This question is for presbyterians or anyone who knows presbyterianism well.
The question is: Is the elect, regenerate member of the covenant of grace (covenant of life aspect) [b:287a9108c7]required[/b:287a9108c7] to "keep covenant" by faith and evangelical obedience in order to "stay in" the covenant?
Now, this is NOT a question about whether the regenerate covenant member [b:287a9108c7]will[/b:287a9108c7] keep covenant. That is quite clear. The question is whether he [b:287a9108c7]must[/b:287a9108c7]. It's about what ought to be (ethical), not what will be (ontological).
Covenant membership in the internal / "covenant of life" aspect is the means of union with Christ, the covenant head. The covenantal relationship is THE relationship between God and His people.
So, to restate the question, are the works God produces in the believer (covenant faithfulness) necessary to keep the believer in the covenantal union?
If not, then explain why covenant faithfulness is required for members of the "purely legal arrangement" and not for those in the "covenant of life."
[Edited on 2-4-2004 by Tom77]
The question is: Is the elect, regenerate member of the covenant of grace (covenant of life aspect) [b:287a9108c7]required[/b:287a9108c7] to "keep covenant" by faith and evangelical obedience in order to "stay in" the covenant?
Now, this is NOT a question about whether the regenerate covenant member [b:287a9108c7]will[/b:287a9108c7] keep covenant. That is quite clear. The question is whether he [b:287a9108c7]must[/b:287a9108c7]. It's about what ought to be (ethical), not what will be (ontological).
Covenant membership in the internal / "covenant of life" aspect is the means of union with Christ, the covenant head. The covenantal relationship is THE relationship between God and His people.
So, to restate the question, are the works God produces in the believer (covenant faithfulness) necessary to keep the believer in the covenantal union?
If not, then explain why covenant faithfulness is required for members of the "purely legal arrangement" and not for those in the "covenant of life."
[Edited on 2-4-2004 by Tom77]