Solparvus
Puritan Board Senior
So, if there was a formal administration of the Covenant of Grace between Adam and Abraham, what form did it actually take? What were / was the sign(s) / seal(s) of this historic covenant?
I've never heard a paedobaptist claim that there was a formal administration of the CoG between Adam and Abraham before, so this concept it new to me.
(Clarification: I understand that the substance of the CoG was in place and enjoyed by God's elect in all ages since the fall. All Reformed Covenantalists agree on this, whether they be Continental Reformed, Presbyterian, or Baptist. My question is solely about the "outward administration".)
Considering I think that the primary purpose of Genesis 4-11 is to lead up to the AC and it covers 2000 years of history in eight chapters, I’m personally cautious to try to harvest this section of the Bible too much either way for the covenant/baptism debate.
Though, outward administration of the CG is certainly there. Abel offered a worthy sacrifice and Cain did not, which shows there was some knowledge of right and wrong in the worship of God. We also know Noah was a preacher of righteousness, thus there was some kindle of teaching/preaching office employed. Enoch had a prophetic office. There were clean/unclean distinctions (though granted, this could still have just been based off biological classifications distinct to that time). And depending on the view you take, the sons of God marrying the daughters of man indicated at one point the godly were clearly distinguished from the wicked, which argues some form of a church, or people consecrated to God. It’d be strange if there were not.
If anything, it’d be very strange for God to have no outward ordinances (ie. Outward administration of CG) at that time as means of grace for the people. Even in New Testament times when the outpouring of the Spirit is the greatest it’s ever been, we still have an outward administration of the CG through baptism, preaching, Lord’s Table, singing, etc. Certainly it would be there too.
And in light of the fuzzy nature of that time period, I’m open to correction on my analysis of the facts provided.
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