The Covenant and It's Sign [2026.02.22 Sabbath School in WCF 27.1—Hopewell 101]

We learn, from Gen 17, the way that the sign of the covenant relates to the covenant itself. God uses the sign to strengthen our faith, and He honors His sign by taking it seriously. So, we should take the sign seriously, both in being diligent to apply it and meditate upon it, and in taking to heart the hope and comfort of it. (click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson) Summary of the transcript of the audio: The lesson centers on the theological significance of signs and seals—particularly circumcision in Abraham’s life and baptism in the lives of believers—as divine means of strengthening faith and reinforcing God’s covenant promises. Drawing from Romans 4 and Genesis 17, it emphasizes that these sacraments are not magical rituals but meaningful signs and seals that reinforce faith in God’s power to give life to the dead and call into existence what does not yet exist. The narrative traces Abraham’s journey from unbelief, marked by the birth of Ishmael through human effort, to renewed faith at age 99, when God reaffirms His covenant and institutes circumcision as a sign and seal of the faith already credited to Abraham. The lesson warns against both the superstitious use of the sacraments and the neglect of their spiritual significance, affirming that their true power lies not in the ritual but in God Himself, Who uses them. It applies this truth to Christian parenting, highlighting how baptism serves as a seal of God’s promise to save children by the same grace, through the same faith, that saved their parents.