II. THE INAUGURATION OF THE COVENANT OF PRESERVATION 8-17
Note God’s emphasis on His initiative in setting up His special relationship with Noah and his offspring by the terms establish .. my covenant in 9, 11, 17. He binds Himself to his people in life and death, by His Word which He seals with a sign, God has given, met His requirements with life or death. Ultimately, in the Person and work of Jesus Christ.
A. THE VERBAL CONFIRMATION OF THE COVENANT 8-11
The Inclusive Aspect– confirms promise of 6: 18(13-20); 8:20-22; cf. 6:18; 7:13-16 with 9:10. See Rom 8:22-25.
The Intended Aspect– God works through families, 9-12; 6:18-19, 21; 7:2; 8:16-17.
The Irreversible Aspect– see 6:13, 17; however, 2 Pe 3:4-6
B. THE VISUAL COMPONENT OF THE COVENANT 12-13
Sign = inseparable attendant, indivisible attachment to each covenant. Adam: sign of tree of life.
Abraham: sign of circumcision; Gen 17:11; Moses: sign of Sabbath; Ex 31:13, 17; New Covenant: Baptism and the Lord's Supper.
Signs point beyond themselves; lay hold of things signified. They gave encouragement and assurance that God's people.
C. THE VITAL CLARIFICATION OF THE COVENANT 14-17
The Divine Prompt– further divine condescension; a vital covenant word stipulating our assurance of salvation rests on God’s character, promise alone– see 8:1; 19: 29; Ex 2:24; 6:5; 12:13; Ps 106:45; Jer 31:31-34.
The Divine Reversal– of 6:13, 17; to all future generations now abbrev. to eternal covenant as with Abraham Gen 17:7, 13; Ps 105:10; Moses, Lev 24:8; David, 2 Sam 23:5; NC, Jer 32:40; Eze 37:26; cf. Heb 13:20.
The Divine Recapitulation– see 12.
An inclusio with 1. Seals story with resounding, roar of grace that assures, comforts, grants hope.
