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seed all the nations of the world would be blessed, Gen. 22:18; Rom. 4:13-77; Gal. 3:8. The Jews
gradually lost sight of this important fact, and proceeded on the assumption that the blessings
of the covenant were to be restricted to the Jewish nation. The later prophets, however,
stressed the universality of the promises, and thus revived the consciousness of the world-wide
significance of the covenant.
But while these differences existed, there were several important points in which the pre- and
post-Mosaic periods agreed, and in which they together differed from the Christian
dispensation. While their difference from each other is simply one of degree, their common
difference from the New Testament dispensation is one of contrast. As over against the
Christian dispensation, the two Old Testament periods agree:
a. In the representation of the Mediator as a seed that was still future. The whole Old
Testament points forward to the coming Messiah. This forward look characterizes the
protevangel, the promise given to the patriarchs, the whole Mosaic ritual, and the central
messages of the prophets.
b. In prefiguring the coming Redeemer in ceremonies and types. It is perfectly true that these
increased after the giving of the law, but they were present long before that time. Sacrifices
were offered as early as the days of Cain and Abel, and also had a piacular character, pointing
forward to the great sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Those who served as priests foreshadowed the
coming of the great High Priest. In distinction from the Old Testament, the New is
commemorative rather than prefigurative.
c. In prefiguring the vicissitudes of those who were destined to share in the spiritual realities of
the covenant in the earthly career of those groups which stood in covenant relationship with
God. The pilgrimage of the patriarchs in the Holy Land, the servitude in Egypt, the entrance into
Canaan, all pointed forward to higher spiritual things. In the New Testament all these types
reach their fulfilment and therefore cease.
On the basis of all that has been said it is preferable to follow the traditional lines by
distinguishing just two dispensations or administrations, namely, that of the Old, and that of
the New Testament; and to subdivide the former into several periods or stages in the revelation
of the covenant of grace.
B. THE OLD TESTAMENT DISPENSATION.
1. THE FIRST REVELATION OF THE COVENANT.
The first revelation of the covenant is found in
the protevangel, Gen. 3:15. Some deny that this has any reference to the covenant; and it
certainly does not refer to any formal establishment of a covenant. The revelation of such an