Romans is one of the greatest resources available to the Christian faith and life. Written in the mid-to late AD 50s to the congregation in Rome, Paul sent this pastoral letter to make clear the gospel, that salvation is from the Lord, that it is and has always been by his free favor alone (sola gratia), through faith alone (sola fide), in Christ alone. Jesus the Servant of God is the Savior promised to Adam and Eve, to Noah, to Abraham, to Moses, to David, and to the prophets. To make clear the centrality of Christ and the good news—the power of God for salvation of the ungodly—he lays out the greatness of our sin and misery (1:18–3:20), how we are redeemed from our sins and misery by the grace of God in Christ (3:21–11:36); and how we ought to live thankfully for such a redemption (12:1–16:27). In this episode Chris and I finish the rest of chapter 6 (vv.14–23).
Here is the episode.
Here is the complete series so far.
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Dr. Clark,
Would you say that the only true members of the new covenant are believers, just as the only true members of the Abrahamic covenant have always been believers? And that the sign of these covenants is externally administered within the household regardless of faith? This is my current view, as it seems only believers have been in the Abrahamic covenant all along (Matt 3:9, John 8:37-39, Rom 9:7-9, Gal 4:24-28).
But, I have heard many reformed say believers and households (regardless of faith) are members of the new covenant. Is there any Scriptural warrant for claiming unbelievers can be new covenant members?
L. C.
See these
The key here is the internal/external distinction. See Rom 2:28, 29 and Rom 9:6. Not all Israel is Israel. A Jew is one who is a Jew inwardly. There have always been at least two ways to relate to the one covenant of grace: externally and internally. All who receive the sign (circumcision, baptism) have an external relation to the covenant of grace. Those who are given new life and true faith have also an internal relation to the covenant of grace.
So, yes, those who are members of a covenant household (e.g., Abraham’s household or the households in Acts 16) who receive the sign are at least outwardly in the (external administration of the) covenant of grace.
This is why Caspar Olevianus wrote about the “substance” of the covenant of grace as distinct from its outward administration. In the resource post, see the article, “What Advantage Has the Jew?”
I hope this helps.
By the way, I have Romans memorized and appreciate you providing this series on it!