The Covenantal Order of True Christianity
11/4 Reading Portions: 2 Kings 17; Titus 3; Hosea 10; Psalms 129-131
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11/4 Reading Portions: 2 Kings 17; Titus 3; Hosea 10; Psalms 129-131
2 Kings 17:38-39
“…and you shall not forget the covenant that I have made with you. You shall not fear other gods, but you shall fear the LORD your God, and He will deliver you out of the hand of all your enemies.”
COVENANT
Our old friend, Mr. Spurgeon reminds us of a blessed truth of Scripture in a message he preached on this chapter in 1876:
“Another man’s shipwreck ought always to be a beacon to us, so where these Samaritans failed, let us take heed unto ourselves lest we fall after the same fashion.” —C. H. Spurgeon, “Sham Conversion,” Metropolitan Tabernacle Pulpit, Vol. 51
Despite all the mischievous idolatry of Israel, even after its fall to the Assyrian empire, YHVH God reminds them, and us, of the blessed covenant He made with the children of Israel long before. Yet the covenant, and this portion in particular, foreshadowed the truth of Christ’s greater covenant, and the reality and order of true Christianity.
First, we are new creations when once saved by God’s grace (2 Cor 5:17), so we cannot forget Christ’s covenant (you shall not forget the covenant). Thus, we are committed to Christ’s covenant, determined to know nothing but Christ, and Him crucified (1 Cor 2:2).
Second, because we are saved by God’s grace, we become compliant to Christ’s commands (You shall not fear other gods), as much as a sinner saved by grace is able, by the strength of the Lord and the power of His might (Eph 6:10). Good works attempted apart from loving gratitude toward Christ is legalism and adulterous religiosity. Moral efforts and loveless, indifferent good deeds dishonors Christ’s sacrifice and stains our salvation.
Third, we will be captured by Christ’s majesty (but you shall fear the LORD your God). Reverent worship to God will spring forth from our souls as we exalt our Lord Jesus, just as Thomas had when He came face to face with the crucified and risen Savior, proclaiming,
“My Lord and my God!” John 20:28
Fourth, we will be complete through Christ’s promises (and He will deliver you). While we await Christ’s promised return, He has equipped us with powerful promises to endure until He comes. It is written,
And I am sure of this, that He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ. Philippians 1:6
Hallelujah! What an awesome, covenantal Savior!