The New Covenant
Due to a discussion I had on facebook with some dynamic brethren. I have decided to do a write-up on this topic.
As it is known by now, I devote myself in debunking some of the myths that have plagued the church for ages. Before giving scriptural references to this effect, I will first define and expound on the term covenant, the consequences and implications, then prove why the Christian is under no covenant with the Father.
A covenant is an agreement between two parties sealed with blood. Covenants come with terms and conditions along with promises and consequences for compliance or non compliance to its dictates.
Its important to acknowledge that Adam wasn't in any convenant with God. He made no covenant whatsoever but was referred to as "the son of God" (luke 3:38). He was created and brought to life by God. The consequences of his disobedience weren't a result of any breach in agreement but rebellion against his father and maker. God didn't curse him but simply told him the implication of his action, however, God cursed the serpent. This tells us something important.
So where was the first covenant God made with any man? It was with Abraham the Patriarch. God made a covenant with him in Genesis 15. It was sealed with the blood of some animals (vs 9). The covenant was again remodelled in Genesis 17 where he gave him the terms, conditions of the covenant. The covenant joined God with Abraham. The first requirement for this covenant was circumcision. So anyone who wasn't circumscised was cut off from God's protection.
Now, in the book of Exodus, the twentieth chapter, God gave the commandments of the covenant. He upgraded the covenant he made with Abraham. There was agreement with a seal of blood in chapter 24 and in Deutronomy 28, the promises for compliance with the terms (commands/laws) and the consequences for non-compliance was also given.
So if anyone disobeyed the law, he broke the covenant and faced its corresponding consequences squarely. But according to the bible, all sinned and broke God's law. So he punished them and banished them from the land he gave them. Yet his unfailing love couldn't bear to see them so. So he decided a way out. The covenant itself prevented him from outrightly saving them. A price must be paid. The penalty served justly. A scapegoat had to take their sins and face the punishment they deserved. This is significant. I will expound on this in a later post. In the old testament, the high priest lays his hands on the scapegoat and confesses the sins of all the people, then sacrifices th sacrificial lamb. Jesus was both the scapegoat and the lamb. This was what the last supper represented. He made the covenant there to take their place. To become their sin. The new covenant was set up to end the old. This is glorious! He took our sins and became sin, not a sinner but sin itself and the punishment justly paid.
God abides by his word. His word is his own law. He had to obey the dictates of the law in order to do what he intended. A new covenant was therefore drafted and its law given. Jesus said, "a new commandment give I to thee that thou love one another even as thyself". Ezekiel 36:26 and Jeremiah 31:33 gave details of this new covenant. The terms and conditions of this covenant was written in the hearts and a special new clause was given. The Spirit of the Lord will be put into them and cause them to obey God's statutes. This new covenant also says that he will cause a rebirth for he will give them a ne w spirit.
Jesus death was important for the gentiles too because with the law broken and the covenant fulfilled, the gentiles were freed to worship God. Now both jews and gentiles were to be saved alike (Acts 15:11). Paul expressly made it known that Jesus' death on the cross was also for the liberation from sin for the gentiles (Acts 13:47). The gentiles in no way entered any covenant with God, neither old or new. They were dead and alienated from God.
Eph 2:1-6, gives the outline of the effect of Jesus' death on the cross on the gentiles. Being dead in sin, alienated and enemies to God, he quickened us and raised us up by grace through faith to b his sons. We weren't aware when he did it. He didn't ask for our permission before doing it. He did it anyway and asked us to accept him (Rom 5:6).
So the new covenant was made on the cross of calvary, Jesus blood sealed it. The covenant was for the reconcillation of man to God. The cross wasn't the end of God's plan but a means to a further glorious goal. Romans 5:10,11 gives us the process of salvation.
Reconcillation through the cross (The new covenant).
Salvation by his life (Resurrection, born again).
Rejoice in God through Jesus (Fellowship through the Spirit).
Another similar process exist in Romans 8:30
From predestination to calling.
From calling to justification
From justification to glory
God is a God of processes and precepts. Our relationship with him transcends that of a covenant. We were brought to a fellowship with him. Now one might ask, "why is it wrong to be in covenant with God?"
Nothing truly wrong, but it affects how you relate with God. Moses knew God's ways but the israelites knew his law. Moses married a cushite woman which was against God's laws but God never said a word to him about it but punished those who attempted to correct Moses rudely. Saul's sin can't be compared to that of David but he was rejected so fast while David was even more loved. David wrote,
"Blessed be the man who the Lord will not imput his sin against" (Rom 4:8). So this man sinned, he wasn't punished and was blessed still.
Your relationship with God cannot exceed your revelation of him. Who is God to you. Your judge, lover, father? God is all. This is why when David was given an option, he pled to be put in God's hands.
