How was the covenant of grace administered under the Old Testament?

The covenant of grace was administered under the Old Testament, by promises,[1] prophecies, [2] sacrifices,[3] circumcision,[4] the passover,[5] and other types and ordinances, which did all foresignify Christ then to come, and were for that time sufficient to build up the elect in faith in the promised Messiah,[6] by whom they then had full remission of sin, and eternal salvation.[7]

1. Rom. 15:8

   For I tell you that Christ became a servant to the circumcised to show God's truthfulness, in order to confirm the promises given to the patriarchs...

   
   
2.  Acts 3:20, 24

   ...that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord, and that he may send the Christ appointed for you, Jesus...
   
   And all the prophets who have spoken, from Samuel and those who came after him, also proclaimed these days.

   
   
3.  Heb. 10:1

   For since the law has but a shadow of the good things to come instead of the true form of these realities, it can never, by the same sacrifices that are continually offered every year, make perfect those who draw near.

   
   
4.  Rom. 4:11

   He received the sign of circumcision as a seal of the righteousness that he had by faith while he was still uncircumcised. The purpose was to make him the father of all who believe without being circumcised, so that righteousness would be counted to them as well...

   
   
5. I Cor. 5:7

   Cleanse out the old leaven that you may be a new lump, as you really are unleavened. For Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed.

   
   
6. Heb. ch. 8, 9,10; 11:13

   These all died in faith, not having received the things promised, but having seen them and greeted them from afar, and having acknowledged that they were strangers and exiles on the earth.

    
   
7. Gal. 3:7-9

   Know then that it is those of faith who are the sons of Abraham. And the Scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, preached the gospel beforehand to Abraham, saying, “In you shall all the nations be blessed.” So then, those who are of faith are blessed along with Abraham, the man of faith.

   Gal. 3:14.

   ..so that in Christ Jesus the blessing of Abraham might come to the Gentiles, so that we might receive the promised Spirit through faith.

Question 34, Westminster Larger Catechism.

Technorati Tags: catechisms, Westminster Catechism, Wesminster Standards, covenant theology