Christian Covenant
Exactly what is a Christian covenant?
And why is it important?
This article briefly addresses two aspects of a Christian covenant—its definition and purpose—as well as examines the first covenant God made with Noah.
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GOD
ESTABLISHES;
MANKIND
RESPONDS
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God Himself takes the sole initiative in making (Genesis 17:2), establishing (Genesis 6:18), declaring (Deuteronomy 4:13), remembering (Exodus 6:5-6), and fulfilling His covenant with mankind.
Each of us can then choose to enter into (Deuteronomy 29:12) or join (Jeremiah 50:5) with God in His covenant. But whether we choose to enter in or to reject it, God’s covenant still stands throughout all time.
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Covenant
bĕriyth
(Strong’s: 1285) In the covenant, man’s response contributes to covenant fulfillment, yet man’s action is not causative. God’s grace always goes before and produces man’s response. ~Vine’s Expository Dictionary
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Noah entered into the covenant with God to do what he could do
(build the ark) and accept the gift of God’s grace—something he could not do for himself (save himself from the flood waters). God’s motive was not to get an ark for himself; he did not need one. Noah did. Noah’s willingness to build the ark indicated his acceptance of God’s covenant offer of deliverance. Covenant Marriage
~Gary Chapman
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The Bible records God’s first covenant in Genesis 6:18, where God took the initiative to establish His covenant of deliverance with Noah. God’s motive in establishing this covenant was completely other-centered: He desired to save from judgment all those who would enter in.
Noah joined with God or entered into God’s covenant as indicated by his response: he believed God and obediently built the ark.
By responding to God’s covenant, Noah and all those who entered in were delivered from the raging flood waters of judgment.
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This first covenant recorded in the Old Testament parallels the New Testament covenant offered to each of us (1 Corinthians 11:25). While we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. He initiated the New Testament Christian covenant, offering us forgiveness. It stands available for all throughout time.
And, like Noah, each person must chose to respond to Him. We will enter in to His covenant through accepting the gift of salvation by confessing and repenting. All those throughout time who believe and respond will be forgiven and delivered from God’s judgment. Hallelujah!
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Vine’s Expository Dictionary states:
God offers His covenant to each of us, to release us from what binds so we can live freely within His love and grace.
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God’s divine longing for oneness is not a need on God’s part to be loved but an eagerness to give love to those who are willing to receive it. Risking Intimacy
~Nancy Groom
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Our response to His unconditional covenant offer of forgiveness and deliverance will produce in us a heart full of gratitude/thanksgiving and love, and we will commune with Him and worship Him.
His covenant offer is made for our benefit so that we may enter in to a deeply satisfying relationship with the Lover of our souls. Praise Him!
Know therefore that the Lord your God is God;
he is the faithful God,
keeping his covenant of love to a thousand generations
of those who love Him and keep His commands.
~Deuteronomy 7:9
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