Expert: Bruce Gourley - 10/2/2006

Question
I would like to know who wrote the Church Covenant that find in the National Baptist hymnal
and the Bible scriptures that is  base on.
I though that Christ gave us a new covenant of grace.  Love the Lord and Love one another.
Please explain this to me.
Thank you, Felicia

Answer
Interestingly enough, according to historians, the exact authorship of the church covenant commonly found in old Baptist hymnals is uncertain. Its roots are found in the mid to late 19th century, in an era in which church discipline was far more common than today.  The particular covenant to which you refer was printed by the Baptist Sunday School Board in the early 20th century.

Baptists historically have been opposed to creeds, but have published confessions. Individual churches have at times used the common church covenant as a way of outlining what is expected of church members. Until recent decades, most Christian churches had some expectations of church members, and one could argue that such remains today. In reality, among Baptists, few pay attention to the church covenant.

And yes, you are correct about Christ's covenant of grace. It is preeminent. On the other hand, Christ himself issued many commands to his followers, as recorded in the Gospels. In addition, Paul in Galatians discussed the importance of the basics of the faith yet clearly refuted legalism and preached grace and freedom. "Free and faithful" may be a good way to describe what God expects of His people; there is a balance.

I hope this helps.

Bruce Gourley
www.brucegourley.com