01.0043. The Two Covenants
The Two Covenants Galatianism was a mixture of Law and of Grace. The Epistle to the Galatians clearly distinguishes between Law and Grace, and seeks to correct the errors of Galatianism. The message is one which is greatly needed. There are so many Christians who desire to be under the Law, yet when they place themselves under Law, they place themselves under the curse.
We suggest the following parallelism, setting forth the two covenants, illustrated in Abraham.
THE FIRST COVENANT | THE SECOND COVENANT |
Law | Grace |
Moses | Christ |
Sinai | Jerusalem (from above) |
Ishmael | Isaac |
Son of Bond woman | Son of Free woman |
Flesh | Spirit |
Cannot justify | Justifies |
Worketh wrath | Worketh peace |
Shuts every mouth | Opens every mouth with praise |
Kills | Makes alive |
Brings knowledge of sin | Brings knowledge of life |
Separates from God | Brings nigh to God |
Condemnation | Acceptance |
Condemns the best | Justifies the worst |
The first covenant is likened unto Hagar, the bond-maid, and to her son Ishmael, born after the flesh--this covenant is Mount Sinai in Arabia. The second covenant is likened unto Sarah, the freewoman and to her son Isaac, born after the promise,--this covenant is Jerusalem, which is from above.
