CM-042 - WCF 7.5-7.6: One Covenant, Many Administrations

One Covenant, Many Administrations

Did God save people differently in the Old Testament than He does today?

In this episode of Confessional Moments, we examine Westminster Confession of Faith 7.5–7.6, which teaches that there is one covenant of grace, administered differently across redemptive history—but always centered on Christ.

Under the law, the covenant of grace was administered through promises, sacrifices, types, and ceremonies that pointed forward to the coming Redeemer. Under the gospel, that same covenant is administered with greater clarity and simplicity through the preaching of the Word and the sacraments, now that Christ has come and fulfilled all righteousness.

Guided by Scripture and the Reformed and Puritan tradition, this episode explains how Old Testament believers were saved by faith in the promised Christ, why the Mosaic administration did not establish a second way of salvation, and how the New Testament church enjoys the fullness of gospel light without returning to ceremonial shadows.

This doctrine is essential for reading the Bible as one unified redemptive story, guarding against both legalism and dispensational fragmentation, and understanding why Christ is the substance of every covenant promise.

 

Scripture Reading & References

• Genesis 12:1–3
• Genesis 15:6
• Exodus 12:1–13
• Psalm 110:4
• Isaiah 53:5–6
• Jeremiah 31:31–34
• Luke 24:25–27
• John 1:17
• Acts 4:12
• Romans 3:21–26
• Galatians 3:16–24
• Hebrews 8:6–13
• Hebrews 10:1–14

 

Key Doctrinal Themes

• One Covenant of Grace
  God has always saved sinners by grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone—before and after the incarnation.
• Substance and Administration Distinguished
  The covenant of grace remains the same in substance, while its outward administration progresses through redemptive history.
• Christ Revealed in Shadow and Substance
  Old Testament ordinances pointed forward to Christ; New Testament ordinances proclaim Christ accomplished.
• The Law as Tutor, Not Savior
  The Mosaic law functioned within the covenant of grace to expose sin and lead sinners to Christ, not to justify them.
• Gospel Simplicity and Spiritual Power
  Under the gospel, fewer ordinances are appointed, yet greater clarity, liberty, and efficacy are enjoyed by the church.
• The Global Expansion of the Covenant
  What was once largely administered within Israel is now proclaimed to all nations through the gospel.

 

Authors & Works Referenced

• John Calvin
  Institutes of the Christian Religion
• John Owen
  The Glory of Christ
  Commentary on Hebrews
• William Perkins
  A Golden Chain
• Thomas Watson
  A Body of Divinity

 

About the Host

Confessional Moments is hosted by Pastor Tim Beauchamp, teaching elder at Trinity Presbyterian Church (PCA) in Guam. Pastor Tim has served in pastoral ministry since 2010 and is committed to helping God’s people grow in doctrinal clarity, spiritual maturity, and confidence in Christ through the riches of the Reformed confessional tradition.

 

Church Website

Trinity Presbyterian Church (PCA)
https://www.trinitychurchguam.org