Covenants are usually ruled or governed by laws by which all parties must abide. Any infringement in these laws may incur tragic consequences on the sinner. But in grace, there are no laws. Not because the law is non existent, but rather it is at work within us enabling us to walk by it which also fulfills his promise in Ezekiel 36:26-27. In covenant, you strive to obey the rules but in grace you do God's word. The question I ask all covenant christians is this, "what happens when you break the covenant? Do you lose your relationship with God?". Many will say yes and might add that the relationship will be restored after repentance. This negates the sacrifice of Jesus. All sin has been paid and acquitted. Nothing you do can shake your relationship with God as you did nothing to become his son. As a father never breaks his relationship with his son despite all his failings (prodigal son as an example), SO God never breaks his relationship with us when we sin. Because he sees us through the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross. Some might sa it affects fellowship. This is also not true for God is not a man and doesn't act like man. His way is above our ways. If he says he forgives our sins and remember them no more, then be rest assured he had done exactly that.
Many christians fail to understand sonship. Its the greatest bond. Its greater than the covenant bond. God didn't just make a covenant with us, he gave birth to us and we became inseparable families with God (James 1:18, Heb 12:22-24).
This is your story. The book of hebrews adjourned us to come boldly into his throne of grace. Come as sons and fellowship with the father. God's relationship with Jesus is the same he has with us. This couldn't be any clearer.
So here is the purpose of the new covenant, that we might die with him on the cross so that we will rise up with him and sit on the throne with him. The throne of God is not a chair but an office. Its meant to govern the world. So if we seat there, we reign with him. Glory to God!
What we enjoy is the new testament (will) of the father. The bible translators made it confusing in translating the greek word, 'diateke'. In some verses, its translated covenant and others its testament. But testament and covenant are different things and have different meaning. A covenant is an agreement between 2 parties. A testament is the will of a dying man sharing his inheritance to his family. Covenants bring strangers together, but testament is a family matter. God's testament for you is this: that thou mayest prosper and be in good health even as your soul prospers (3 john:2). He willed the world to you (1 cor 3:21). He willed you his Kingdom (Rom 5:17).
And the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God and the sweet fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you. Amen
Testament and covenant are different things and have different meaning. A covenant is an agreement between 2 parties. A testament is the will of a dying man sharing his inheritance to his family. Covenants bring strangers together, but testament is a family matter. God's testament for you is this: that thou mayest prosper and be in good health even as your soul prospers (3 john:2). He willed the world to you (1 cor 3:21). He willed you his Kingdom (Rom 5:17).
And the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God and the sweet fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you. Amen
You can contribute and ask your question or contact me on facebook: Kachi Akoma or via twitter @dikaoliver or gmail: opd.livmind@gmail.com
Will be waiting for you responses. God bless you and have an awesome time with God
As it is known by now, I devote myself in debunking some of the myths that have plagued the church for ages. Before giving scriptural references to this effect, I will first define and expound on the term covenant, the consequences and implications, then prove why the Christian is under no covenant with the Father.
A covenant is an agreement between two parties sealed with blood. Covenants come with terms and conditions along with promises and consequences for compliance or non compliance to its dictates.
Its important to acknowledge that Adam wasn't in any convenant with God. He made no covenant whatsoever but was referred to as "the son of God" (luke 3:38). He was created and brought to life by God. The consequences of his disobedience weren't a result of any breach in agreement but rebellion against his father and maker. God didn't curse him but simply told him the implication of his action, however, God cursed the serpent. This tells us something important.
So where was the first covenant God made with any man? It was with Abraham the Patriarch. God made a covenant with him in Genesis 15. It was sealed with the blood of some animals (vs 9). The covenant was again remodelled in Genesis 17 where he gave him the terms, conditions of the covenant. The covenant joined God with Abraham. The first requirement for this covenant was circumcision. So anyone who wasn't circumscised was cut off from God's protection.
Now, in the book of Exodus, the twentieth chapter, God gave the commandments of the covenant. He upgraded the covenant he made with Abraham. There was agreement with a seal of blood in chapter 24 and in Deutronomy 28, the promises for compliance with the terms (commands/laws) and the consequences for non-compliance was also given.
So if anyone disobeyed the law, he broke the covenant and faced its corresponding consequences squarely. But according to the bible, all sinned and broke God's law. So he punished them and banished them from the land he gave them. Yet his unfailing love couldn't bear to see them so. So he decided a way out. The covenant itself prevented him from outrightly saving them. A price must be paid. The penalty served justly. A scapegoat had to take their sins and face the punishment they deserved. This is significant. I will expound on this in a later post. In the old testament, the high priest lays his hands on the scapegoat and confesses the sins of all the people, then sacrifices th sacrificial lamb. Jesus was both the scapegoat and the lamb. This was what the last supper represented. He made the covenant there to take their place. To become their sin. The new covenant was set up to end the old. This is glorious! He took our sins and became sin, not a sinner but sin itself and the punishment justly paid.
