Is Satan A Calvinist? (part 6 of 10)

Covenants

Next, the covenants need discussion and enhancement.  Calvinists have historically interpreted Scripture through several covenants initiated by God.  For our purpose we will look at those dealing particularly with redemption and salvation.  The first was a covenant between the Father and Son.  This is referred to as the Covenant of Redemption.  Jesus was “foreknown before the foundation of the world” (1 Pet. 2:20); grace was given to us “in Christ Jesus before the ages began.” (2 Tim. 1:9); Jesus “accomplished the work that you [the Father] gave me to do” (Jn. 17:4); “He chose us in him before the foundation of the world...” (Eph. 1:4).

Second is the Covenant of Works.  This is seen as promises made to Adam pertaining to his obedience.  God told him to not eat of the tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil.  If Adam obeyed, during a period of probation, he and his posterity would have life with God.  Upon disobedience, all mankind would surely die.  This is seen in Genesis 2:16-17, Hosea 6:7, 1 Corinthians 15:44-49, and Romans 5:12-21.  The Westminster Confession states it this way, “the first covenant made with man was a covenant of works, wherein life was promised to Adam; and in him to his posterity, upon condition of perfect and personal obedience” (VII. II.).

Next is the Covenant of Grace.  This is God working out the Covenant of Redemption in space and time.  Support for this is viewed in Genesis 3:15, Ezekiel 11:18-21, Jeremiah 31:27-37, and Hebrews 8:7-13 with 9:24.  In this covenant God offers eternal life and salvation through Christ.  This salvation is only by the grace of God and given exclusively to his elect.  He calls and draws them unto himself.  Again, the Westminster Confession is helpful,

Man, by his fall, having made himself incapable of life by that covenant, the Lord was pleased to make a second... wherein He freely offereth unto sinners life and salvation by Jesus Christ; requiring of them faith in Him, that they may be saved, and promising to give unto all those that are ordained unto eternal life His Holy Spirit, to make them willing, and able to believe (VII. III.).