The great tension of the Old Testament is the seemingly ambiguous status of God's covenant with His people. Sometimes God speaks as if He will bless Israel irrespective of whether or not they keep the statues of His covenant. Other times the blessing appears to be conditional upon their obedience. This deep tension is resolved through the cross. Jesus takes upon Himself the curse for breaking the covenant. Meanwhile,all of us who have disobeyed the covenant receive - through faith in Christ - the reward that Jesus deserved for keeping the covenant. This sermon was preached by Rev. Timothy Keller at Redeemer Presbyterian Church on September 9, 2007. Series "The New Heart God Gives". Scripture: Deuteronomy 29:2-4, 9-18