To a large extent, we do not understand the nature of our relationship with God and man – as new creatures in the kingdom of light. This measure of ignorance underscores to a large the acrimony, chaos, and in house and out-house differences in the demonstration of the characteristics archetypal of Christianity.

Covenant:- Oath-bound promise whereby one party solemnly pledges to bless or serve another party in some, specified way. Sometimes, the keeping of the promise depends upon the meeting of certain conditions by the panty to whom the promise is made. On other occasions the promise is made unilaterally and unconditionally.

The covenant concept is a central, unifying theme of scripture, establishing and defining God’s relationship to man in all ages.

In the Old Testament period; it was translated from the Hebrew word – “berit”, which is probably derived from the verb “bara”- to bind… (Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary, 2003).

It is an agreement entered into by two or more persons or parties – a compact

• God’s promise of blessing to be fulfilled on the performance of a condition, as of obedience.
• The solemn pledge by which members of a church bind themselves to maintain its faith, ordinances etc. – (Webster’s Dictionary)

The following passages reflect the above theories: Heb. 6:10-14, Gen. 22:14-17, Ps. 105:8-10, Luke 1:71-75.

• Gen. 9:9-15 – Covenant with Noah and all that dwell on the earth never to be destroyed by flood. (The symbol is the “Rainbow”)
• Gen. 17:9-10 – Covenant of circumcision
• Deut. 5:1-15, 33; Ezek. 20:9-12. National Judaism covenant symbolized with ‘Sabbaths’.

These covenants were valid and efficacious in their terse and contexts. Each covenant situation has a format or procedure of being enacted, rules or requirement, or conditions to be filled, signs or symbols as required, all for the fulfilment of a goal.

God wants man to always acknowledge His supremacy, His majesty, and to revere and worship Him only. Ex. 20:19-20, Deut. 4:10, Ps. 5:7; 111:10; 139:14 (17,18), Eccl. 12:13. God actually intend to establish a perfect spiritual relationship with man for eternity. John 14:1-3, I Thess. 4:17,

COVENANTED IN CHRIST

Heb. 9:1-10, Jer. 31:31-33, Heb. 8:6-13. God’s national covenant with the Israelite ended in Christ (Rom. 10:4, Luke 23:44-46) and by the reason of His death ushered us into a new covenant. Matt. 26:26-29.

This covenant is built on the pillars of love and mercy; holiness and righteousness; purity and spirituality; and humility and sacrifice. Jesus finished the work on the cross and declared – “it is finished” John 19:30. By this operation, we have the instrument to be engrafted and adopted as sons in the kingdom of God. John 1:12, Rom. 1:16-17, Col. 1:13-18.

WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE COVENANTED IN CHRIST?

It means to have resolved to belong to God through Christ’s teachings. It is to be Oath – bound in allegiance to the doctrine of Christ. It implies you have solemnly pledged to surrender all your rights and privileges to obey the will of God.

Jesus said… “Not my will”… Luke 22:42.

Paul and other Christians preferred even to die than fail to do the will of God. Romans 8:30-39, I Cor. 9:15-18, II Cor. 5:6-9, Phil. 3:7-14; 1:19-23. We made this pledge the very day we accepted the gospel and got baptised. From that day, we were Oath-bound to live as new creatures (II Cor. 5:17) in the image of Christ. Phil. 2:2-5. Jesus is meek and lowly in heart. Matt. 11:29. He is the power and wisdom of God. II Cor. 1:23-24. That wisdom has mercy and love. James 17:18; we are expected to love one another deeply from the heart (I Peter 1:22). The song writer said – Blest be the Tie that Binds … SOC 46.

We have vowed to practice faith in God to the highest possible peak. Heb. 11:1-6, Jude 20. As dear children of God, we should be pure and holy. I Peter 1:13-16, I Thess. 2:10-12.

Let the Beauty of Jesus be seen in me – SOC 597

Brethren, our covenant is a blood covenant, and blood is life, so, it is a dangerous act to violate a life covenant. It is spiritual and stands to determine our eternity:

• What we do as Christians;
• How we do them;

• Where we do them;
• And why we do them.

If our answers to the above questions are not in total harmony with the spiritual principles of God (the doctrine of Christ), then we are covenant breakers. II Tim. 3:1-7. If we backslide in our hearts, though men may not know, but God knows, then, we are hypocrites and Satan’s representatives in the church.

Brethren, we should unite and fight in the defence of the faith once delivered to the saints so to make our election and salvation sure. Jude 3, II Peter 1:5-10. We should also stand for one another and by one another in order to save ourselves and others. I Tim. 4:15-16, Gal. 6:1,2,3; Rom. 12:15-16.

If we – worship God in Spirit and in truth and remain faithful to the end – eternal life in heaven is certain.

May God help us to survive in this war in Jesus name, Amen!

Bro. Kenneth S. Okirie (Slave of Jesus Christ).