Start with Scripture
Read these passages in context before moving to the explanation.
- Genesis 17:1–8
- Romans 5:12–21
- Galatians 3:16–29
- Hebrews 8:6–13
God’s promise and our representative
A covenant is a relationship established by God, with promises and obligations. The Westminster Confession describes God’s covenant with Adam as a covenant of works: life was promised upon perfect obedience. Adam acted as a representative, and his fall brought sin and death to his descendants. Romans 5 sets Adam beside Christ, whose obedience brings righteousness and life to His people.
One Savior throughout Scripture
After the fall, God made known the covenant of grace. He freely offers life and salvation through Jesus Christ, calling sinners to faith and giving His Spirit to make them willing and able to believe. The Old Testament promises, sacrifices, and ceremonies pointed forward to Christ. Their fulfillment means we do not carry the temple’s sacrificial order into the church’s worship.
Promise and fulfillment
The Confession teaches that the covenant of grace is one in substance, administered differently before and after Christ’s coming. This unity does not erase the changes brought by His finished work. Read a passage in its own setting, then ask how it fits the Bible’s movement toward Christ. God’s faithfulness gives His people reason to trust Him, and His covenant calls them to respond with faith and obedience.
Read the standards
Follow the topic into the church’s confessional texts. The chapter readers include Scripture proofs and an optional Confession–Testimony comparison.
Reflect and discuss
- How does Romans 5 compare Adam and Christ?
- What do the Old Testament sacrifices teach us to look for in Christ?
- How do God’s promises shape our response to Him?