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The New Covenant: What is it?

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The following is adapted from Bob Hoestra’s class Living By God’s Sufficiency, available free at the Blue Letter Bible Institute (www.blbi.org).

 Previous posts in this series:

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From trusting your own sufficiency to trusting God’s sufficiency

The change from trusting one’s own sufficiency to trusting upon God’s sufficiency is a wondrous shift in the believer’s life. From living by his own sufficiency (which can never be sufficient) to living by God’s sufficiency (which is always completely sufficient) is the difference between life and death, defeat and victory, weariness and abundant life. Godly living is integrally related to God’s sufficiency. Without God’s sufficiency there can be no godly living. All true godly living flows from the sufficiency of God at work in and through our lives.

God also made us sufficient as ministers of the new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.
(2 Corinthians 3:6)

When Paul speaks of ministry here, he is speaking of servanthood. Believers are servants of the new covenant and serve God in and under its terms. Therefore, familiarity with the covenant and its specifics is essential.

A covenant is an agreement.

We might call it a contract, or arrangement, between two parties. The difference between this contract and the average human contract is palpable. In this particular covenant, the new covenant, we bring little to the bargaining table. We set before God broken, empty lives that are fallen in sin and floundering in human inadequacy. God sets upon the table everything those empty, broken lives need. The inequity of the two parties involved is stark. Though we deserve no deal or contract, God is gracious. We are granted a very good deal in this new covenant. We are given a new arrangement for living. The new covenant is central to the believer’s life—it is by this covenant that God has arranged for the believer to live life in Christ.

The new in “new covenant” is not so much a focus upon chronology as it is upon character.

Central to the character of the new covenant is its newness. Paul speaks to this in Romans 7:6, saying that we serve in newness of the Spirit (the new covenant), not in the oldness of the letter (or the law). Newness is spiritual vitality from the Spirit of God.

In Hebrews 10 there is a phrase speaking of life under this new covenant, “the new and living way.” This is the natural contrast against the old, dying way—against the law. The man who seeks to live by the law will grow weary quickly for the law is death to fallen man. The law will destroy the man who seeks godly living of his own resource. The message of the law is: Be holy. It is not Be better. It is not Be good. It is not Be improving. Man must be holy. Man must be as holy as God. As this is a feat impossible for mere man, the attempt on his own part will kill him. But the Gospel is that there is this new and living way through the grace of God that provides life. God’s mercies are new every morning (cf. Lamentations 3:22-23): fresh, vital, alive, and always available.

The sufficiency we need from God for godly living with God is available under the terms of the new covenant of the grace of God. The new covenant is mentioned by name in Jeremiah 31, Matthew 26, Mark 14, Luke 22, 1 Corinthians 11, 2 Corinthians 3, and Hebrews 8, 9 and 12. Several other passages speak of the covenant without using the term directly: Isaiah 59, Jeremiah 24, Ezekiel 11 and36, Galatians 4 and 5, and Hebrews 7. There are other places of mention, but this will offer a good survey of the new covenant.

“If any man would come after Me, let him deny himself, take up his cross daily—death to self—and follow Me.”
(Luke 9:23)

Christian discipleship is at the heart of life in the new covenant.

The believer denies himself because there is no other option for him—he is bound to every day follow Jesus. There is no difference at all between new covenant living and Christian discipleship. Both speak to the same truth, but merely utilize different terminology. Ephesians 5:18 exhorts the believer to be filled with the Spirit. Spirit-filled life is also merely further terminology to describe life in the new covenant. “I came that you might have life and have it more abundant.” This description of the abundant life from John 10:10 lends to further terminology synonymous with new covenant living.

The apostle Peter describes the grace of God as “the manifold grace of God” (1 Peter 4:10). One might also call it “the many-faceted aspects of the grace of God.” God’s grace shines forth as an infinitely glorious heavenly diamond. Viewing a diamond, one will notice that from every shift of perspective, a different facet will be revealed, a different color, a different lighting, a different insight into the wonders of that gem. Consider this a simple parable of the grace of God. From every place in Scripture, from every shift of perspective, one will see the glory of the new covenant; it may look slightly different or be called by the same name, but in the end, it really is the same core thing—the new covenant life.

