pleasure of God (Eph. 1:5, 11; Matt. 11:25, 26; John 15”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Grace — God is the God of all -- 1Pe 5:10. God is the Giver of -- Ps 84:11; Jas 1:17. God's throne, the throne of -- Heb 4:16. The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of -- Zec 12:10; Heb 10:29. Was upon Christ -- Lu 2:40; Joh 3:24. Christ spoke with -- Ps 45:2; Lu 4:22. Christ was full of -- Joh 1:14. Came by Christ -- Joh 1:17; Ro 5:15. Given by Christ -- 1Co 1:4. Foretold by the prophets -- 1Pe 1:10. Riches of, exhibited in God's kindness through Christ -- Eph 2:7. Glory of, exhibited in our acceptance in Christ -- Eph 1:6. Is described as Great. -- Ac 4:33. Sovereign. -- R”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Privileges of Saints — Abiding in Christ -- Joh 15:4,5. Partaking of the divine nature -- 2Pe 1:4. Access to God by Christ -- Eph 3:12. Being of the household of God -- Eph 2:19. Membership with the Church of the first-born -- Heb 12:23. Having Christ for their Shepherd. -- Isa 40:11; Joh 10:14,16. Christ for their intercessor. -- Ro 8:34; Heb 7:25; 1Jo 2:1. The promises of God. -- 2Co 7:1; 2Pe 1:4. The possession of all things -- 1Co 3:21,22. All things working together for their good -- Ro 8:28; 2Co 4:15-17. Their names written in the book life -- Re 13:8; 20:15. H”
- Easton's Bible Dictionary “Easton's Bible Dictionary: Grace — (1.) Of form or person (Prov. 1:9; 3:22; Ps. 45:2). (2.) Favour, kindness, friendship (Gen. 6:8; 18:3; 19:19; 2 Tim. 1:9). (3.) God's forgiving mercy (Rom. 11:6; Eph. 2:5). (4.) The gospel as distinguished from the law (John 1:17; Rom. 6:14; 1 Pet. 5:12). (5.) Gifts freely bestowed by God; as miracles, prophecy, tongues (Rom. 15:15; 1 Cor. 15:10; Eph. 3:8). (6.) Christian virtues (2 Cor. 8:7; 2 Pet. 3:18). (7.) The glory hereafter to be revealed (1 Pet. 1:13).”
- Acts “Acts 20:32 (BSB) — And now I commit you to God and to the word of His grace, which can build you up and give you an inheritance among all who are sanctified.”
- John “For the law was given through Moses. Grace and truth were realized through Jesus Christ. -- John 1:17”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Covenant, The — Christ, the substance of -- Isa 42:6; 49:8. Christ, the Mediator of -- Heb 8:6; 9:15; 12:24. Christ, the Messenger of -- Mal 3:1. Made with Abraham. -- Ge 15:7-18; 17:2-14; Lu 1:72-75; Ac 3:25; Ga 3:16. Isaac. -- Ge 17:19,21; 26:3,4. Jacob. -- Ge 28:13,14; 1Ch 16:16,17. Israel. -- Ex 6:4; Ac 3:25. David. -- 2Sa 23:5; Ps 89:3,4. Renewed under the gospel -- Jer 31:31-33; Ro 11:27; Heb 8:8-10,13. Fulfilled in Christ -- Lu 1:68-79. Confirmed in Christ -- Ga 3:17. Ratified by the blood of Christ -- Heb 9:11-14,16-23. Is a covenant of peace -- Isa 54:9,10; ”
- Ephesians “Ephesians 4:7 (Geneva1599) — But vnto euery one of vs is giuen grace, according to the measure of the gift of Christ.”
- Hebrews (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on Hebrews 4:1: Here, I. The apostle declares that our privileges by Christ under the gospel are not only as great, but greater than those enjoyed under the Mosaic law. He specifies this, that we have a promise left us of entering into his rest; that is, of entering into a covenant-relation to Christ, and a state of communion with God through Christ, and of growing up therein, till we are made perfect in glory. We have discoveries of this rest, and proposals, and the best directions how we may attain unto it. This promise of spiritual rest is a promise left us by the Lord Jesus C”
- Hebrews (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Hebrews 9:16: For where a testament is,.... The covenant of grace, as administered under the Gospel dispensation, is a testament or will. The Jews have adopted the Greek word, here used, into their language, and pronounce it and by it understand a dying man's last will and testament (d). Some of them make it to be of Hebrew derivation; as if it was said, , "this shall be to confirm" (e), or this shall be stable and firm; though others own it to be the same with this Greek word (f). The covenant of grace, is properly a covenant to Christ, and a testament or will to his people: it i”