Covenant Mercies
Tom Harding

Now these be the last words of David. David the son of Jesse said, and the man who was raised up on high, the anointed of the God of Jacob, and the sweet psalmist of Israel, said, The Spirit of the LORD spake by me, and his word was in my tongue. The God of Israel said, the Rock of Israel spake to me, He that ruleth over men must be just, ruling in the fear of God. And he shall be as the light of the morning, when the sun riseth, even a morning without clouds; as the tender grass springing out of the earth by clear shining after rain. Although my house be not so with God; yet he hath made with me an everlasting covenant, ordered in all things, and sure: for this is all my salvation, and all my desire, although he make it not to grow. (2 Sam.23:1-5)

Sometimes the last words of a man are regarded, remembered and sometimes even recorded for all to read and think upon. Certainly this is true of David. God is about to call him home to glory, in this special time, he found his comfort, hope, and salvation in God’s covenant of mercy and grace revealed in Jesus Christ, Who is the Surety of the Covenant (Heb. 7:22). Although David had won many victories, even reigned over Israel for forty years as God’s King, and was used of God to write many Psalms, his hope of salvation was not what he accomplished, but rather in Christ alone. David describes the hope of every believer in verse five (2Sam. 23:5). Although we are sinners (Psalm 51:5), although we are guilty before God (Rom. 3:19), although we deserve nothing but judgment and God’s wrath (Rom. 6:23); yet, God delights to show mercy because of the eternal covenant of grace made with Christ Jesus before the world began (Heb. 13:20). Our sinful condition does not hinder His almighty purpose and grace in Christ (Dan.4:35; Ro.5:6).

Remember these five things about this covenant of grace in Christ!

1). This covenant of grace is everlasting!

Everlasting in its council. Before there was a sinner there was a Saviour. Before Adam fell, the Surety stood (Rev.13:8). Everlasting in its continuance. Whatever God does it shall be forever (Eccl. 3:14). Everlasting in its consequences. The believer is predestinated to be conformed to the image of Jesus Christ (Rom. 8:28-30).

2). This covenant of grace is ordered in all things!

The mercies and grace of God are not left to luck, chance nor the sinner’s depraved will, but to the determinate council and purpose of God (Eph. 1:3-6). This places the accomplishment of our salvation not in our hands, but in the hands of Christ alone, Who cannot fail (Isa. 42:4). Salvation is of the Lord!

3). This covenant of grace is sure!

It stands upon a sure foundation. The Lord Christ Jesus is the foundation upon which this covenant rests, He is the solid Rock (2 Tim.2:19; Isa. 28:16).

4). This covenant of grace is all my salvation (Heb. 13:20)!

It is completely upon Jesus Christ, His person, sacrifice and righteousness that the believer has any measure of confidence in salvation. Jesus Christ is not a way, He is the Way, Truth and Life ( John 14:6; Acts 4:12; Col. 2:9-10).

5). This covenant of grace is all my desire!

We rejoice in Jesus Christ and have no confidence in the flesh. We desire to know more about Jesus Christ and to grow in grace and in the knowledge of Him (Phil. 3:3-9). This is the earnest desire of every believer (Matt. 11:25-28; 1Pet. 2:2)!