Comments

  1. I agree with you for the most part, but one must understand that we are to live according to the law once we are saved. The law has a purpose in connection with grace. The law leads us to the understanding of our own ability and Paul calls it a tutor. So once the tutor gets us to realize the truth of our sinfulness, we do not turn around and shoot the tutor, but instead we are thankful for the law’s purpose to bring us to repentance and surrender and then we walk in the laws (instructions, loving boundaries) given to us by God that still pertain to us. Some do not but many still do and a deep study of the Torah will show us that. Jesus said that if you love me you will obey my commandments. These were the laws or instructions of God. Last, the “new” covenant is new in terms of the indwelling Spirit of God in us, but the word actually means renewed as in the moon is renewed every month. When we see a “new” moon, it is not actually new, but is renewed so to speak as we see it as it appears new to us again in that first sliver that appears until it becomes full and then wanes, etc for the full monthly cycle. Did the new covenant override the old covenant as if they are outdated? Could the HS of God have come to the people at Mt Sinai if they had received it instead of rejecting God and asking Moses to speak for them? Could Jesus only come once if the people would have been ready? The bible is one book with one message that never contradicts itself. People were saved by grace before Jesus died on the cross as they looked for the Messiah to return and people are saved today by grace as we know he has come once and will come again. Same God, same law, same grace, same salvation, just more revelation. May we read His Word as a whole and complete message. May God Bless.

    • It is helpful for me to make a distinction between the ceremonial law of which the temple and sacrifices speak, and the unchanging moral law of God.

      It appears that both covenants contain and are based on the unchanging moral law of God. The old covenant was based on adherence to the ceremonial law with very limited access to God.

      In this sense the old covenant is not renewed – it is gone, replaced with something better. A better covenant based on better promises. There is no longer limited access to God, but unfettered access making the old covenant obsolete.

      To say that the new covenant is a remake or a renewal of the old covenant is confusing. The letter to the Hebrews teaches the uselessness of the old covenant with its rituals and therefore the need for something completely new.

      The moral law is neither abolished nor renewed. It is the unchanging character of God Himself. Christ is the fulfillment of the moral law offering imputed righteousness to those who are in Christ. Fellowship with God is to those who walk in Christ not to those who ‘walk in the laws given to us by God’.

      Just as Christ is the substance of which the shadow of the ceremonial law spoke, so He is the substance of the moral law. Walking in the shadow of the law produces condemnation and death; Walking in Christ produces His life of righteousness substantively manifest in each believer.

    • Hello there. Just happened to read your comment. If we are supposed to live by the law why did Jesus die for us?

    • Thank you Paul. I’ve have been trying to convey what you did for some time in this blog. There is much to say in agreement with you, but no time right now.

      “People were saved by grace before Jesus died on the cross as they looked for the Messiah to come [sic] and people are saved today by grace as we know he has come once and will come again. Same God, same law, same grace, same salvation, just more revelation.”, yes!

      Every time we take a breath of the air GOD provides in and out of the lungs GOD lets us use is nothing less than GODS GRACE. We have just come to take all we have physically for granted. Grace is no less a physical thing as it is a spiritual thing. As I said, no time right now.
      J.

    • Hi Paul.
      Have you ever read Romans 13:8-10?
      If not, please do so. I think you’ll find this of value.

    • Paul~

      You make a lot of fine points, but I don’t agree that we need a “deep study of the Torah” to show us what laws we are to keep. All we need to keep, as Steve wrote, is the “unchanging moral law of God” that He revealed in the Ten Commandments. The ritual laws were meant to teach God’s people to discern between the holy and unholy, the clean and unclean, and we have the indwelling Holy Spirit for that. All other observances and temple works pointed to Christ and had their fulfillment in Him.

      God bless you~
      Barbara

      • Barbra, for me to be a Christian is covenant just like being married is covenant. In order for the relationship to grow one must come to a point of desiring to understand where our partner came from in order to deepen our future together. Such is study of Torah, festivals, etc…it is showing a desire to better understand and deepen the relationship. For some, in marriage, a couple will stay together but never work to understand the relationship. They just want the surface to be smooth so the deep things are not revealed. Such it is with some Christians. They want God to provide and protect but show little interest in ministering to God. So, for me I desire to better understand my partner…I desire to minister to my God and deepen the covenant relationships in my life.

        Is it necessary to study or be interested for the covenant to stay intact? No. I know couples that have been married for over 50 years but seem to just exist together. But to old couples that still hold hands looking at each other with a tinkle in their eyes, they have chosen to deepen the relationship. So it is for me as a Christian. Yes, I can enter heaven waiting to learn about my God there, but I choose to embrace now as much as I can in order to deepen my relationship with my God.

