Recently, a discussion arose about prayer being critical to having a personal relationship with GOD.  While thinking about the conversation this morning, the word “Covenant” was clearly spoken. Although prayers are for sure beneficial, a personal and intimate relationship with GOD cannot effectively happen if we are not in true covenant with HIM.

Covenant – Dictionary Definition:

As a ‘noun, a covenant is an agreement between two or more parties.  It is a: contract, treaty, pact, accord, deal, settlement, arrangement. pledge, bond and promise. As a ‘verb’, a covenant is an active agreement by lease, deed or other legal contract.  As an example, “the landlord covenants to repair the property.”

When we recognize, earnestly believe and accept GOD’s ordained plan of redemption through His Son Jesus Christ, it is un fait-accomplit – we are automatically in Covenant with Him. This is the ‘noun’ definition.  When we faithfully believe that we can actively draw from the renewing, sanctifying and transformative wellspring of redemption “daily” because of Jesus’ sacrifice, we are in active covenant with GOD.  Most importantly, when we humbly approach the throne of mercy and grace to receive pardon in reparation of our sins through the shed blood of the Lamb, we are also actively in covenant with GOD.  This is the ‘verb’ definition.

The animal blood sacrifice of the Old Covenant did not have the spirit power to remove sin from human consciousness.  Consider, by analogy, that an animal blood transfusion cannot be given to a sick human recipient. It is incompatible! But it was still needed for that time to cover – not remove – sin in accordance with laws that defy human understanding. No doubt a temporary covenant put into effect because the fallen son of perdition had marked his territory in some legal fashion. But at an appropriate time in human history, GOD sent a perfect Donor born as a man with a perfect Spirit and perfect Blood. He sent His Son in an unblemished state to sacrificially and powerfully traverse, cleanse and remove sin from the ailing human consciousness. To establish the Holy Spirit in human minds and hearts for guidance, renewal and transformation. The New Covenant! Praise the Lord, thank you Jesus.

New Covenant – Biblical Definition:

“For the law, having a shadow of the good things to come, and not the very image of the things, can never with these same sacrifices (animal sacrifices) which they offer continually year by year, make those who approach perfect. For then would they not have ceased to be offered? For the worshipers, once purified, would have had no more consciousness of sins. But in those sacrifices there is a reminder of sins every year. For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and goats could take away sins (the Old Covenant). Therefore, when He came into the world ( I am hearing as a man).   He said: Sacrifice and offering you did not desire but a body you have prepared for me. In burnt offerings and sacrifices for sin. You had no pleasure. Then I said, Behold I have come in the volume of the book it is written of Me. To do your will, O God.  He takes away the first (old covenant – animal blood sacrifices) that He may establish the second (New Covenant through the shed blood of the Lamb Jesus Christ). By that we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once and for all.” (Heb. 10:1-10)

“And every priest stands ministering daily and offering repeatedly the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins. (The Old Covenant)  But this Man (Jesus) after He had offered one sacrifice for sins forever, sat down at the right hand of God, from that time waiting till His enemies are made His footstool. For by one offering He has perfected forever those who are being sanctified. the Holy Spirit also witnesses to us; for after He had said before, This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days (Jer. 31:31) says the Lord: I will put My laws into their hearts, and in their minds (through the Holy Spirit and the God-inspired Word) will write them,” then He adds, “Their sins and their lawless deeds I will remember no more.” Now where there is remission of these, there is no longer an offering for sin.  (Heb. 10:11-16)

Recommended Reading: Hebrews Chapter 10

Keep the Faith!

Suzanne