A Covenant to Keep

From the beginning of the creation drama to the Second Coming of Christ, God is fulfilling the covenant of justice. Carefully searching the Scriptures, Dr. Skillen confirms that justice is part of God's way of governing and fulfilling creation and that we, as caretakers of God's world, must take an active role in doing justice. This in-depth study will challenge you to do your part in advancing justice in God's kingdom even as you anticipate its fulfillment at Christ's climatic return. This is an excellent resource for adult study groups, social justice committees, and individuals that care deeply about the biblical call to do justice in public life. It includes meditations, discussion questions, and tips for action responses.

This pamphlet contains the prologue and the introductory essays from A Covenant to Keep. The essays to the five sections of the book are on justice required, restrained, administered, assured, and fulfilled. The pamphlet is an excellent introduction to a biblical view of justice.

Justice Required: The demands of justice...come with creation. Everything about the meaning of justice reaches back to the original rightness of God's seven days in which human creatures are called to be stewards and caretakers. God's creational purposes place their demands on humans in every area of life. All of the Lord's judgments and blessings throughout history reaffirm God's first covenant with Adam and Eve. God's judgments against sin and redemptive actions in Jesus Christ do justice to, and fulfill, creation.

Justice Restrained: Because of Christ, God is holding back final judgment for a time, but the day is coming when the full justice achieved through Jesus Christ will fill the earth. When God's restraining grace in Christ has achieved its purpose, then justice will be established everywhere and in all things.

Justice Administered: By pointing to the requirements of justice while calling human beings to their inescapable responsibility, God has been revealing the truth about both the Creator and the creation, about both God and the image of God. Justice has to do with the way human beings live in relation to God, to one another, and to the rest of the creation.

Justice Assured: The creation now groans, longing for justice and redemption. The cause of the groaning is not just the weight of our sin, but also the Spirit-inspired longing for fulfillment. The Spirit of God is already at work ahead of time, exposing sin and building up the faithful in Christ. Justice is assured because God has raised Jesus Christ from the dead, and Christ is the one who will judge the world with justice.

Justice Fulfilled: The kingdom that cannot be shaken is the city of the living God--the new Jerusalem--which brings all God's promises of justice for creation to final realization. From the standpoint of our life in this age, we gather around Mount Zion only through faith and in hopeful anticipation. But, as the Scriptures make clear, our anticipation amounts to much more than mere wishful thinking.

"A political activist who truly understands the importance of the devotional life is a rare treasure. Jim Skillen does, and these meditations will nurture more people like him."

--Ronald J. Sider, President, Evangelicals for Social Action

"Skillen presents the demands of a comprehensive Christian worldview that will inspire Christians to contribute to the public debate in a way that honors their Lord and brings a measure of healing to the brokenness of politics and contemporary society."

--Rockne McCarthy, Vice President for Academic Affairs, Dordt College

"These biblical reflections probe deeply the meaning of history, of life, and of God's purpose for each of us regarding justice. Skillen offers memorable lines at every turn of the page."

--Art Simon, Founder and President Emeritus, Bread for the World

Dr. James Skillen is the president of the Center for Public Justice. He received his Ph.D. from Duke University and his M.Div. from Westminster Theological Seminary. He is a widely recognized speaker and writer.

A Covenant to Keep: ISBN 1-56212-544-3

The Biblical Theme of Justice: ISBN 1-56212-625-3

Both the book and booklet are copublished by CRC Publications & the Center Public Justice

Order from the Center at Resources