        • Mark~

          I would never suggest that our relationship with God doesn’t require effort on our part or that we shouldn’t do things to deepen our relationship with Him, and perhaps I too quickly judged what you meant by what you wrote. Please forgive me if I did. If you wouldn’t mind, could you give a couple of examples that you feel better explains how studying Torah or the festivals has led you into a deeper relationship with God more so then what you perceive some Christians to be doing? I ask this in all sincerity because I think the body of Christ would grow much stronger in its understanding and witness of the NT if it studied the richness found in the OT. For example, I have an incredible book entitled “A Dwelling Place For God” written by Ruth Specter Lascelle. For some 330 pages, she discusses the spiritual significance of the tabernacle and how it foreshadowed God’s great plan through Christ which we see unfolding in the NT. I haven’t read it all, but one doesn’t need to read much before realizing that God has given us a tremendous resource in the OT, which, if studied, can very much deepen and strengthen our relationship with our Creator. I was amazed, even after a few pages, at how much can be gleaned from just the five chapters (Ex. 25-30) that she examined. Is this the type of study to which you were referring?

          Your sister in Christ~
          Barbara

          • Good evening Barbara. Yes a good study of the very customs our Messiah participated in both weekly like Shabbat or Sukkot annually for example can strengthen us. Through study we learn kavanah not just of our self, but of our God.

            You can read A Christian Love Story by Zola Levitt…in the small book you can learn how the custom of a marriage contract is more than just an agreement. The bridegroom has a price he is willing to pay, the bride waits yet is ready at a moments notice anxious to hear the wedding party’s warning shout of entrance and of course the groom with his bride after much celebration leave the fathers house to occupy their new home.

            And then there is Abraham Joshua Heschel. It may be a bit difficult for some to read his book, The Sabbath. But in this book you can experience the deeper meaning of Shabbat. Why has our God called us to keep the Sabbath apart? Shabbat is that place in time where The Ancient One of Ages longs to embrace us. You see there are six days in the week that take up space. But that seventh day…the day that God is resting in is in need of mankind. Why? Because of the desire to commune just as it was in The Garden. All the names of God can surface in that place in time called Shabbat.

            Or there is the scholar,Brad Young. I had the privilege of spending some time with his dad. Both are genuine. You may find Brad’s book, Jesus the Jewish Theologian a neat read.

            And since you have shown an interest in The Temple which is the dwelling place of God, you may like Chaim Richman. He has written a book, The Holy Temple of Jerusalem. Rabbi Richman gives a glimpse into the daily and annual operation of The Temple. You see, The Temple is a house of prayer for all nations…not to be for Israel alone.

            My thoughts sometimes go to that day in eternity where I will be able to sit and chat with Samuel and other prophets of old, rub elbows with Peter or meet the lady Paul entrusted the book of Romans too for safe travel over the sea. But my deepest desire is to meet face to face my Messiah…and for that reason I study and share His embrace to others. For me, to better know Him is kavanah.

          • Mark~

            Thank you for the resources. I’m not sure when or if I’ll read them, but I have written them down for future reference. Except for Zola Levitt, with whom I am familiar, I looked up the other authors. In an article on Wikipedia, the following was written about Abraham Joshua Heschel: “His theological works argued that religious experience is a fundamentally human impulse, not just a Jewish one, and that no religious community could claim a monopoly on religious truth.” It is the last statement that I find to be the most disturbing because it is very antithesis of what Christ taught and what He came and died for. His declaration that “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me” (Jn. 14:6b) most certainly contradicts Heschel’s belief that there is not a “monopoly on religious truth,” and it is the church that He founded, comprised of all peoples who accept Jesus as their Savior, wouldn’t you agree? In addition, his Jewish perspective on the Sabbath is also lacking. While I do believe in the importance of setting the one day aside as commanded, to view the reason behind the Sabbath as something that takes place specifically on one day, at the exclusion of the other six, is to miss the point that, when one is born again, every day is a Sabbath to be set aside for the Lord and our communion with Him. There is no distinction in how we are to commune with God, through Christ, with the power of the indwelling Holy Spirit from one day to the next. We have been given, through Christ’s blood, unbroken and unlimited access into the Holy of Holies, which far surpasses anything that took place prior to it, and viewing Sabbath in terms of one specific day in which we are to commune with God is part of what passed away when the new covenant was put into place.

            In addition, while I am, as you said, interested in the temple, I am only interested as far as insights that can be given from the perspective that comes from knowing its rightful place in history, that of fulfilling God’s purpose in the physical until the spiritual took its place. Because we are the temple of God (I Cor. 3:16), something that Richman denies, he cannot possibly bring any spiritual insights into the discussion, his understanding coming only from the physical, which totally misses its purpose, just as Heschel’s has.

            God’s Word gives us understanding with regard to the physical house of Israel:

            ~”O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, [thou] that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under [her] wings, and ye would not! Behold, your house is left unto you desolate” (Matt. 23:37-38).

