Spoken word Quote by K. Scott Oliphint
““In creating man, God voluntarily determined, at the same time, to establish a relationship with him. That relationship is properly designated a covenant; it is established unilaterally by God, and it places obligations on man with respect to that relationship. It comes to man by virtue of God’s revelation, both in the world, defined here as every created thing, and in his spoken word. This has sweeping implications for apologetics. Given that all men are in covenant relationship to God, they are bound by that relationship to “owe obedience unto Him as their Creator.” That obligation of obedience comes by virtue of our being created—we were created as covenant beings. We are people who, by nature, have an obligation to worship and serve the Creator. That much has been true since the beginning.””
About This Quote
Humanity is created in a covenant with God, implying an inherent, divinely‑mandated duty to obey and worship the Creator, rooted in revelation.
In simple terms: We owe God obedience by creation.
Key Takeaway
Covenant relationship obliges worship and service.
Themes
theology
covenant
obedience
creation
Mood
solemn
instructive
Type
theological
doctrinal
When to use this quote
- religious education
- personal prayer
- church community
- ethical decision‑making
Key Concepts
divine law
revelation
Practical Applications
- studying covenant theology
- practicing regular worship
Questions to Reflect On
- How does covenant shape moral responsibility?
- Can covenant be re‑interpreted in modern contexts?
A Different Perspective
Interpretations of covenant vary; not all traditions see obedience as unconditional.
![“God made man a free [agent] from the beginning, possessing his own power, even as he does his own soul, to obey the behests (ad utendum sententia) of God voluntarily, and not by compulsion of God. For there is no coercion with God, but a good will [towards us] is present with Him continually. And…” quote by The Church Fathers](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/637/the-church-fathers-1438_power-of-choice_god-made-man-a-free-agent-from-the-begin_1180732.jpg)
