An
Introductory Study of Covenant Theology
Lesson Four
(AN EXAMPLE OF THE LESSON IN THE INSTITUTE)
Lesson Verse: Ephesians 2:12
That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world. Ephesians 2:12
I.
Introduction
A. Covenants! Life is made up of dozens of them in operation at any one time! Whether between you and you wife (marriage vows), or you and your boss (promise of commitment to him or her, and the company to help it make money), or you and God (that you repent and believe on Jesus for salvation)!
B. The Bible has two under-lying layers of foundation stone: one is called Dispensational understanding of Scripture, and the other is called Covenantal understanding. Both are inseparable, and required to understand the Scriptures they act as keys to unlocking hard to understand Scriptures.
C. Two covenants are already clear in every Bible ever produced since Calvary: the Old Covenant of the law, and the new Covenant of Calvary the division is placed right between the Old Testament and the New!
D. Everyone needs to understand what are covenants, why there are distinctions made between different covenants, and how to apply this understanding.
E. An important note there are two ways of understanding the Scriptures:
1. The allegorical, or symbolic meaning Generally accepts only a symbolic meaning to a promise or command of God, instead of it being literal. This will prove very important when it comes to understanding the promises that God made with the Jews as a nation, concerning their land and future.
2. The literal meaning the Bible believer takes the Bible literally, unless the Bible tells you to take it allegorically.
F. Another note at any one time, more than one covenant may be in force, while only one dispensation will ever be in force at a time.
II.
General Outline
A.
Definitions. Just what are we talking about?
B. Comparisons between covenants. Lets compare two well known covenants.
C. The purpose of God using covenants and dispensations.
D. What are the specific covenants, and how do they fit with dispensations?
E. Application of the truths of Covenants to Scripture, and to Life.
F. Problems with Covenant-Only theology. What problems can be expected when only believing in covenant-only theology (no allowance for dispensations).
And that's just the beginning of the Study!