“And I will make My covenant between Me and thee, and will multiply thy seed exceedingly.” Genesis 17:2
Dear Ones:
What is a “covenant?” When we take our Bibles, and open them, we find that they are basically divided into what is called the Old and New “Testaments.” As is the case with all languages, especially when it relates to the Scriptures being translated into other languages than those which are the original ones (Hebrew and Greek), there is always something lost in the translation. TRUTH is very difficult to keep in its original meaning and application. The Old and New “Testaments” are the written, complete and accurate inspired revelation of God, His works and His ways as they pertain to our existence, for time and eternity. In those true “testaments” is revealed specifically the covenants of God towards man. Though there are several individual covenants revealed to us, as in the case of Noah and David, yet broadly speaking, there are but two main covenants. We call them the “Old” the “New,” not because there is a contradiction in the nature and content of them, but because the “New” eclipses the old in scope, magnitude, and revealed glory of God. What then, specifically, is the covenant of God, in particular the “New” covenant? And how does it pertain to us?
If we seek to begin with the meaning of the word “covenant” from as spiritual standpoint, we find that it is first and foremost an intervention or act of God. Man has nothing to do with it with regard to its content, purpose, or power. It is conceived in the heart of God, and out of love and grace, is revealed to man. What is its nature? Realizing that Eternal Love has chosen man, in whom God desires and wills to reveal His glory to the highest and greatest measure, it must be grasped that God has intervened in history by giving man a promise, the words of a commitment and engagement from the Almighty. God chose to give to fallen man a knowledge of the truth of Who He is, and WHAT He will do. Herein is the power of the Gospel, for in understanding the truth of the holiness of God, and our own helplessness and hopelessness, being totally devoid of every capacity to save ourselves, God gives us a knowledge of a covenant, that which He has declared, and accomplished. It will be by the knowledge of Christ, in whose blood IS the covenant of salvation and peace, that man will be called upon to believe it, adhere to it, surrender entirely to it…or rather, to Christ Himself. “Abraham BELIEVED in the Lord; and He counted it to him for righteousness.” (Gen. 15:6) Man cannot add or take away from this unalterable, immutable covenant. He can do only ONE thing in regard to it, and that is to believe it. But how can he believe it? Where does the faith come from to believe God?
Again, the answer is found in the initiative of God alone. “Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” (Romans 10:17) When the truth of God, as revealed in the Old and New Testaments is preached, or taught, in the power of the Spirit, God lays a foundation in the heart,mind, and soul of the hearer, according to which He can GIVE faith, and bring one to the new birth by the Spirit. The knowledge of this truth brings one to see one’s own depravity, one’s total incapacity to save oneself. At the same time, the truth of the covenant points us to Christ, and the blood of His covenant, by which He has dealt with all our sins, presenting us to God without blemish, for time and eternity. The New Covenant is God’s commitment to save those who will call upon Him, and will believe.
Dear Father, Open our eyes to see the eternal character, and power of the covenant, Your commitment to mankind to save any and all who will put their trust in Christ. Give us grace to call upon You with our whole heart, appealing to the greatness of Your mercy to save and sanctify. We thank Thee that “…faithful is He who calls you will do it.” In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Love, Dad