Covenant Connection
The definition of the word “covenant” as it is used in the Bible is: a relationship between two partners who make binding promises to each other.
These two partners work together to reach a common goal.
Covenants in the Bible were often accompanied by oaths, signs, and ceremonies. Covenants in the Bible define obligations and commitments, but they are different from a contract because they are relational and personal.
The first mention of the word “Covenant” in the Bible is in Genesis 6:18. Here we read about the Lord establishing a Covenant with Noah. The reason is given in Genesis 6:5-8. Noah lived in the midst of wickedness and corruption. Genesis 6:12-18
“But Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord”. Because of Noah’s obedience to the instructions that God had given him in building the ark to the exact God-given specifications, Noah entered into a Covenant relationship with God. Genesis 6:22
Already we see the pattern of obedience in a Covenant relationship; Noah had to build the Ark in order for him and his family to escape the judgment of God on all the wickedness on the earth.
Noah’s obedience is what brought him salvation from the flood. In Genesis 9:9-11, 13, 16-17, we read more about the terms of this Covenant that God had established with Noah. This was all a result of Noah’s obedience to the instructions of God.
The second place where God enters into a covenant relationship with a man is found in the Book of Genesis. This covenant was made between God and Abraham.
This covenant was also made as a result of Abraham’s obedience to the call of God in his life. Genesis 12:1-3 He left his home and everything that was familiar to him and followed the leading of the Lord to a land that God would show him.
The Lord gives Abraham further instructions regarding the terms of His covenant relationship with Abraham in Genesis 17:2,4-5,7,9,10-14, 23-24.
Now we see Abraham entering into a Covenant relationship with God because of his obedience to the instructions of God regarding circumcision. This was his covenant connection to God. God made it very clear to Abraham that the person that was NOT circumcised, would be cut off; “…. for he hath broken my covenant.”
This physical act of circumcision was a forerunner of an even greater circumcision that was coming to God’s people. We can see this first mentioned in Deuteronomy 30:6.
This new circumcision was to be that of the heart. God was going to one day change their hearts to love Him with all their heart and soul that they might have life. Ezekiel and Jeremiah also prophesied about this new “circumcision” of the heart that would be a part of the New Covenant Ezekiel 36:26-27, Jeremiah 31:31,33
In Luke 22:20, Jesus proclaimed to the disciples at the Last Supper, “…. this cup is the New Testament in my blood which is shed for you.”
The Lord is getting ready to establish a New Testament or a New Covenant with His people. It was going to be through His blood and through the application of His blood to the lives of believers that would bring about a new covenant connection between God and His people.
The Word of God tells us exactly how to enter into this New Covenant relationship with God. Colossians 2:11-15 It is through the waters of baptism in the Name of Jesus that we experience this holy operation of God, the circumcision of the heart. This is our Covenant connection to the Lord today.
It is in the act of baptism that we “put on Christ” and become Abraham’s seed and heirs of all the promises. Galatians 3:26-29 If we are buried with Him by baptism into death, we shall also walk in newness of life. Romans 6:3-5
No longer does God require a physical, outward circumcision, but He does require an inward circumcision of the heart. Romans 2:27-29 This takes place after a person truly repents and then is baptized in the Name of Jesus for the remission of sin. Acts 2:38
This is where the blood of the New Testament or of the New Covenant is applied. This is our Covenant connection.
This is where we enter into a personal relationship with our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. God is now interested in a relationship of the heart with His people.
Conclusion
It is crystal clear that the Bible requires believers to be born again. Just as Noah had to obey in building the ark, just as Abraham had to obey in leaving his home and submitting to the physical act of circumcision to enter into a covenant relationship with God, so we MUST obey the Gospel and be born again if we want to enter into a Covenant relationship with God. John 3:3,5,7, Mark 16:16
It is through faith and obedience to the Gospel of Jesus Christ that gives us a covenant connection to the promise of Eternal life. It is through the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ that we are born again and enter into this covenant connection.
Without the covenant connection of circumcision of the heart through obedience to the Gospel, you will NOT be saved. This “circumcision of the heart” only takes place when one is baptized by full immersion in water in the Name of Jesus. This is how we become covenant connected to the Lord today. Faith AND obedience are what God requires. It is the faith that obeys that will save you.
Remember, grace is God’s favour to provide an opportunity to obey. Grace alone did not save Noah; it was the ark that saved Noah by water. 1 Peter 3:20-21, Hebrews 11:7 Faith always produces action. James 2:18,20,22
Our obedience to the Gospel is our covenant connection with God!
