Dear Neighbor,
Question 85: What doth God require of us, that we may escape his wrath and curse due to us for sin?
Answer: To escape the wrath and curse of God due to us for sin, God requireth of us faith in Jesus Christ, repentance unto life, with the diligent use of all the outward means whereby Christ communicateth to us the benefits of redemption.
You ought to know by now that there are some differences in my understanding of Scripture from that of the Westminster Puritans. The Westminster Puritans understood the Scriptures through the lens of Covenantal Theology. Covenantal Theology views all of Scripture through the Abrahamic covenant. However, I see several covenants throughout Scripture. There is the covenant that God made with Adam but Adam broke that covenant; however, God made a promise, that the seed of the woman would defeat the seed of the serpent, though he would be injured. (cf. Gn. 3:15)
There is also the covenant that God made with Noah and all of creation. The covenant that God made with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. There is the covenant that God made with Moses and all of Israel in the desert. There is the covenant that God made with David, that one of his sons would sit on the throne forever. Lastly, there is a promise of a New Covenant in the book of Jeremiah. I believe that all of these covenants are fulfilled in Christ Jesus.
After rising from the dead, the eleven disciples went to the mountain in Galilee which Jesus designated. (Mt. 28:16-17) And Jesus came up and spoke to them. “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” (Mt. 28:18-20, NASB)
Jesus is the seed of the woman who defeated the Serpent. Jesus is the seed of Abraham through his wife Sarah. Jesus is the son of David, who is to sit perpetually on the throne. The apostle Peter wanted to make tabernacles for Jesus, Moses, and Elijah. (Mt. 17:4) Moses represents the Law and Elijah represents the prophets. In other words, Moses and Elijah represent the Old Testament; however, God said of Jesus, “This is My beloved Son, with whom I am well-pleased; listen to Him!” (Mt. 17:5, NASB)
The covenantal theologian wants you to come to Christ then sends you back to the Law to observe it; however, this is not what the New Testament writers taught. The Law is the tutor to lead us to Christ so that we may be justified by faith. But now that faith has come, we are no longer under a tutor. We are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus. (Gal. 3:24-26) “The Law can bring us to Christ but no further.” (Comfort)
Yes, have repentance towards God and faith in Jesus Christ. (Acts 20:21) However, this does not mean turning to the Law as a guide. This does mean putting to death the deeds of the flesh with its passions and desires. It means to walk by the Spirit of God. (Gal. 5:16-25)
To escape the wrath of God, do us because of sin; change your mind and believe in the Lord Jesus Christ and observe all that Jesus taught in the writings of the apostles, guided by the Holy Spirit, given to you as a pledge of your inheritance. (Eph. 1:14)
Michael Peek
Your Servant for Jesus’ Sake
