Taking Hold of the New Covenant

“I will not violate my covenant or alter the word that went forth from my lips” (Psalm 89:34, ESV). The term “covenant” plays an integral part in the Christian faith. However, I have never heard a preacher or teacher adequately describe the significance of God’s covenants in a Christian’s life.

The Bible itself is divided into two covenants (or testaments). Throughout the Old Testament, God makes one covenant after another with humankind. What are all these covenants about? More importantly, what do they have to do with us today?

A covenant is an agreement or contract between two or more parties. It contains terms or duties each party must perform to fulfill the agreement. Such covenants are legally binding; once they are finalized, each party can be penalized for not fulfilling its respective terms.

In creating the New Covenant, God puts his amazing love for humankind on full display, yet much of the Western church has been blind to this incredible doctrine for decades. As a young Christian, I was taught that “covenant theology” was a licentious doctrine. The prevailing thought was that the New Covenant is so marvelously freeing that people might misuse it, indulging in permissive lifestyles.

The more I understand the New Covenant, though, the more I’m convinced we need its assurance in these perilous days. Its pledge has the power to release all the overcoming strength we need to be more than conquerors in any situation.

The New Covenant is a formal contract between Father and Son. Today, we are brought into this covenant by faith as the seed of a spiritual Israel. “But as it is, Christ has obtained a ministry that is as much more excellent than the old as the covenant he mediates is better, since it is enacted on better promises” (Hebrews 8:6).

“My steadfast love I will keep for him forever, and my covenant will stand firm for him” (Psalm 89:28).