Quote:
Originally Posted by holyfool33  Quote:
Originally Posted by Contra_Mundum those who have no faith exercised in the covenant are not participators in the substance of that covenant--which has all to do with Christ, and the benefits of his salvation. | Well is the faith given by God are these unbelievers just passive in a covenant there in but wont accept anyway. Also how does one "participate" in the covenant? I m sure this is all pretty basic but I don't know really anything about Covenant Theolgy. |
The only faith that matters is saving faith, not a temporary faith, and it must be given from God.
Unbelievers are within, but not by faith, and so only inside in an outward, ultimately worthless sense--worthless except for the incurrence of greater condemnation, for having neglected so great salvation, so abundant evidences of God's saving mercy put on display before them. The book Hebrews is replete with warnings to such as come this close, only to turn back.
The Israelites entered covenant at Sinai, and having sworn on their life, immediately broke the covenant at the base of the Mount, with their calf. They were participating in covenant
outwardly, yes even
actively, and yet not inwardly. Their judgment was all the more richly deserved for having been mere lip-service.
__________________
Rev. Bruce G. Buchanan
ChainOLakes Presbyterian Church, CentralLake, MI
Made both Lord and Christ--Jesus, the Destroyer
Acts 2:36 - 1 Cor. 10:9-10 & 15:22-26 - Hebrews 2:9-15 - 1 John 3:8 - James 4:12
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