A body of divinity by Thomas Watson (Available from Amazon or free here) - Read '1. The covenant of grace', '2. Christ the mediator of the covenant' and '3. Christ's prophetic office'.
Firstly we learn about the covenant of grace as Watson answers some pertinent questions:
(i) What is the new covenant;
(ii) What names are given to the covenant;
(iii) Why should God make a covenant with us;
(iv) How does the covenant of grace differ from the first covenant made with Adam;
(v) But are not works required in the covenant of grace;
(vi) What is the condition of the covenant of grace;
(vii) Why is faith more the condition of the new covenant than any other grace?
Secondly Watson teaches us how Christ is the mediator of the covenant of grace, particularly in his:
(i) person;
(ii) graces.
Thirdly we see how Christ is a prophet by Watson's answers to the following questions:
(i) How does Christ teach;
(ii) What are the lessons which Christ teaches;
(iii) How does Christ's teaching differ from other teaching?
I liked how Watson expressed the difference between the two covenants in relation to our works: 'But are not works required in the covenant of grace?
Yes. ‘This is a faithful saying, that they which believe in God, be careful to maintain good works.’ Tit 3:8. But the covenant of grace does not require works in the same manner as the covenant of works did. In the first covenant, works were required as the condition of life; in the second, they are required only as the signs of life. In the first covenant, works were required as grounds of salvation; in the new covenant, they are required as evidences of our love to God. In the first, they were required to the justification of our persons; in the new, to the manifestation of our grace.'
Our works are important in the covenant of grace, but thankfully are not the grounds of the covenant.
Next week's reading
Read '4. Christ's priestly office' and '5. Christ's kingly office'.
Please post your own notes and thoughts in the comments section below.
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