            ~”I know thy works, and tribulation, and poverty, (but thou art rich) and [I know] the blasphemy of them which say they are Jews, and are not, but [are] the synagogue of Satan” (Rev. 2:9).

            The bottom line is that neither Heschel nor Richman understand that the lives they are professing to be living as God’s chosen people is not manifest in reality. As Jews who have rejected their Messiah, they are not communing with God on any level and their understanding of the purpose of the temple is faulty for the same reason. I don’t understand why you, as a believer in Christ, would write, “The Temple is a house of prayer for all nations…not to be for Israel alone” when, first, there is no temple, and second, we are the temple.

            I also don’t understand why you emphasized the fact that “our Messiah participated in both weekly like Shabbat or Sukkot.” While it is true that we are commanded to observe the Sabbath, there is no such command for Sukkot or any of the other festivals. I’m not sure of your intent, here, so if I am wrongly interpreting what you are saying, please let me know. There are some people who take the stance that because Jesus observed the Jewish festivals that we should too, but this is to ignore the fact that we don’t need to because Jesus was, or will be, the fulfillment of all the festivals, and like the ritual laws, were the historical bookmarks put into place until He came to Earth. Now, I’m not saying that one cannot observe them, but what I am saying is that there is no need because we have, not the shadow of things to come but the revelation of them, in the person of Jesus Christ, dwelling inside of us. The movement to bring us back into some perceived idea of increased holiness as seen by increased “Jewishness,” whether through the use of Hebrew names, the wearing of the tallit, the observing of Jewish Shabbat, or the taking part in the Jewish ritual laws or festivals is to disregard that Jesus came in the fullness of time (Gal. 4:4) to fulfill them. We have no need of the outward adornments and observances that take place periodically. We have Christ’s fullness within us always, the spiritual that came after the physical about which Paul wrote in I Corinthians 15:46, which says, “Howbeit that [was] not first which is spiritual, but that which is natural; and afterward that which is spiritual.” Again, if I have misrepresented what you meant, let me know.

            I did read some of Brad Young’s book online, and I think this is a book that I would be interested in reading because it gives the NT witness in support of the OT prophecy that is absent in the other two authors’ works, a witness that is crucial to truly understanding God, who we are in Him, and how we are to commune with Him.

            God bless you.
            Your sister in Christ~
            Barbara

  2. Thank you for sharing your post.

    The post prompted me to check how the dictionary defines the word ‘new’. The meanings that struck me as relevant to the context were (i) ‘recently made or brought into being’, (ii)’markedly different from what was before’, (iii)’fresh’, (iv)’changed, esp. for the better’,and (v)’turn over a new leaf – to make a fresh start’ (Collins Dictionary and Thesaurus, Harper Collins Publishers, 1986). To me these speak of the nature of this new covenant and an understanding that is in agreement with the post. God had a covenant with His people, which had no life because it was a letter. In Christ this covenant was brought into life because it was based on the blood of Jesus and a sacrifice of His life on the cross. Thus bringing into being the covenant that God always wanted to have with His people. The covenant through Christ brought something that was never before in the old covenant, a covenant based on relationship with God. God provided a fresh start to the relationship that was destroyed when man fell into sin, changing the existing covenant for the better. Christ confirms this view in His sermon on the mount when He said that He had not come to abolish the law but to confirm it. I understand this to mean that He came to make the law better. No longer was the law only written on a tablet of stone but in our hearts and the Holy Spirit is the one that instructs us in the law of God on a daily basis. In so doing God turned a new leaf in His relationship to manking, giving a new way of life in Christ, through the help of the Holy Spirit.

  3. And Jesus did say He left us with one commandment that revolves around love. If you love your neighbor, you will not try and steal from him, etc.

    Jesus paid the price, He did not roll the dice. We are to pick up our bed and walk forward in love, allow The Holy Spirit to move through us on the wings of a dove.

  4. Have you guys ever read Ezekiel 36:24-27?

    While it is indeed written to Israel, the comparability to Jesus’ statements to Nicodemus on the new birth, and Paul’s statements in Romans 6-8, specifically chapter 8 is incredible.

    I for one am floored at God’s promise there, and now use it regularly in my sharing of the gospel for a detailed description of what the new birth consists of.
    Please, check it out. I think after some consideration, you’ll be as floored as I’ve been. If not for the new covenant statement by Jeremiah 31:31-34 (especially in light of the gospels, and the NT), I’d be wondering if it was simply a continuation of God’s work in humans from the first covenant, in a “new” yet identical direction.

