Renewing Your Mind Podcast: "The Covenant of Redemption"

Episode Overview

Title: The Covenant of Redemption
Host/Author: Ligonier Ministries
Release Date: March 10, 2025

In this episode of Renewing Your Mind, Dr. J.V. Fesco delves into the profound theological concept of the Covenant of Redemption. As part of a three-day study on covenant theology, this episode lays the foundation for understanding God's eternal plan for salvation, emphasizing the intricate relationship between the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Dr. Fesco meticulously examines the historical origins, scriptural foundations, and doctrinal parameters of the Covenant of Redemption, offering listeners a comprehensive and insightful exploration of this essential doctrine.

Introduction to the Covenant of Redemption

Host's Introduction
[00:24]
The host opens the episode by referencing R.C. Sproul's emphasis on understanding who God is, both for those inside and outside the church. This sets the stage for a deep dive into covenant theology, highlighting its significance in comprehending God's character and His redemptive work through Christ.

Dr. J.V. Fesco's Opening Statement
[00:00]
Dr. Fesco introduces the Covenant of Redemption as "the unbreakable, immutable, irrefragable foundation for the covenant of grace." He describes it as an eternal agreement among the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit that underpins the salvation of believers.

Understanding the Covenant of Redemption

Definition and Importance

Dr. Fesco's Definition
[01:56]
"The covenant of redemption is the eternal agreement among Father, Son, and Holy Spirit to create and save a people." He elaborates that within this covenant, the Father appoints the Son as the covenant surety and mediator, and together they commit to sending the Spirit to apply the Son's work, effectively gathering and saving the elect predestined before the world's foundation.

Significance of the Doctrine
Dr. Fesco emphasizes that the Covenant of Redemption is not merely a theological abstraction but a biblically grounded and essential doctrine that forms the basis for understanding the triune God's redemptive actions throughout history.

Historical Overview

Origins of the Doctrine
[06:30]
Dr. Fesco traces the historical development of the Covenant of Redemption, noting that while the specific term may not have been used until the 16th century, the concept was present among the Church Fathers and medieval theologians. He references how theologians like St. Augustine grappled with questions about the Trinity's eternal activities, laying the groundwork for later formalizations of the covenant.

Reformation Contributions
Dr. Fesco highlights the role of Reformed theologians, particularly Theodore Beza, in refining the understanding of the Covenant of Redemption. Beza's critical examination of Luke 22:29 in the original Greek led to the recognition of an eternal intra-trinitarian covenant, which was subsequently incorporated into confessional documents like the Westminster Confession of Faith.

Scriptural Foundations

Key Biblical Passages
[12:15]
Dr. Fesco presents a robust scriptural basis for the Covenant of Redemption, drawing from both Old and New Testament texts:

1. Luke 22:29
   "I covenant to you a kingdom, as my Father covenanted to me a kingdom."

   • Dr. Fesco explains that the Greek term "diatithemi" (to covenant) is central to understanding this mutual agreement between the Father and the Son.

2. John 17:4 & 17:5

   • Jesus speaks of glorifying the Father with the glory He had before the world existed, implying an eternal agreement predating creation.

3. Psalm 110:1 & 110:4

   • "The Lord says to my Lord, 'Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet.'"
   • Dr. Fesco interprets this as evidence of ongoing communication and agreement between the Father and the Son.

4. Hebrews 1:13 & Hebrews 7:20

   • These passages further elucidate the covenantal relationship, with the Son appointed as the covenant surety through an oath by the Father.

5. John 5:36-37 & John 15:26

   • Jesus underscores that He is sent by the Father, and similarly, the Spirit is sent by the Father, reinforcing the collaborative aspect of the covenant.

Explanation of "Surety"
[19:30]
Dr. Fesco clarifies the role of the Son as the "surety" or "guarantor" of the covenant. Unlike a cosigner, a surety assumes full responsibility for the covenant's fulfillment. In this context, the Son commits to bearing the curse and fulfilling all legal requirements necessary for salvation, ensuring the covenant's efficacy.

Doctrinal Parameters

Three Chief Requirements
[22:10]

1. Assumption of Human Nature

   • The Son would become fully human to faithfully accomplish the covenantal work (Galatians 4:4).

2. Service as Priest

   • Serving as a priest according to the order of Melchizedek, the Son would act as the covenant surety, offering flawless obedience on behalf of humanity (Romans 5:19).

3. Merit and Completion of Salvation Work

   • The Son would merit and complete the work of salvation, enabling the Father and Son to send the Spirit to apply this work to the elect.

Six Chief Promises

1. Preparation of a Body for the Son

   • Hebrews 10:5: "You have not desired sacrifice and offering, but a body you have prepared for me."

2. Equipping and Anointing with the Holy Spirit

   • Isaiah 42:1: The Father equips the Son with necessary gifts and the Spirit to execute His ministry.

3. Support and Deliverance from Death

   • Psalm 16:10 & Acts 2:27: The Father supports the Son and delivers Him from death.

4. Reward for Completed Work

   • Acts 2:33: The exaltation of the Son at the Father's right hand, and the promise of the Holy Spirit as a reward.

5. Giving of the Elect as the Bride

   • Revelation 7:9: The Father rewards the Son with the elect, comprising believers from every nation, as His bride.

6. Granting Authority and Power

   • Matthew 28:19: The Father grants the Son all authority and power in heaven and on earth for the governance of the Church.

Summary of the Covenant of Redemption
[24:00]
Dr. Fesco concludes by reiterating that the Covenant of Redemption is the "unbreakable, immutable, irrefragable foundation for the covenant of grace." It represents the eternal love of God, conceived in eternity and manifesting throughout redemptive history. This covenant serves as the bedrock for understanding the subsequent Covenant of Grace, which Dr. Fesco plans to explore in the following lecture.

Conclusion

Host's Closing Remarks
[24:44]
The host wraps up the episode by highlighting the foundational role of the Covenant of Redemption in the broader study of covenant theology. Listeners are encouraged to continue the series, which includes additional resources such as DVDs, study guides, and companion books available through donations.

Notable Quotes

• Dr. J.V. Fesco
  • "[00:00] The covenant of redemption is the unbreakable, immutable, irrefragable foundation for the covenant of grace."
  • "[01:56] A simple definition for the covenant of redemption is the eternal agreement among Father, Son and Holy Spirit to create and save a people."
  • "[19:30] When the Father swears an oath and he makes the son a guarantor of the covenant, he's appointing him to serve as Savior, as Mediator, as Redeemer."

Key Takeaways

1. Eternal Agreement: The Covenant of Redemption is an eternal pact within the Trinity, foundational to the salvation of believers.

2. Roles Defined: The Father appoints the Son as the covenant surety, and together with the Holy Spirit, they execute the salvific plan.

3. Biblical Foundation: The doctrine is deeply rooted in Scripture, with significant support from both Old and New Testament passages.

4. Historical Continuity: While formally articulated in the Reformation era, the concepts underpinning the Covenant of Redemption have been present throughout church history.

5. Doctrinal Structure: The covenant comprises specific requirements and promises that outline the roles and actions of each Person of the Trinity in the redemptive process.

This episode offers a comprehensive examination of the Covenant of Redemption, providing listeners with a profound understanding of its theological significance and scriptural legitimacy. Whether new to covenant theology or seeking a deeper refresher, Dr. Fesco's insights serve as a valuable resource for any believer striving to renew their mind through a deeper grasp of God's eternal plan for salvation.