Quote:
Originally Posted by SemperFideles  Andrew,
If you listen to the Cook/Manata debate the same issue comes up. It's not an unnatural split. It's no more unnatural than the fact that Baptists have Pastors that teach if they practically believe that the entire reality is fulfilled. |
Unfortunately, to split up the text in Hebrews 8 IS unnatural since it talks about promises that have been fulfilled by Christ for HIS people. The chapters previous and later are showing the OC, or what Christ has made "obselete", in light of the NC, "better covenant" and "a better ministry". How can you say that the text has a future reference when verse 12 says "I will remember their sins no more"? Will God forgive our sins in the future? Or are we forgivien now? It's a far stretch to make hebrews 8 a future reference.
As well, is Christ GOING to be a FUTURE mediator of this covenant? Or is He the mediator now? Is He a future High Priest? or is He now?
As the context flows, how can you split this up? Do you see that God will be their God in the New Heavens and New earth? Or is He not their God now? If He is their God now, how can Christ be the mediator for people that you claim "God will save you to the utter most-- Now obey His Word", yet, you have no idea if they are the elect?
I'm sincerely asking these questions because I've been thinking about these issues lately. I need more scriptural study on this issue. Understanding "the covenant" is vital to our understanding of baptism.