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Galatians 4:4-5 4 But when the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the law, 5 to redeem those who were under the law, that we might receive the adoption as sons.
This is amazing for several reasons. Firstly, Paul takes the opportunity to object to Jewish complacency under the law, by the simple fact of stating that such people need to be redeemed! Secondly, Paul makes it clear that (historically) redemption did not happen until Christ died and rose again.
Of course, even Abraham in ancient times before Christ was saved by his faith. Christ was always the lamb slain from the foundation of the world. The ancient saints were as secure as we are, but yet without us they were not made perfect.
Christ himself, in his appearing on earth, is the fountain of salvation and eternal life. Everything else, even creation itself, is designed to lead to this fulfillment. Before this point, redemption was in prospect only. Only after this point is redemption accomplished.
This is a paradigm for thinking about Covenant Theology. The "axis" of Covenant Theology is Christ, and his death and resurrection -- in history.
All the other covenants are understood in terms of this one.
Of course, even Abraham in ancient times before Christ was saved by his faith. Christ was always the lamb slain from the foundation of the world. The ancient saints were as secure as we are, but yet without us they were not made perfect.
Christ himself, in his appearing on earth, is the fountain of salvation and eternal life. Everything else, even creation itself, is designed to lead to this fulfillment. Before this point, redemption was in prospect only. Only after this point is redemption accomplished.
This is a paradigm for thinking about Covenant Theology. The "axis" of Covenant Theology is Christ, and his death and resurrection -- in history.
All the other covenants are understood in terms of this one.
Reviewed and retained.
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