#Reformed #Christian #grownostr
One of the most hotly debated subjects in the history of Reformed thought, is the role of the Mosaic covenant. Was it a covenant of works? Was it part of the covenant of grace? How so? How not? Was it, in some way, a 'mixed covenant'? Was it a "republication of the original Covenant of Works _in some sense_?" If so, in what sense?
To me, Galatians 4:4-5 puts the real issue into sharp focus. We speak about the "law of God" being published "as a rule of life" vs. "as a covenant of works to be thereby justified or condemned," etc. But that's whether it was this or that-- _for us_. Whether the Mosaic covenant was a renewed covenant of works (in some sense) or part of the covenant of grace, or subserviant to it, etc. etc., -- that question is of secondary concern. I think the questions begin to clear right up when we ask: what was it _for Christ, the 'Last Adam'_ ?
To me, this is majestic. Christ, the 'Second (and Last) Adam,' was put into a renewed "garden-paradise-temple" under a new "theocracy" and given a republished "covenant of works, to be thereby justified or condemned" and we know that he kept the law perfectly--as man as for the people given to him.
Galatians 4:4-5, in my mind, begins to clarify the real questions about what the Mosaic economy was in its essense, and whether eternal life was actually offered for the keeping of it.
The answer is yes--absolutely--but it was only offered as such to Christ, not to us (in Adam). For us, it drives us to the only one who can deliver us from the curse.
Thoughts welcome.