Of God's Covenant with Man, VII:6

Under the gospel, when Christ, the substance, was exhibited, the ordinances in which this covenant is dispensed are the preaching of the Word, and the administration of the sacraments of Baptism and the Lord's Supper: which, though fewer in number, and administered with more simplicity, and less outward glory, yet, in them, it is held forth in more fullness, evidence, and spiritual efficacy, to all nations, both Jews and Gentiles; and is called the new Testament. There are not therefore two covenants of grace, differing in substance, but one and the same, under various dispensations.

In this final paragraph discussing the covenants the Confession provides an important segue to the subject of chapter VIII: The person and work of Jesus Christ. Here Christ is upheld as the "substance" of the covenant of grace--he is himself the fulfillment of the promises made by God. With his incarnation, ministry, death, resurrection, and ascension/session, Christ has made all the promises of God "yes" and "amen."

The way that Christ is now exhibited in his church are through the ordinances of the preaching of the word of God and the administration of the two sacraments, baptism and the Lord's Supper. This is a much simpler way than the Old Testament sacrificial and priestly system, but is actually a fuller, better evidenced, and more effective administration of the covenant, and more extensive in that it pertains both to Jew and Gentile. This is the new covenant, also styled the new Testament.

The Confession concludes by emphasizing the essential unity of the covenant of grace. Men and women were not saved differently under the old dispensation than they are under the new, outward appearances notwithstanding. Everything related to salvation is predicated on taking God at his word and trusting in his promises, realized or not yet realized. All of this was discussed previously but it bears repeating. Salvation is by grace through faith in Jesus Christ.

Tomorrow: Covenants wrapped up.