COVENANTER

Today we will conclude our look at some common Christian vernacular by considering the role of Scripture in the life of the Church and the role of the Church in the unfolding of Redemptive History. Scripture, as the very Word of God, carries divine authority and is the ultimate standard for what we believe and how we live, both as individual Christians and as a covenant community. The Church is the “Israel of God,” composed of all who, throughout history, have trusted in the promises of God through Christ.

This week, we’ll explore the meaning of God’s sovereignty and grace in salvation. Scripture teaches that God reigns over all things, including the hearts of men, and that our salvation is not left to chance or human effort but is rooted in His eternal will and gracious purpose. As we consider what the Bible says, we’ll see that God's sovereign grace is not only true, but deeply comforting.

Words have incredible power—to bless or to harm, to build up or to tear down. This week, we’re pausing our series on the topic of “Christianese” to reflect on the biblical call to guard our speech, using three timeless diagnostic questions: Is it true? Is it necessary? Is it edifying? Rooted in Scripture, these questions offer practical help in choosing our words wisely.

Today we’re exploring what it means to be both confessional and covenantal. To be confessional is to adhere to a historic Confession of Faith—specifically, the Westminster Confession—and to publicly declare our beliefs through Scripture, creeds, and catechisms. To be covenantal is to understand the Bible as a story primarily governed by covenants, principally the Covenant of Works (which Adam failed to keep) and the Covenant of Grace (which Christ perfectly fulfilled).

This week, we’ll discuss the term “Reformed Tradition,” which is a biblical, historic, and orthodox expression of the Christian faith that emphasizes God’s sovereignty, the authority of Scripture, and the centrality of the Church in His redemptive plan. Rooted in the Protestant Reformation of the 16th century, it draws from the teachings of early church fathers and sees itself as a recovery of biblical doctrine.

We Christians, especially in Reformed and Presbyterian circles, often use familiar church language without realizing how unfamiliar it may sound to others. Over the next few weeks, we’re going to pause and define some of our “Christianese” to clear up any confusion. We begin with the term “Redemptive History,” which describes God’s intentional plan to save His people, unfolding through real events in human history that fulfill His purpose in Christ. This grand narrative offers believers deep assurance, reminding us that every moment in history is part of God’s redemptive work for His glory and our salvation.

When hardship strikes, how do you respond? Do you turn inward, backward, outward—or upward to the Lord? In the darkest moments of His life, Jesus sang—and His song leads us in how we, too, can respond to suffering with praise.

Many played a role in Jesus’ crucifixion, but the blame ultimately rests with each of us. The 17th-century Dutch theologian Jacob Revius captured this sobering truth in his poem He Bore Our Griefs, turning the spotlight from Roman soldiers and Jewish crowds to his own guilt—and ours. His words remind us that it was not merely their sin, but ours, that nailed Jesus to the cross. Yet, Jesus willingly died for us because He loves us with an everlasting love.

We all know what a fair-weather friend is—someone who stays close when life is easy but disappears when hardship comes. Unfortunately, some have experienced not just fair-weather friends but also fair-weather family—relatives who support and encourage them only until they choose to follow Christ. Yet, Scripture assures us that true friendship is not broken by adversity. The ultimate example of this is Jesus, the friend who never forsakes us, even in our darkest moments.

Have you considered who your true king is? Is it Jesus, or like Israel in the Old Testament, have you rejected His kingship for the sake of autonomy? In reality, true autonomy is a myth; everyone serves something, and we must reflect on where our time, energy, money, and emotions are directed to determine who or what we truly worship. By examining our lives, we can identify our idols and be challenged to devote ourselves fully to Jesus, the only one worthy of our complete worship and service.

First-century Christians demonstrated a remarkable commitment to and love for one another, transcending natural differences like geography and ethnicity. Paul emphasized mutual encouragement and financial support among churches. This global unity in faith is a call for modern Christians to think and act with a broader perspective, praying for and supporting churches worldwide, reflecting the unity Jesus prayed for.

Scripture teaches that all things, including all people, were created by God and are upheld by His power. Even those who deny God's existence rely on Him for their very ability to do so. Recognizing that everyone bears God's image, Christians are called to appreciate the inherent dignity and worth of all people, including even those who oppose or reject God.