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realization. But in emphasizing the significance of the covenant as a means to an end, we
should not stress exclusively, nor even primarily, the demands of God and the resulting duty of
man, but especially the promise of the effectual operation of the grace of God in the hearts of
covenant children. If we stress the covenant responsibilities only or excessively, and fail to give
due prominence to the fact that in the covenant God gives whatsoever He demands of us, in
other words, that His promises cover all His requirements, we are in danger of falling into the
snare of Arminianism.
3. UNREGENERATE IN THE COVENANT.
From the preceding it follows that even unregenerate
and unconverted persons may be in the covenant. Ishmael and Esau were originally in the
covenant, the wicked sons of Eli were covenant children, and the great majority of the Jews in
the days of Jesus and the apostles belonged to the covenant people and shared in the covenant
promises, though they did not follow the faith of their father Abraham. Hence the question
arises, in what sense such persons may be regarded as being in the covenant. Dr. Kuyper says
that they are not essential participants of the covenant, though they are really in it; and Dr.
Bavinck says that they are in foedere (in the covenant), but not de foedere (of the covenant).
The following may be said regarding their position in the covenant:
a. They are in the covenant as far as their responsibility is concerned. Because they stand in the
legal covenant relationship to God, they are in duty bound to repent and believe. If they do not
turn to God and accept Christ by faith, when they come to years of discretion, they will be
judged as breakers of the covenant. The special relationship in which they are placed to God,
therefore, means added responsibility.
b. They are in the covenant in the sense that they may lay claim to the promises which God
gave when He established His covenant with believers and their seed. Paul even says of his
wicked kinsmen, “whose is the adoption, and the glory, and the covenants, and the giving of
the law, and the service of God, and the promises,” Rom. 9:4. As a rule God gathers the number
of His elect out of those who stand in this covenant relationship.
c. They are in the covenant in the sense that they are subject to the ministrations of the
covenant. They are constantly admonished and exhorted to live according to the requirements
of the covenant. The Church treats them as covenant children, offers them the seals of the
covenant, and exhorts them to a proper use of these. They are the guests who are first called to
the supper, the children of the kingdom, to whom the Word must be preached first of all, Matt.
8:12; Luke 14:16-24; Acts 13:46.
d. They are in the covenant also as far as the common covenant blessings are concerned.
Though they do not experience the regenerating influence of the Holy Spirit, yet they are