  5. Barbara, just a quick note on Wikipedia. That site can be advised or corrected in a not so scholarly way. Colleges actually inform their students that Wikipedia can not be used as a source for research. Wikipedia is actually a good way to get a paper turned down.

    Heschel is very Jewish… :>)…and I can just hear him saying—It is true you do not need to celebrate Shabbat on a specific day any more than you need to celebrate your birthday, Christmas or Easter on a specific day. After all you can celebrate your birthday on Christmas and Christmas on Easter and nobody would mind. After all you carry your birthday, Christmas and Easter with you all year long as well. But you just may miss the party is all.

    As to why I emphasized Jesus observing Shabbat, et cetra…well it is just a fact. The last supper was a Passover seder. Have you ever attended or given a Passover seder? There are four cups of wine, for example, during the Passover. The one Jesus dipped His bread in was a specific glass with a specific meaning. Did you know the Pesakh was cooked specifically with a piece of wood that went from shoulder to shoulder and then from head to bottom? Barbara, then the lamb was cooked over an open fire. What better picture of how our Messiah was placed on a cross then endured hells flame for our redemption? Then the Afikomen wrapped in a linen napkin and hidden for the children to find the prize after being instructed by the father. It is said the taste of the afikomen should linger in our mouths. The typical communion service down at the First Church of the Frozen Pew resembles nothing that Jesus was sharing that day. Here is the blessing over the bread…Blessed are You, O Lord our God, Ruler of the universe, who brings forth bread from the earth. Now think about Luke 22:19. You see it reads…”He took the bread, gave thanks”…that giving thanks was Barukh atah adonai eloheynu melekh ho’olam hamotzi lekhem min ha’aretz. Jesus then explained “This is My body which is given for you”. His body was broken but not His bones. His body was wrapped in linen and placed into the earth. And His body came up and walked among men. He is our prize.

    As to Shabbat, there must first be bread. Interesting huh? Since Jesus said He is the Bread of Life I think it interesting anyway. The candle lighting is reserved for the lady of the home. I find that interesting also since The Holy Spirit labored over the creation and seems to move in the feminine. And the father, placing a hand on top of each child speaks a blessing sort of reminds me how Father God has anointed us to teach and be a blessing. In short, Shabbat is not just a meal where we bless the salad and pass the taters. It a time where we focus on each other. It’s about family and relationships which includes not only relationships within the family but with our Creator because He destined the family to be blessed.

    Am I asking you to wear a prayer shawl or light the candles. Nope. Am I insisting Christians observe Passover or Feast of Weeks? No. Could it promote reconciliation between Christians and Jews? I don’t know but it would be nice if that happened doncha think? But I do have a question. Once you read through the book of Zechariah, slow down a bit when you get to chapter 14. Then when you get to Zechariah 14:16 read that one reeeeal slow. The word for nations is the Hebrew word used in reference to gentiles. Just saying it seems to me the Lord of host has an opinion on the matter. Something to do with drought…which by the way seems to be a problem in America and other places.

    Have a great week
    Mark (Cov)

    • Mark~

      I just noticed this post. I haven’t really even read it because I am trying to finish the other post to you. I will try and get to this in the next day or two if I can. I just don’t want you to think I have ignored your comments.

      Barbara

  6. I know there are bible difficulties, and “hard sayings”, but I don’t understand why, when God Himself speaks simply and clearly in the bible, that people still need to re-interpret what is said so it “fits them”. I find this happens a lot when discussing bible subjects with my sister. It always ends up: “Well, I think it means this” or “To me, it seems like it means that”….and it never ends up meaning to her what God says He is talking about as simply stated in His Word. I’m not trying to be critical, but I’m mystified.
    I must be some kind of uneducated simpleton, to basically take what God says in His Word in the bible at face value, because nobody else seems to do that. I have always thought that, Deu 18:15,18(14-19), John 3:16 and Matt 26:26-29, basically covered the New Covenant without need of too much further re-interpretation, extrapolation, or interpolation. Or, maybe I am short-sighted and ignorant? I ask regardless of what other people say or write, “What does Jesus say?” – “What does God say?”. I don’t think He’s ever failed to be clear about what He wants. Respectfully
    Marilyn

  7. You can not separate the covenants and the Kingdom, with the exception of the Mosaic. The Mosaic covenant was conditional, the Abrahamic, Palestinian (land) Davidic, and New Covenant are all unconditional.

    What does that mean? God fulfills them. Have they been fulfilled?

    Yes and No. We (the church) are a beneficiary of the New Covenant as Christ Himself has stated..1:Cor.11:25 but are we the church, the total fulfillment of the NC?

    No. Why?

