13 Reasons to Believe in a Pre-Gospel Covenant between God and the World Part 2
Part 2
In the previous article, we explored several reasons that support the existence of a pre-gospel covenant between God and the world. Continuing our examination, we will delve into compelling points demonstrating God’s interaction with pagan nations and individuals, further substantiating the idea of a pre-gospel covenant. These examples emphasize God’s desire for everyone to enter into a covenantal relationship with Him, regardless of their background or nationality.
- Jonah’s Preaching to Nineveh:
Jonah’s mission to Nineveh is a remarkable example of God’s desire to bring repentance and salvation to non-Israelite nations. Despite Jonah’s initial resistance, his preaching led to the repentance of the Ninevites. This account highlights God’s compassion for all people and His intention to establish a covenantal relationship with those outside the Jewish community.
- Joseph and Moses: Demonstrating God’s Favor in Egypt:
The lives of Joseph and Moses provide profound examples of God’s favor and presence within pagan nations. Both men became instruments of God’s deliverance and blessing to their families and Egyptian society through their obedience and faithfulness. These accounts reveal God’s willingness to engage with and bless individuals within non-covenant communities.
- Jeremiah’s Prophetic Words over Babylon:
Jeremiah’s prophecies in Jeremiah 48-52 include messages of judgment and restoration concerning Babylon. Despite being a pagan nation, God communicates His plans and purposes for Babylon, highlighting His involvement in the affairs of non-Israelite societies. This demonstrates a pre-gospel covenant relationship between God and the world.
- Daniel’s Influence on Pagan Kings and Empires:
Daniel’s life and ministry significantly impacted the pagan empires of Babylon and Persia. As a prophet, Daniel interpreted dreams and received divine revelations, influencing the decisions and beliefs of pagan kings such as Nebuchadnezzar, Belshazzar, and Darius. These interactions exemplify God’s intention to establish a covenantal relationship with leaders and nations beyond Israel.
- Queen Esther’s Influence on King Ahasuerus:
Queen Esther’s courageous actions and influence over King Ahasuerus in the Persian Empire reveal God’s providential hand in the affairs of pagan nations. God’s people were preserved and protected through her intervention, affirming His commitment to His covenantal purposes even within non-covenant communities.
- Nehemiah’s Influence on King Artaxerxes:
Nehemiah’s close relationship with King Artaxerxes showcases God’s favor and the ability to influence pagan rulers. Nehemiah secured the king’s support and resources to rebuild Jerusalem’s walls through his leadership and persuasion. This exemplifies God’s involvement in the world’s affairs and His desire to use individuals to accomplish His purposes beyond the confines of the covenant community.
- God anointed King Cyrus:
Isaiah prophesied about God anointing, equipping, and calling by name a Persian king named Cyrus, who, hundreds of years later, would be instrumental in helping exiled Jews return to the city of Jerusalem (Isaiah 45). Here is another example of God revealing Himself to a non-Jewish King.
This article further reinforces the pre-gospel covenant between God and the world. The accounts of Elisha, Amos, Jonah, Joseph, Moses, Jeremiah, Daniel, Queen Esther, and Nehemiah are powerful evidence of God’s interaction, influence, and accountability within pagan nations and individuals. These instances highlight God’s desire to establish a covenantal relationship with all people, irrespective of their cultural or national background.
These biblical narratives demonstrate that God’s redemptive plan extended far beyond the boundaries of Israel. They affirm His active involvement in the lives of individuals, nations, and empires, signifying a pre-gospel covenantal relationship that existed before Jesus Christ.
Understanding and embracing the reality of a pre-gospel covenant illustrates God’s all-encompassing love and grace. It expands our understanding of His redemptive purposes and reinforces the call for believers to actively engage with and influence the world around them. Just as God worked through individuals in ancient times, He continues to work through His people today to impact and transform societies, nations, and cultures.
As we reflect on the examples provided, let us recognize our immense responsibility and privilege as believers to represent God’s covenantal love and grace to a world in need. Let us embrace our calling to be ambassadors of reconciliation, extending the invitation of covenantal relationship with God to all people. By doing so, we participate in the continuation of the pre and post-accession gospel covenant, making known the transformative power of God’s love and the hope found in Jesus Christ to the ends of the earth.
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Hi Joseph.
I generally read all your weekly articles, anlways amazed at your productivity. I think highly of you.
But on this subject, I don’t think any of the reasons you propose are actually reasons to believe in such a pre-gospel covenant at all. And it is unnecessary to do so.
If there was such a covenant it would be important for us to know about it, particularly in light of the charge He gave to mankind in the beginning, and the Lord would have declared it in the Scriptures along with the other formative, timeless things He declared at that time. He certainly did include a clear statement about the Covenant with the earth after the flood – because it was necessary that we understand the stability of what He has given us and we therefore don’t live with the fear of the sky falling on our heads.
To have to assume a Covenant where there is none one has to overlook that God owns it all, that God in Christ is the Creator, Preserver and Governor of all things, and that His dealings with man in all the ways you list, as well as all the covenants He does tell us about, are purely His working in history to bring about the redemption of man in His image and to bring us to the real Covenant: the Covenant of Peace, the eternal Covenant in the blood of His Son. The forming of the eternal covenant begins with Abraham – the Abrahamic Covenant being the precursor to and culminating in the cross, resurrection and ascension of our Lord Jesus, i.e., the New Covenant.
Everything God has done in history, including all the things you list, should be considered His actions towards the redemption of what He owns all along, so therefore He will intervene and deal with nations and kings and servants and etc., without the need for a hidden covenant.
Anyway, my thoughts. I don’t think we should be reading into Scripture what is not needed and not plainly there.
Bless you, love you much, John.