In this paper submitted to Dr. Michael Kruger for NT522: Hebrews–Revelation at Reformed Theological Seminary (September 14, 2018), Ashley Kerr explores how Hebrews 5:7–10 reveals Christ as the fulfillment of the Covenant of Works. The study defends the coherence between Christ’s humanity and divinity by interpreting His “learning obedience” and “being made perfect” as qualifications for His priesthood, not as deficiencies.
Kerr outlines how the Covenant of Works—defined by representation, probation, and reward—finds completion in Christ. Adam, as humanity’s representative, failed to uphold perfect obedience during his probation in Eden, forfeiting the promised reward of eternal life. Christ, as the second Adam, enters human history to meet those same covenantal conditions. Through His incarnation (“the days of his flesh”), Jesus becomes the representative priest who experiences human suffering, temptation, and obedience.
The paper argues that Christ’s obedience was both active (His perfect life) and passive (His sacrificial death), culminating in His perfection for the office of High Priest. This perfection refers to vocational consecration rather than moral improvement. Kerr connects this to the “order of Melchizedek,” emphasizing the eternal nature of Christ’s priesthood and His role as mediator of the Covenant of Grace.
Finally, Kerr concludes that Christ’s faithful obedience secures eternal salvation for those united to Him by faith. Having fulfilled the Covenant of Works on behalf of His people, Christ grants rest and life eternal to believers who now live under the Covenant of Grace.
Course and semester: NT522 Hebrews–Revelation — Fall 2018