    Was the promise made to the church ?

    No.

    It was made to Israel as all of the covenants were. The church was a mystery.

    Clarence Larkin does of good job of making the point i want to make in:

    ” “Rightly Divide the Word of Truth.”

    “While the “Word of Truth” is written FOR all classes of people, and FOR our learning, it is not addressed to all peoples in general, but part of it is addressed to the JEWS, part to the GENTILES, and part to the CHURCH. These three constitute the THREE CLASSES, into which humanity is divided. 1Cr 10:32. It follows therefore that while the whole Bible was written for the INSTRUCTION of the Church, it is not all written ABOUT the Church. The Church is not mentioned in the Old Testament. It was hid from the Old Testament prophets, and was a “Mystery” first revealed to Paul, and disclosed by him in Eph 3:1-10. ”

    So…God made unconditional covenants as i mentioned earlier.

    To whom then were they made? Israel. Including the New Covenant.

    So has it been fulfilled? Not yet. But when?

    The fulfillment of all the covenants (excluding Mosaic) will be in the Millennium.

    Seen in this light, the millennium becomes the number one subject matter of the OT. (Yet naught even taught, understood or believed)

    All the covenants are to be fulfilled because God made them.

    I find it amazing that many if not most denominations do not teach or believe in the literal 1000 year reign of Christ.

    Tragedy in my opinion.

    Jim

    • Jim~

      I wasn’t aware that “many if not most denominations do not teach or believe in the literal 1000 year reign of Christ.” Could you give some examples? Thank you!

      Barbara

  8. Barbara,

    I live in western OK (Bible belt) I have asked numerous pastors and leaders about the Millennium. (Mennonite, Church of Christ, most “mainline” i.e. Methodist, Presbyterian, Brethren, Some Southern Baptist. Ask around and see what you find.

    I hear things like, “it is only mentioned a few times in Rev.20″ so we don’t think its that important.”

    Or some say it is not literal. Then there are some who believe we are IN the millennium now. (If so then Satan has a long chain)

    It is a good question to ask folks…why? 1 Jn.3:4 “And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure”

    What is it that should motivate us to purity? Knowing that we have an inheritance, and rewards, which i believe will apply during the millennium. See Luke 19 parable of the pounds.

    I am so excited about the millennium!

    I myself had know illumination after attending a Charismatic church for 15 years, then a Christian church for 7 years, i never heard word one about this, until moving here to Ok.

    My question to God was, Lord what are you doing in the earth today and how can i be a part of THAT…long story short, He showed me about the millennium!

  9. Jim~

    Thanks for responding and for the list. I had no idea that there was so much disagreement because the Bible seems pretty clear on the subject. I think the really odd one is that people think we are in it now. Anyway, I will ask around. Also, on the October 18 blog, I commented on your statement, “The Covenants were unconditional,” and I would appreciate your thoughts if you have a minute.

    Your sister in Christ~
    Barbara

    • Hello again Barbara, How are you today?

      Most of my understanding about all this has come from several sources. Allow me to give credit to: Dwight Pentecost, Mark Hitchcock, Chuck Missler, and Clarence Larkin.

      These authors, and teachers pretty much agree on most things, and I have gleaned a lot of my understanding from them. (As well as numerous Calvary Chapel Pastors) (Which i am hoping to become!)(I currently lead Bible Study in my home)

      I will keep this simple, but would recommend ‘Thy Kingdom Come, by Dwight Pentecost, or for more in depth ‘Things to Come’ by the same author. You might also enjoy Mark Hitchcock s book ‘The End’.

      In that book Mark gives you a more user friendly version of Dwight Pentecosts book ‘Things to Come’.

      I will post a link from someone who wrote an excellent paper on the whole Covenant thing, based upon his study of ‘Things to Come’.

      I don’t really know much more about this person, but found this for your consideration:

      http://www.biblefragrances.com/studies/covenants.html

      His name is Ron Wallace

      Unconditional? You asked about that, and i think you do understand what that means. Its the whole thing of grace. The only condition God asks is that we believe and have faith in what HE has done.

      It was this way with Abraham, when God Himself passed through the animals that were used to establish covenant…See Gen 15. Especially verse 6…and 17..read it all…as i am sure you have.

      God says I will, but in other instances he says If YE will. It is when God says I WILL that it is unconditional. Does that make sense ?

      Of course the greatest example would be the cross. I am not required to cling up on the cross as bleed in my own flesh, Christ did it for me.

      My part is to believe. Eph. 2:8

      So that in a nutshell is what the unconditional aspect means.