God abides by his word. His word is his own law. He had to obey the dictates of the law in order to do what he intended. A new covenant was therefore drafted and its law given. Jesus said, "a new commandment give I to thee that thou love one another even as thyself". Ezekiel 36:26 and Jeremiah 31:33 gave details of this new covenant. The terms and conditions of this covenant was written in the hearts and a special new clause was given. The Spirit of the Lord will be put into them and cause them to obey God's statutes. This new covenant also says that he will cause a rebirth for he will give them a ne w spirit.
Jesus death was important for the gentiles too because with the law broken and the covenant fulfilled, the gentiles were freed to worship God. Now both jews and gentiles were to be saved alike (Acts 15:11). Paul expressly made it known that Jesus' death on the cross was also for the liberation from sin for the gentiles (Acts 13:47). The gentiles in no way entered any covenant with God, neither old or new. They were dead and alienated from God.
Eph 2:1-6, gives the outline of the effect of Jesus' death on the cross on the gentiles. Being dead in sin, alienated and enemies to God, he quickened us and raised us up by grace through faith to b his sons. We weren't aware when he did it. He didn't ask for our permission before doing it. He did it anyway and asked us to accept him (Rom 5:6).
So the new covenant was made on the cross of calvary, Jesus blood sealed it. The covenant was for the reconcillation of man to God. The cross wasn't the end of God's plan but a means to a further glorious goal. Romans 5:10,11 gives us the process of salvation.
Reconcillation through the cross (The new covenant).
Salvation by his life (Resurrection, born again).
Rejoice in God through Jesus (Fellowship through the Spirit).
Another similar process exist in Romans 8:30
From predestination to calling.
From calling to justification
From justification to glory
God is a God of processes and precepts. Our relationship with him transcends that of a covenant. We were brought to a fellowship with him. Now one might ask, "why is it wrong to be in covenant with God?"
Nothing truly wrong, but it affects how you relate with God. Moses knew God's ways but the israelites knew his law. Moses married a cushite woman which was against God's laws but God never said a word to him about it but punished those who attempted to correct Moses rudely. Saul's sin can't be compared to that of David but he was rejected so fast while David was even more loved. David wrote,
"Blessed be the man who the Lord will not imput his sin against" (Rom 4:8). So this man sinned, he wasn't punished and was blessed still.
Your relationship with God cannot exceed your revelation of him. Who is God to you. Your judge, lover, father? God is all. This is why when David was given an option, he pled to be put in God's hands.
Covenants are usually ruled or governed by laws by which all parties must abide. Any infringement in these laws may incur tragic consequences on the sinner. But in grace, there are no laws. Not because the law is non existent, but rather it is at work within us enabling us to walk by it which also fulfills his promise in Ezekiel 36:26-27. In covenant, you strive to obey the rules but in grace you do God's word. The question I ask all covenant christians is this, "what happens when you break the covenant? Do you lose your relationship with God?". Many will say yes and might add that the relationship will be restored after repentance. This negates the sacrifice of Jesus. All sin has been paid and acquitted. Nothing you do can shake your relationship with God as you did nothing to become his son. As a father never breaks his relationship with his son despite all his failings (prodigal son as an example), SO God never breaks his relationship with us when we sin. Because he sees us through the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross. Some might sa it affects fellowship. This is also not true for God is not a man and doesn't act like man. His way is above our ways. If he says he forgives our sins and remember them no more, then be rest assured he had done exactly that.
Many christians fail to understand sonship. Its the greatest bond. Its greater than the covenant bond. God didn't just make a covenant with us, he gave birth to us and we became inseparable families with God (James 1:18, Heb 12:22-24).
This is your story. The book of hebrews adjourned us to come boldly into his throne of grace. Come as sons and fellowship with the father. God's relationship with Jesus is the same he has with us. This couldn't be any clearer.
So here is the purpose of the new covenant, that we might die with him on the cross so that we will rise up with him and sit on the throne with him. The throne of God is not a chair but an office. Its meant to govern the world. So if we seat there, we reign with him. Glory to God!
What we enjoy is the new testament (will) of the father. The bible translators made it confusing in translating the greek word, 'diateke'. In some verses, its translated covenant and others its testament. But testament and covenant are different things and have different meaning. A covenant is an agreement between 2 parties. A testament is the will of a dying man sharing his inheritance to his family. Covenants bring strangers together, but testament is a family matter. God's testament for you is this: that thou mayest prosper and be in good health even as your soul prospers (3 john:2). He willed the world to you (1 cor 3:21). He willed you his Kingdom (Rom 5:17).
And the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God and the sweet fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you. Amen
Testament and covenant are different things and have different meaning. A covenant is an agreement between 2 parties. A testament is the will of a dying man sharing his inheritance to his family. Covenants bring strangers together, but testament is a family matter. God's testament for you is this: that thou mayest prosper and be in good health even as your soul prospers (3 john:2). He willed the world to you (1 cor 3:21). He willed you his Kingdom (Rom 5:17).
And the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God and the sweet fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you. Amen
You can contribute and ask your question or contact me on facebook: Kachi Akoma or via twitter @dikaoliver or gmail: opd.livmind@gmail.com
Will be waiting for you responses. God bless you and have an awesome time with God
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