1. Introduction
From Genesis to Revelation, the Bible portrays a God who blesses. His blessings are woven into the fabric of creation and flow richly through covenantal relationship. This concluding article reflects on how these two streams—universal law and covenant grace—are ultimately not in competition but in unity, expressing the singular divine purpose to bless, redeem, and glorify His creation.
2. The God Who Blesses: From the Beginning
Genesis 1:28
“God blessed them and said to them, ‘Be fruitful and increase in number…’”
The first divine action toward humanity after creation was blessing. It established:
- Human fruitfulness
- Dominion over creation
- Work and stewardship as good
- A life oriented toward flourishing
This blessing was not earned—it was intrinsic to God’s goodwill and the design of creation.
3. The Blessing Marred but Not Revoked
With the entrance of sin (Genesis 3), the moral and physical order of creation was corrupted, yet God’s desire to bless remained:
Genesis 9:1
“Then God blessed Noah and his sons…”
Despite the Fall, the principles of natural law and divine favour continued, preserved through covenants and moral order. The blessing became both a promise and a hope, awaiting redemption.
4. Fulfilment in Christ: Blessing Restored and Expanded
Ephesians 1:3
“Blessed be… God… who has blessed us… with every spiritual blessing in Christ.”
Christ does not abolish creation’s blessing but redeems and elevates it:
- Restoring moral order in the heart (Romans 8:4)
- Re-establishing divine relationship (John 1:12–13)
- Ensuring eternal inheritance (1 Peter 1:4)
- Empowering new creation living (2 Corinthians 5:17)
Jesus is the bridge between creation and covenant, the Word through whom all was made (John 1:3) and the Lamb through whom all are saved (John 1:29).
5. Unity of the Two Streams in God’s Economy
| Universal Blessing | Covenantal Blessing | Fulfilled Unity in Christ |
|---|---|---|
| Life, nature, justice, fruitfulness | Forgiveness, Spirit, authority, eternal life | Christ affirms creation and redeems the fallen |
| Accessible to all through moral order | Accessible to the faithful by grace through faith | Christ calls all into covenant through the cross |
| Limited in scope and duration | Eternal and spiritual | Christ renews both the earth and the spirit |
The entire biblical narrative affirms that God blesses through order and relationship, and that these are united in His eternal plan.
6. The Church’s Role in Manifesting Both Realms
Matthew 5:9
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.”
The Church must:
- Model righteousness that accords with natural law
- Offer the Gospel which grants supernatural grace
- Act as both moral light and spiritual salt (Matthew 5:13–16)
- Affirm goodness in the world, while proclaiming the need for redemption
This dual calling positions the Church to honour God’s creation and declare His redemption.
7. Hope for All Nations: The Universal Blessing in the Covenant
Genesis 12:3
“All peoples on earth will be blessed through you.”
Revelation 7:9
“…a great multitude… from every nation… standing before the throne…”
From Abraham to eternity, the plan has always been inclusive—not by erasing distinctions but by redeeming diversity through covenant. God’s universal blessing intention is brought to completion in Christ, the fulfilment of every promise (2 Corinthians 1:20).
8. Final Conclusion
There are not two gods—one of nature and one of grace. There is one God, whose character is both just and merciful, whose design is both wise and redemptive. In His economy:
- Natural law is the stage on which life unfolds
- Covenant grace is the script by which redemption is enacted
- Christ is the centre, harmonising creation and covenant
The wise believer lives in both realms: walking in the patterns of goodness and justice that God set into creation, and clinging by faith to the grace and power given through Christ. This is the full life: blessed in nature, blessed in covenant, blessed forever.
References
- Genesis 1:27–28; 3:17–19; 9:1
- Genesis 12:3
- Psalm 24:1
- Matthew 5:9, 13–16
- John 1:3, 12–13, 29
- Romans 8:4
- 2 Corinthians 5:17
- Ephesians 1:3
- 1 Peter 1:4
- Revelation 7:9
- 2 Corinthians 1:20