This research paper by J. Christian Brewer, submitted to Prof. Smith for ST601 — Covenant Theology at Reformed Theological Seminary – Charlotte (April 18, 2019), explores the relationship between eschatology and worship in Hebrews 8–10. Brewer proposes that the New Covenant’s eschatological nature cannot be understood apart from its doxological purpose: it ushers believers into true and eternal worship of the living God.
The study begins by engaging Geerhardus Vos’s interpretation of Hebrews as covenantal rather than primarily priestly or soteriological. Brewer builds upon this framework to argue that the New Covenant does not merely mark the final stage of redemptive history but reveals the consummation of worship itself. He emphasizes that the Old Covenant was not defective but ineffective — unable to perfect the conscience or grant direct access to God. Christ’s mediatorial work, in contrast, establishes eternal redemption and enables purified, living worship.
By tracing the typology of the tabernacle, priesthood, and Day of Atonement, Brewer demonstrates that Hebrews presents Christ’s once-for-all sacrifice as the culmination of covenant worship. The new priestly order not only fulfills Old Covenant shadows but transforms them into eternal realities. Believers now live within an everlasting Day of Atonement — continually cleansed and granted access to the true Holy of Holies.
Brewer concludes that the New Covenant’s “better promises” culminate in doxology: Christ’s death and mediation make possible the eschatological vocation of God’s people — to worship Him perfectly and eternally. In this sense, the New Covenant is eschatological because it is doxological, revealing that the goal of redemptive history is worship.
Course and semester: ST601 — Covenant Theology — Spring 2019
