Distinctives that Make a Difference: God's Covenant of Grace
by Dr. Charles Dunahoo

In First Catechism, question 21 asks children,“What is a sacred covenant?” The answer is, “A relationship that God sets up with us and guarantees by his word.” This encompasses the requirements, promises and threats contained in the covenant. Covenant is a core biblical truth for us: it shapes our understanding of God, salvation, the church, family and children.

The idea of the covenant is important because it explains how we relate to God and God to us, therefore it is to be a part of our daily lives. When children receive the sacrament of covenant baptism, we promise to teach them what that sign and seal are all about as they grow.

Catechism question 27 asks, “Did Adam keep the covenant of life?” Response: “No—he sinned against God.” If that were the whole story, we would be helplessly and hopelessly lost. However, the rest of this story is that Christ kept the covenant for us, enabling those who trust him to obey and follow him. When we do, we have eternal life, not just the promise but the reality beginning here and now.

We want our children to know that God has made a way for sinners to relate to him as a holy God. Before the fall, man’s perfect obedience was required. But man failed and his relationship with God was broken. After the fall, God’s covenantal system continued under a new order—by his grace, not by our works.

We want children of every age to understand that Christ loved us and kept the covenant on behalf of his children, and as a result God’s people are saved forever. Genesis 3:15 begins to unfold the story of the covenant of grace—a beautiful tapestry that runs throughout Scriptures. It reminds us that we relate to God by his terms and design.

The unifying theme of the Bible is the unfolding of covenant history. In the GCP curriculum, we build on that theme so young lives will be rooted in the covenant of grace. It is essential in discipling children—showing them who God is and how to be his children.

Dr. Charles Dunahoo pastored churches in Alabama and Georgia before being called to his present position as Coordinator for the PCA Committee for Christian Education and Publications. He is a graduate of the University of Georgia, Columbia Theological Seminary and Westminster Theological Seminary.