The title "Messenger of the Covenant" is a profound designation for Christ, found in the prophetic literature of the Old Testament. This title is primarily derived from the book of Malachi, where it is used to describe the coming of the Lord to His temple. Malachi 3:1 states, "Behold, I will send My messenger, who will prepare the way before Me. Then the Lord whom you seek will suddenly come to His temple—the Messenger of the covenant, in whom you delight—behold, He is coming, says the LORD of Hosts."

In this passage, the "Messenger of the Covenant" is distinguished from the forerunner, often identified as John the Baptist, who prepares the way. The Messenger of the Covenant is none other than the Lord Himself, indicating a divine presence and authority. This title emphasizes Christ's role in establishing and fulfilling the new covenant, a central theme in Christian theology.

The concept of a covenant is foundational in the biblical narrative, representing a solemn agreement between God and His people. In the Old Testament, covenants were often accompanied by promises and obligations. The Mosaic Covenant, for example, was established at Mount Sinai and involved the giving of the Law. However, the prophets, including Jeremiah and Ezekiel, foretold a new covenant that would be written on the hearts of the people (Jeremiah 31:31-34; Ezekiel 36:26-27).

Christ, as the Messenger of the Covenant, is seen as the fulfillment of these prophetic promises. His life, death, and resurrection inaugurated the new covenant, characterized by grace and truth. Hebrews 9:15 affirms this role: "Therefore Christ is the mediator of a new covenant, so that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance, now that He has died to redeem them from the transgressions committed under the first covenant."

The title also underscores the dual nature of Christ's mission. As a messenger, He brings the divine message of salvation and reconciliation. As the covenant itself, He embodies the promise of God to redeem and restore His people. This dual role is reflected in the Gospels, where Jesus proclaims the kingdom of God and offers Himself as the sacrificial Lamb.

Furthermore, the title "Messenger of the Covenant" highlights the continuity and fulfillment of God's redemptive plan. It connects the Old Testament expectations with the New Testament realization in Christ. The covenantal relationship between God and humanity reaches its climax in the person and work of Jesus, who bridges the gap between the divine and the human.

In summary, the title "Messenger of the Covenant" encapsulates the essence of Christ's mission and identity. It affirms His divine authority, His role as the mediator of the new covenant, and His fulfillment of the prophetic promises. Through this title, believers are reminded of the faithfulness of God and the transformative power of the new covenant established through Christ.Malachi 3:1
Behold, I will send my messenger, and he shall prepare the way before me: and the LORD, whom you seek, shall suddenly come to his temple, even the messenger of the covenant, whom you delight in: behold, he shall come, said the LORD of hosts.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Jesus, the Mediator of the New Covenant
... WE have here four titles given to our Lord Jesus in connection with the New ... All these
names point to the one truth, that in the New Covenant Christ is all ...
/.../murray/the two covenants/chapter x jesus the mediator.htm

Jesus Makes his First Disciples.
... the list at Acts 1:13, and the names Matthew and ... four Gospels, but is there invariably
used by Christ himself. ... their minds were thus full of his titles of glory ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/xxi jesus makes his first.htm

Fragrant Spices from the Mountains of Myrrh. "Thou Art all Fair ...
... in which respect they get many titles, otherwise unsuitable ... worn by the high priest,
so the names of Christ's ... had seasons when the love of Christ towards them ...
/.../spurgeon/till he come/fragrant spices from the mountains.htm

Of the Power of the Church in Articles of Faith. The Unbridled ...
... Different names given to this dispensation, to show that ... is altogether alien from
the Church of Christ. ... are invested with great power and illustrious titles. ...
/.../calvin/the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 8 of the power.htm

Fifthly, as this Revelation, to the Judgment of Right and Sober ...
... all the promises supposed to be made to the Jews before Christ's time were ... ye seek
shall suddenly come to his temple; even the messenger of the covenant. ...
/.../xiv proposition xiv fifthly as.htm

The Gospel of Matthew
... WL Tucker has pointed out, these titles correspond exactly ... who reigned over Israel
whose names are here ... Jewish character of Matthew's delineation of Christ. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pink/why four gospels/the gospel of matthew.htm

The Introduction: Chapter 1
... What the combination of these titles says to us here is ... and the testimony of Jesus"
are other names for this ... on account of his witness for Christ is tradition. ...
/.../bullinger/commentary on revelation/the introduction chapter 1.htm

Galatians Chapter I.
... what needed there still any mention of names, when he ... the rest, reformed and brought
to Christ Pamphylia, Lycaonia ... he had a share in the august titles of the ...
/.../galatians chapter i.htm

Heavenly Contemplation Exemplified, and the Whole Work Concluded.
... is love in his looks; the titles of Redeemer ... are now our different judgments,
reproachful names, divided spirits ... set on things above, where Christ sitteth, and ...
/.../the saints everlasting rest/chapter xvi heavenly contemplation exemplified.htm

The Saints' Privilege and Profit;
... as on Aaron's breast-plate was fixed the names of the ... those that had suffered much
for Christ in the ... Thus you see what terms, characters, titles, and privileges ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the saints privilege and profit.htm

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