The Promise Remains, The Circumstances Change

Now that the promise of the covenant of grace has been fulfilled the circumstances of the covenant have changed. We who live on this side of the cross view things differently because we live in the days of fulfillment. In biblical terms, we live in the "last days." ²⁹ We have the completed Bible and the gift of the permanent indwelling of the Holy Spirit. ³⁰

The old covenant was designed to direct attention forward to the sacrifice of Jesus on the Cross. ³¹ The old signs like Passover and circumcision along with the other bloody sacrifices and ceremonies have been replaced. Yet we still live in covenantal arrangement with God, and the bloody pictures of Christ have been replaced with bloodless signs (reminders) and seals.

²⁹ Hebrews 1:2; 1 Peter 1:20.

³⁰ John 14:25-27; 15:26,27.

³¹ This is why the Bible speaks of "types" and "shadows." See Romans 5:14 (NIV-uses "pattern"); 1 Corinthians 10:1-13; Hebrews 8 [all].

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