From the perspective of Calvinism and New Covenant Theology, we affirm that Jesus Christ is fully God, coeternal and consubstantial with the Father, exercising divine sovereignty over all creation. His eternal existence underscores God’s unchanging decree to redeem His elect through Christ’s perfect work, fulfilled in the New Covenant established by His blood.
John 1:1-2 (ESV)
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God.
Calvinism emphasizes God’s sovereign election, where Christ was ordained before time to save His chosen people. New Covenant Theology highlights that this redemptive plan finds its ultimate expression in the New Covenant, where Christ’s work supersedes the Old Covenant, bringing salvation directly to the elect through faith.
Jesus, the Incarnate Word
The eternal Word became flesh to fulfill God’s redemptive plan, living among us to reveal His divine glory. In His incarnation, Christ accomplished the salvation of the elect, as predetermined by God’s sovereign will, and established the New Covenant through His life, death, and resurrection.
John 1:14 (ESV)
And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.
Calvinism teaches unconditional election, where God chose His people according to His sovereign purpose. New Covenant Theology underscores that Christ’s incarnation fulfills the promises of the Old Covenant, directly applying salvation to the elect through faith, without reliance on Mosaic Law, as the New Covenant is written on their hearts.
The Resurrection of Christ
Christ’s resurrection is the triumphant vindication of His atoning work, securing justification for the elect. His victory over death, ordained by God’s eternal plan, confirms the New Covenant’s promise of eternal life for those chosen by God.
Luke 24:34 (ESV)
saying, “The Lord has risen indeed, and has appeared to Simon!”
In Calvinism, the resurrection reflects irresistible grace, effectually drawing the elect to faith. New Covenant Theology views it as the inauguration of the New Covenant, where Christ’s resurrection guarantees the salvation of His people, fulfilling the Old Covenant’s law and prophets in a new, direct relationship with God.
Salvation Through Christ’s Sacrifice
Christ’s death and resurrection are the foundation of salvation, exclusively for the elect chosen by God. Exalted as Leader and Savior, Jesus grants repentance and forgiveness, fulfilling the New Covenant’s promise to His people.
Acts 5:30-32 (ESV)
The God of our fathers raised Jesus, whom you killed by hanging him on a tree. God exalted him at his right hand as Leader and Savior, to give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins. And we are witnesses to these things, and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey him.
Calvinism’s doctrine of limited atonement affirms that Christ’s sacrifice was effectual for the elect alone. New Covenant Theology emphasizes that this sacrifice establishes the New Covenant, replacing the Old Covenant’s temporary provisions with Christ’s perfect, once-for-all atonement, applied directly to His chosen people.
Romans 5:8 (ESV)
but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
This verse reflects God’s electing love for His chosen, with New Covenant Theology highlighting that Christ’s death fulfills the Old Covenant’s law, securing salvation for the elect apart from works of the Mosaic covenant.
The Only Path to Salvation
Salvation is exclusively through Jesus Christ, the mediator of the New Covenant, who effectually brings the elect to the Father. His role as the way, the truth, and the life underscores the particularity of God’s redemptive plan.
John 14:6 (ESV)
Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”
Christ bore the sins of the elect, satisfying divine justice. New Covenant Theology teaches that His atonement fulfills and replaces the Old Covenant’s sacrifices, providing direct access to God for the elect through faith alone.
1 Peter 2:24-25 (ESV)
He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed. For you were straying like sheep, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.
Calvinism affirms that this atonement is effectual for the elect, while New Covenant Theology emphasizes that Christ’s work liberates believers from the Old Covenant, enabling righteousness through the Spirit’s work in the New Covenant.
The Gospel of Salvation
Salvation requires faith in Christ as God incarnate, who died for the sins of the elect, was buried, and rose again. This faith is a gift of God’s grace, granted to the elect through the Holy Spirit’s effectual call under the New Covenant.
1 Corinthians 15:1-4 (ESV)
Now I would remind you, brothers, of the gospel I preached to you, which you received, in which you stand, and by which you are being saved, if you hold fast to the word I preached to you—unless you believed in vain. For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures,
Calvinism’s perseverance of the saints ensures that the elect will remain steadfast, while New Covenant Theology sees this gospel as the fulfillment of God’s promises, directly applied to believers without the mediation of the Old Covenant.
Peace Through Faith
Justification by faith, granted to the elect, brings peace with God through Christ, the mediator of the New Covenant. This assurance rests in His finished work, securing salvation for those chosen by God.
Romans 5:1-2 (ESV)
Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God.
Calvinism views justification as God’s sovereign act for the elect, while New Covenant Theology emphasizes that this grace is accessed through faith alone, apart from the works of the Old Covenant’s law, as the New Covenant fulfills God’s redemptive plan.
The Promise of Eternal Life
God’s electing love ensures eternal life for those who believe in Christ, a promise secured by the New Covenant. This is not a universal offer but a certain reality for the elect, chosen by God’s sovereign will.
John 3:16 (ESV)
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.
In Calvinism, “the world” signifies the elect from every nation, sovereignly drawn to faith. New Covenant Theology views this as the fulfillment of God’s promises, where Christ’s work in the New Covenant guarantees eternal life for His people, free from the Old Covenant’s requirements.
Amen.