Query about covenant theology

[Gkbarnes]

Hi

I have a query about covenant theology. I am leaning towards it, but there is 1 item I don't understand.

Are the blessings/curses that God gave Israel in deutoronomy applicable to the Church. If so/not, why?

 

[ReformedAnglican]

Hi

I have a query about covenant theology. I am leaning towards it, but there is 1 item I don't understand.

Are the blessings/curses that God gave Israel in deutoronomy applicable to the Church. If so/not, why?

Which verses are you refering to?

 

[Gkbarnes]

[BIBLE]Deuteronomy 30[/BIBLE]

 

[Gkbarnes]

If you look, from v17, it talks of punishments for non-obedience.

 

[ReformedAnglican]

Firstly, I can guarantuee at least two schools of thought on this issue both of which are Covenantal - Amillennial interpretations and Postmillennial interpretations. I hold to the latter.

Secondly, they have a very definite spiritual interpretation for today about faithfulness to God.

Thirdly, when I get in trouble I turn to Calvin, Gill and Henry:

1. Gill = http://www.studylight.org/com/geb/view.cgi?book=de&chapter=030
2. Henry = http://www.studylight.org/com/mhc-com/view.cgi?book=de&chapter=030
3. Calvin =
i. Verses 1-10,15-20 http://www.ccel.org/c/calvin/comment3/comm_vol05/htm/x.xii.htm
ii. Verses 11-14 http://www.ccel.org/c/calvin/comment3/comm_vol03/htm/v.xxx.htm

 

[heymikey80]

Well, I'd say "yes, they apply to the church of their time." Y'see, for Presbyterians the Mosaic Covenant is part of the Covenant of Grace. The Church is embedded in Israel at this point. That would make these blessings and curses God's own care for the well-being of His people and for His own reputation among the nations. He's setting up a nation for these things. The nation exists to move His people to a greater reverence for Him.

The persistence of an individual church is itself dependent on such things as well. When the church quits upholding God's morals in the world, it's headed for its own closure. We certainly do have a Sacrifice (as Moses did in shadows) for when we go astray from these commands; but the commands and warnings also serve to tell us where our sinfulness naturally leads: away from our God.