The Eternal Covenant

(Ps. 25:14, Heb. 9:15-18, Heb. 13:20, Luke 22:20, Mal. 2:10, Gal. 3:15)

The word covenant appears 293 times in the NKJV of the Bible.  We can study all of the covenants and we can learn about the significance of them all but only one is eternal,  It is unchanging.  I was amazed at how many references to that word covenant appear in the law and the prophets.  Yes, I am referring to what we call the Old Testament.  The word testament is interchangeable with the word covenant.  You may already know that.  All of those mentions were pointing to the new covenant which Jesus said is in His blood.

In Galatians 3:15, Paul draws a reference to covenants made by men.  Since time began, men have understood the idea of law and agreements between men.  We all know of covenants broken.  This includes marriages but I do not want to digress.  Paul mentions that those covenants among men are effective when confirmed.  I have heard many refer to a covenant made by the first president of the United States.  I ask a question.  What authority did he have and how does it apply today?  I think we make too much of the covenants made by men especially in light of the greatest and only unchangeable covenant, the one sealed in the blood of the Lamb of God.  That is not to say covenants among and between men are unimportant.  Rather that being based on human beings they are subject to failure.

As was the covenant God made with Abraham, God initiated and God fulfilled all the terms of the new covenant in the blood of Christ.  When men make covenants they are weak.  So we see today with earthly governments and all sorts of legal agreements.  Isn’t that what was shown and written by Daniel?  The feet of iron and clay are weak and the smashing of them with a rod of iron is in progress today.  (See Rev. 2:26-27)  Such takes place in the secret place before the throne of God.  Such are not public prayers.  They cannot be.  Earthly governments will fail.  Knowledge will increase as in medicine and sciences and our best efforts at governing.  They will bring some temporary benefit to man as will earthly governments but they will all pass away.

God made a covenant with Israel and it failed as God wanted to show mankind that we needed Him to save us, even save us from ourselves.  The writer to the Hebrews makes it plain.  The old has expired or is near to passing away.  I think the former is closer to the truth.  Jesus told the religious leaders of His day that their house was left to them desolate.  I think that was His final word to them that that house could not bring forth life.  A very mature man expressed the life of Christ in this, that in the blood of Christ is the power of an endless life.  The Spirit ministers that to our spirits, souls, and bodies when we remember the Lord in communion.  We drink the cup He offers even today.  Drink of that cup which brings righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.