What represents the transition of grace from national to universal in the New Testament?

The transition of grace from national to universal in the New Testament is best represented by the fulfillment of grace through Jesus Christ. This concept centers on the notion that Jesus' life, death, and resurrection opened the door for grace to extend beyond the Jewish people to all humankind. Under the Old Covenant, grace was primarily associated with the Israelites. However, through the New Covenant established by Jesus, grace becomes accessible to anyone, regardless of their nationality or background.

This universal availability of grace is a fundamental theme in the New Testament, illustrating the overarching mission of Christ to reconcile all people to God. The Gospels and subsequent writings emphasize that faith in Jesus leads to salvation for everyone, which aligns with the message of grace going beyond a singular nation.

In contrast, while the establishment of the church and the teachings of the apostles also play significant roles in the spread of the message of Jesus, they stem from the grace initiated by Christ himself. The prophecy of the Old Testament points to the coming of the Messiah, which is important, but it is through Jesus' actions and teachings that grace is fulfilled and rendered universal.