Our Covenant with God part 2
Many people in this Western culture have underestimated the significance of what a covenant is. A covenant in the truest sense is when two parties conjoin to form one union and give gifts to one another as tokens of their faithfulness to each other. For example, in ancient times, people who entered into a covenant together would sign the agreement in their own blood to symbolize their commitment to the terms. In essence, people who enter into a covenant of some kind cannot make decisions on their own accord without considering their covenant partner. You see, a covenant person’s existence is attached to their covenant partner.
The closest example we have to a true covenant in our society is marriage. In a marriage two parties become one union and both parties cannot conduct their lives without considering one another. For example, I am married and due to the covenant I have entered with my wife I should conduct my existence based on the vows I made to her. Simply, everything that is mine is hers and everything that is hers is mine. We belong to each other. Because of my covenant with my wife there are things I should and should not do. I should always conduct myself according to that covenant. Do you know that is exactly the same relationship God wants to have with us? Did you ever consider that the Almighty Creator wants to enter into covenant with us? It’s true; He does.
Jesus said at the last supper in Luke 22:20, “This cup is the new TESTAMENT in my blood, WHICH IS SHED FOR YOU.” The word testament is the same word for covenant. Jesus was revealing God’s plan to enter into a covenant with mankind. God was going to sign the covenant with the blood of His Son! God did this for our benefit! Why? So we could experience His faithfulness in what He promised. Hebrews 8:6 says, “…He (Jesus) is the mediator of a BETTER COVENANT which was established upon BETTER PROMISES.” These promises are for us. What are the promises? Salvation, eternal life, health, prosperity, joy, peace, and many more! How do we obtain these promises? By considering our covenant God in every decision we make.
2 Corinthians 6:17 is speaking of the covenant God has made with the believer, “Wherefore come out from among them and be separate says the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing and I will receive you.” Receive you into what? His place of completeness. Verse 18 says, “And will be a Father unto you and you shall be my sons and daughters says the Lord Almighty.” Touching not the unclean thing is referring to decisions that would honor the Lord. It might not be a popular message but it is a true one: If you are a believer then you are in covenant with God. Your fruitfulness as a Christian depends upon how well you conduct yourself within the covenant.
Pastor Tim
Family Church Jamestown is a non-denominational church located in Chautauqua County in Jamestown between Lakewood and Busti, NY. The senior pastor of Family Church is Pastor Tim Stahlman a native to the Jamestown, NY area.
