Renewing Your Mind Podcast Summary
Episode: The Covenant of Grace
Release Date: March 12, 2025
Host/Author: Ligonier Ministries

Introduction

In the The Covenant of Grace episode of Renewing Your Mind, hosted by Nathan W. Bingham and featuring guest teacher JV Fesco, listeners are guided through an in-depth exploration of Covenant Theology. This episode serves as the culmination of a three-day introduction to the subject, delving into the historical foundations, biblical underpinnings, and theological nuances of the Covenant of Grace.

Understanding the Covenant of Grace

JV Fesco begins by addressing a common misconception: isolating the Mosaic covenant leads to viewing the Old Testament solely as a repository of law, devoid of the Gospel of grace. Instead, Fesco emphasizes that the Covenant of Grace is intricately woven throughout the entirety of Scripture, beginning in Genesis and culminating in the New Testament.

Notable Quote:
"God's covenant of grace is found all the way back in Genesis."
— JV Fesco [00:20]

Historical Origins of the Covenant of Grace

Fesco traces the concept of the Covenant of Grace back to the earliest theologians, highlighting figures like Irenaeus of Lyons who vehemently opposed Marcion's dualistic view of God. He underscores that from the early Church through the Reformation and into the 17th century, theologians have consistently affirmed that salvation is by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone.

Notable Quote:
"Salvation has always been by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone."
— JV Fesco [05:45]

Biblical Evidence of the Covenant of Grace

Fesco systematically examines key biblical covenants to demonstrate the continuity and consistency of God's plan of salvation.

a. Genesis 3 and the Fall

Post-Fall, God declares the Proto Evangelium in Genesis 3:15, promising redemption through the "seed of the woman." Fesco points out Adam's immediate response of faith, renaming Eve as a testament to his belief in God's promise.

Notable Quote:
"Adam says, 'I believe in this promise. I have to change your name.' Your name is now Eve, because salvation will come through you."
— JV Fesco [01:23]

b. The Noahic Covenant

Despite human wickedness, God preserves Noah and his family, foreshadowing the ultimate redemption through Christ. Fesco highlights Noah's faith as the basis for his righteousness, not merely his obedience.

Notable Quote:
"Noah doesn't receive this status of righteous by his obedience, but rather by trusting in the promises of salvation through the seed of the woman."
— JV Fesco [10:15]

c. The Abrahamic Covenant

God initiates a unilateral covenant with Abraham, promising to make him a father of nations and bless all peoples through his lineage. Fesco contrasts the covenant of works given to Adam with the covenant of grace extended to Abraham, emphasizing God's active role in fulfilling His promises.

Notable Quote:
"It's no longer command, rather its promise. Work has now become the gift of salvation."
— JV Fesco [14:30]

d. The Mosaic Covenant

Fesco explains that the Mosaic Covenant served as a guardian, highlighting the impossibility of achieving righteousness through the law and pointing towards the necessity of Christ's fulfillment.

Notable Quote:
"Approach the Mosaic covenant apart from faith in Christ, we only find the law rather than the gospel of grace."
— JV Fesco [18:50]

e. The Davidic Covenant

God's promise to David underscores the unbreakable nature of His covenant love, ensuring a perpetual line of kings culminating in Christ, the promised Messiah.

Notable Quote:
"God says in Psalm 89:26 and following, that he will never remove his steadfast love or his covenant love from David's children."
— JV Fesco [21:10]

f. The New Covenant

Prophet Jeremiah foretells a new covenant, distinct from the broken Mosaic Covenant. Fesco ties this to the Book of Hebrews, affirming that the New Covenant is a continuation and fulfillment of God's eternal plan of grace.

Notable Quote:
"The Covenant of grace is the outpouring of love of the triune God upon undeserving sinners, brought about through the work of the Son of God."
— JV Fesco [23:50]

The Nature of the Covenant of Grace

Fesco elucidates that the Covenant of Grace is fundamentally God-initiated, emphasizing that salvation is entirely a divine gift received through faith. He contrasts Jesus as the "Last Adam" who fulfills and succeeds where the first Adam failed, ensuring that believers partake in eternal life through Christ's completed work.

Notable Quote:
"Unlike Adam, who had to obey to receive eternal life, we can only receive the blessing of eternal life in the covenant of grace by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone."
— JV Fesco [23:45]

He further illustrates this concept with poetic references, underscoring the inseparable link between Paradise and Calvary, and the believer's reliance on Christ's atoning sacrifice.

Conclusion

The episode culminates with a reaffirmation of the Covenant of Grace as the unifying thread throughout biblical history, manifesting God's unwavering commitment to redeem humanity through Jesus Christ. Nathan W. Bingham encourages listeners to internalize this truth, especially in moments of doubt or temptation, and to embrace the assurance of salvation grounded in God's sovereign grace.

Notable Quote:
"Christ does the work for us. What a great covenant and what an incredible Savior."
— Nathan W. Bingham [24:11]

Listeners are invited to further engage with the material by accessing additional resources through a special offer, emphasizing the importance of deepening their understanding of Covenant Theology.

Key Takeaways

• Continuity of Grace: The Covenant of Grace is a consistent theme from Genesis through the New Testament, highlighting God's eternal plan for salvation.
• Divine Initiative: Salvation is entirely initiated and accomplished by God, requiring no merit from humanity.
• Christ's Fulfillment: Jesus Christ, as the Last Adam, perfectly fulfills the requirements of the Covenant of Grace, bridging the failure of the first Adam.
• Faith Alone: Eternal life is received through faith alone, underscoring the centrality of Christ's atoning work.

This episode serves as a comprehensive guide for believers seeking to deepen their theological understanding and embrace the transformative power of God's covenantal promises.