The Covenant
God Almighty repeatedly gave His Word to man, and His Word has never failed. He would later make covenants with Abraham, Israel, and then with all who would trust in the cross. His Word is His bond, and He remains faithful. All that He requires of us in return is that we obey Him. Yet, even this is for our sake, for our salvation.
The New Covenant provision is made not only for the complete restoration of man from the consequences of the Fall, but through it man is even elevated to a condition higher than we had before the Fall. The new creation man does not just walk with God, but we have God living in us. This is beyond the comprehension of even the angels. The Lord not only gives those who will obey Him eternal life, but He even makes them sons and daughters. He even comes to live in them. In return, we have nothing to give Him but love and obedience. Is He not worthy of the devotion and obedience of even every thought that we have?
In Rom 1:5 and 16:26, Paul refers to “the obedience of faith.” True faith does obey. We enter into the New Covenant by faith in the cross of Jesus. It is not by works, as the Law proved that by our own efforts we can never keep the standard of God\’s righteousness.
- Thankfulness is a powerful characteristic.
- In this season as you reflect on the first half of the year, count your blessings and those in your territory.
- Take time to just focus on the goodness of the Lord. Even where you need to repent of sinfulness and shortcomings, thank the Lord that He could love someone with the issues that you have in your life. Focus on His love, goodness and acceptance of you in the beloved.