In my last video, here “the history behind our understanding of the new creation,” I talked about the present understanding of the nature of grace based on truths that were progressively discovered in the scriptures since the time of the reformation.
Luther’s clarification of justification by faith alone, which is the distinction between law and gospel, has had a positive impact on millions by providing them with the assurance of salvation. Despite his significant contribution, Luther himself lived under a sense of condemnation due to his limited understanding of the new creation, the mystery of Christ, the difference between flesh and spirit, and the difference between the destiny of Israel and the nations and the heavenly position of the Church. Not having these distinctions leads to a constant tension between law and grace.
The brethren later gained a deeper understanding of these concepts and the difference between flesh and spirit, the new creation, and the new creature as the rule of the Christian life, not the law. The new creation comes from God and is hidden in Christ, only known through being renewed in the spirit through knowledge of Christ.
Understanding the difference between Israel’s old and new covenants, as well as the distinction between these covenants and the Everlasting Covenant, is crucial for gaining a complete understanding of the Christian life under grace without the influence of the law. This impacts our view of justification, sanctification, and reward. The Everlasting Covenant between the Father and the Son designates the Son as the Shepherd of the Sheep and, as a Representative Man, the heir of all promises as the Seed of Abraham, the Seed of David, and the recipient of all promises.
The significance of understanding these concepts includes:
Recognizing the enmity between Jew and God and man and God was abolished (Ephesians 2:14-16)
Understanding the lifting of the veil between Gentiles and Jews and the Jews and God (2 Corinthians 3:16, Hebrews 10:20)
Understanding the New Creation, Mystery of Christ, difference between flesh and spirit, and the difference between the destiny of Israel and the nations and the heavenly position of the Church (2 Corinthians 5:17, Colossians 1:27, Romans 8:5-9, Ephesians 2:11-22)
Recognizing the unique group known as the Body of Christ, made one with God and co-heirs with Christ (Ephesians 2:13-22, Romans 8:17)
Highlighting the position, name, rights, and privileges given to members of the Body of Christ who are raised up and seated in heavenly places in Christ (Ephesians 2:6, Colossians 3:1-4).