      It’s like God put his name on it. It is going to happen. I love the Davidic Covenant that is found in 2 Sam. 7

      Have you ever compared that to Luke 1:32,33 – Look for the 1(throne) 2 (the house) 3 (the kingdom)

      This will all come about during the Millennium.

      One final note, in my studies of this i have learned that back around 300 AD (Constantine?) I think it was him, (i am at work with out my resources)Any way when the churhc became a state sanctioned body, there was a realization by the Govt. leaders that the teaching in Christianity was for a KING to rule and reign…this posed a threat, and it was during this time that the idea of the Millennium and the reign of Christ was spiritualized, “He reigns in your heart”.

      The idea of another King was a threat.

      When the reformation rolled around this teaching NEVER got put back in to most of the ensuing denominations. Hence to this day, the church (by and large) has not taught it, or denied it, or kept it as spiritual.

      Yes Jesus does reign in my heart, but He has not yet done what the Bible says will happen in terms of a literal, physical Kingdom.

      Kingdom = Millennium.

      So, it is my opinion that the deceiver has a hand in keeping many from this truth.

      As stated previously there is a tremendous motivational energy released, at least it has been true for me, to “get this”.

      I want to be pure, and ready to fulfill all that God has planned! 1 John 3:3.

      What will happen to this blog when they shut it down? For any who wish i can be reached at gathering41@yahoo.com for more discussion.

      i have enjoyed all the posts Ive read here.

      Keep looking up!

      Brother Jim

      • Jim~

        I appreciate your responding, but I want to know what YOU do with the “If” verses I gave? I, too, believe in Ephesians 2:8, which means that there are no human works that we can offer a holy God to cover our sins and be saved. That does not, however, mean that we don’t have to do something after we are saved as the verses on my list state. In addition, James 2:14-26 also says that works are what proves our faith, works that “God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them” (Eph. 2:10). What do you do with these verses?

        I don’t have the time right now to look up the sources you gave, but I will.

        God bless you~
        Barbara

        • Hello Barbara, thanks for the questions.

          It is my belief that a Born again believer can not lose their salvation.

          Ephesians 1:13 states we are sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise.(many more verses to support O.S.A.S.)(once saved always saved)

          The question that always comes up is was a person really born again when their life is void of evidence?

          It is clear from 1 Cor.3:15 that a person can be saved but suffer loss.

          “If any mans work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss;but he himself shall be saved, yet so as by fire” 1Cor 3:15.

          I agree that there are many warnings and scriptures that seem to be saying one might forfeit ones salvation, yet what i think is i must “Abide in Christ” (John 15) If i am abiding then i do not worry, i would not want to be abiding and think everything is ok though.

          This gets back to my point about the importance of the millennium, and (1John3:3)

          When we stand before Christ (2nd Cor 5:10) we will receive rewards and inheritance. I read that partially as we will be given a job to do in the millennium, based on how we lived our life here. Therefor knowing this awaits us, i am motivate to live a sanctified life.

          We must be careful to not beat saints for not doing the works…we are all a work in process. When we come to Christ we are justified, then as we grow we are sanctified, for the purpose of becoming glorified.

          Romans 8:30 (notice whats missing) “Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called, and them he also called; and whom he called, them he also justified, them he also glorified.

          Paul does not mention sanctification. Why?

          Sanctification is in part what we do/ by an act of our will. Yes It is both the work of the spirit but also our choice.

          The Lord is dealing with me about motive. I can do the right things, but if my motive is off, then this is the wood, hay, stuble. The things burned, maybe the IFS ? I am still saved but will suffer loss for the millennium.

          I love Gods grace, and learning to operate in grace is a process.

          Grace and Peace to you Barbara,

          keep looking up

          jim

          • Jim~

            Thanks for responding. I understand, totally, the verses about being sealed and abiding and works being burned although the person is still saved, but those are only half of the verses. What about the other half, passages such as John 15:16 which clearly say that that a branch that bears no fruit will be taken away and burned, not that the branch will lose rewards? This needs to be reconciled with all the verses you put forth to formulate a solid doctrine, don’t you think? You did write that if you weren’t abiding that everything wouldn’t be okay, but you stopped at saying a believer would lose his or her salvation. What are your thoughts on that? Of course, we are all “a work in progress” and we should “not beat saints for not doing the works.” I agree with both comments, but I don’t know the relevance of those thoughts in discussing the loss of salvation.

