I’ve been reading a book called “A Body of Divinity.” It was written in 1692 by a Puritan named Thomas Watson (I love the Puritans).
The chapter on the covenant of grace explains how much better it is to have that covenant than the previous covenant of works. He said something that I had to re-read a few times. Then I had to stop and think about it for a little while. I oftentimes have to do that because his excellent illustrations of truth and significant points about God’s Word challenge me. This particular point encouraged me so much that I wanted to share it with you.
He pointed out that one of the privileges of the covenant of grace is something called preferment. He wrote,
“Our nature now is more ennobled; our glory is higher than in innocence; we are advanced to sit upon Christ’s throne. Rev. 3:21. We are, under the covenant of grace, nearer to Christ than the angels: they are his friends, we are his spouse. God is willing to be in covenant with you. Why does God woo and beseech you by his ambassadors to be reconciled if he were not willing to be in covenant?”
A New Way of Thinking
I’ve never thought about my relationship with God in that way. As a Believer, I have a higher glory than I would have had in innocence; it’s all because of what Jesus did for me. I know God works all things out for the good of those who love Him. He calls us according to His purpose (Romans 8:28). However, we now have a more intimate relationship with Him because of Christ. He worked Adam’s sin-tainted bloodline of all mankind out for our good. This was God’s doing.
Our relationships with God are undeniably unique and cherished by Him. He loves us individually and as a whole. The Church of Christ is His Bride. Because of this, we will have a closer nearness to Christ in eternity than the angels will.
This is all God’s doing. He did it because He loves us and wants us to be in a covenant relationship with Him. In view of this, we should find much joy in God’s love for us. His covenant of grace should bring us peace. He is our God, and we are His people.
Thankful,
Posted in A Word from the Pastor