            I assume, if you’ve been on this site for awhile, that you’ve read about the four examples I’ve given that illustrate that believers can lose their salvation. How do they fit into your theology? If you aren’t aware of them, they can be found on the September 19 blog where I posted my comments on how I had I reconciled Scripture and some other thoughts. My comments about how I reconciled Scripture can be found on the introductory page (This blog page was split) by doing a word search for “It is true.” In addition, on the main page of the September 19 blog, I have given four examples to study that support that believers can lose their salvation. You can find them in a post I wrote to Dee by doing a word search for “I had written.” I would very much like you, or anybody, to study what I have written on both pages and give a reasonable answer with scriptural support as to why my interpretations are wrong, not just supply a list of verses that appear to contradict what I have written. As you know, that is not the way we are to approach Scripture. Sadly, I’ve asked this many times before, but so far, not one person has even tried. Perhaps you will.

            I know you brought up a couple of other thoughts, but we can get to that later. I would ask if you could pray for all of us who are in the path of Hurricane Sandy. Thank you! Because we don’t know what’s going to happen, there might be a point in which I can’t respond, so just know that I will get back when I can.

            God bless you~
            Barbara

        • oops another typo; this one important:

          i wrote:

          I agree that there are many warnings and scriptures that seem to be saying one might forfeit ones salvation, yet what i think is i must “Abide in Christ” (John 15) If i am abiding then i do not worry, i would not want to be abiding and think everything is ok though.

          should have said : NOT abiding…:)

  10. Re: Jim, Barbara LeFevre on what churches teach about the millennium

    Hi,
    I was raised Lutheran, Missouri Synod, and they don’t accept the reality of dispensations of ages, or millennium as described in Peter, or Revelation.
    🙂

  11. just noticed some typos i made on last post, it should read…”climb up on the cross and bleed”

    sorry about that

    jim

  12. I think Steve and Marylin nailed it folks. Peter said- Let’s not be tangled again in a yolk of bondage that neither we nor our fathers were able to bare. Amen?

  13. Hello. I just wanted to add one point about the statement that the law requires perfection – holiness. It’s written in scripture that even though the law is not of faith, one can live by it, but he must do it. A single infraction and he is condemned. In Mat 25, the goats on Jesus left are being judged by a single infraction – “you did not do it to one …” but the sheep on Jesus right are being judged by a single success – “you did it to one …”. I think Jesus may be showing the goats are being judged by the law, and the sheep by grace. When he says “I was a stranger and you took me in”, all who are saved by grace have had atleast this one success – they took Jesus in.

  14. When we come to the end of ourselves and turn to Jesus, He graciously accepts us just as we are and forgives us because of His atoning sacrifice. This is grace. We need Jesus to be saved and without Him there is no salvation. When we believe with our heart and know that the Lord Jesus is risen and our savior, the Holy Spirit comes to live inside us. Walking the narrow path after being saved is a matter of lining up with the will of the Holy Spirit. When we are first saved we do not know much theology. So at that point, whoever believes in Jesus is saved. But after we learn His word, there is no mistake, He is our Lord. The Holy Spirit puts His desires in our hearts. God works in us both to will and to do his good will. Romans 7 is the man who tries to live holy, but he finally realizes that he is a wretched man and cries out to God. Then he realizes in Romans 8 that only as He walks in the Spirit can he live a godly life. Walking in the Spirit is submission to Jesus, is doing what He wants, is dying to self as we live for that wonderful other Self, Jesus. This becomes easier when we give up trying to live the holy law of God in our own determination and power, especially after we find out, just like Romans 7 says, we cannot succeed, and fail miserably. Learning our inability is by the grace of God. Only by the Spirit can we live holy lives. WE must walk with Jesus daily, being loyal to Him every single day of our lives. This process of sanctification is a process most of all — takes our whole lives — but it is also very messy, from our viewpoint. God knows what He is doing, but we often do not. Even our failures and falls are used by God to crush our confidence in our flesh. In the end we learn we are completely bankrupt and need Jesus to work in us as the Vine works in its branches. Life in Jesus becomes trusting and obeying Jesus from the heart. This is a work of God in us. By His hand I stand; by His hand I walk. It is an intimate relationship with the Lord. His faithfulness never wavers. I am kept by His faithfulness in every way, on every single day. My trust is therefore in Him, because I certainly do not trust my self. And when the proving tests and trials come, knowing my personal bankruptcy, I cling to Jesus and seek His face in the deep darkness which is light to Him. Jesus is my life, my breath, my all and this is by the Spirit of the Lord and not from myself. The only thing I expect from my flesh is failure and wickedness. I have no confidence in the flesh; my confidence and expectation are in Jesus. For He alone saved this wretched soul. I owe Him my whole life which only He can produce. He just wants my cooperation. He makes His will be our desires. This is the work of God inside of us. Glory to God for such unfailing love, even tough love.