The covenant encompasses everything in existence. If you aspire to rule the earth today, you must be in some form of a covenant. Life is a perpetual battle between spirit of light and darkness; a struggle that dates back to the days of Adam. Understanding the covenant is crucial because those who came before us achieved greatness through it.
What is a Covenant?
At its core, a covenant is an agreement between two parties. Think of it as a contract: “If you do this, I’ll give you that.” The word “testament” itself means agreement. The Old Testament represents the old covenant, while the New Testament signifies the new, current covenant. As Psalm 89:34 highlights, God watches over His word to ensure it is fulfilled.
The Role of Covenants in Life
Many people seek covenants to influence spiritual forces in their favor, turning to practices like mediums, voodoo, and New Age spirituality. The most enduring covenants, however, are sealed with blood—a significant act that symbolizes commitment and sacrifice.
God always keeps His side of the agreement. Even in the face of human mistakes, His commitment to the covenant remains steadfast. For example, God’s covenant with David’s family and the Israelites endured despite their shortcomings.
Why Covenants Matter
To go far with God, we must engage in covenants. These divine agreements unlock mercies and graces that are otherwise uncommon. Some uncommon blessings can only be accessed through a covenant with God. For instance, every King of Israel enjoyed a unique level of grace and glory because of their covenant with God but Solomon was on a different level because of sacrifice that provoke a covenant that God did not make with other kings of Israel(1 Kings 3:4-13)
God as the Initiator of the Covenant
God is the author of covenants, both in the Old and New Testaments. Jeremiah 31:31-34 illustrates how God made a covenant with the Israelites when He brought them out of Egypt. Now, He has established a new covenant through Jesus Christ.
Covenants and Sacrifice
Covenants are always enacted through sacrifice. In fact, there cannot be a covenant without sacrifice, and blood is often the primary element. Jesus serves as the guarantor of the New Covenant, paying the debt for our sins by dying on the cross. This act ensures our salvation and guarantees eternal life.
God’s Agenda for the Covenant
God’s purpose for the covenant is to bring salvation and it also includes:
– **Participation in Jesus’ Work:** He wants us to help bring salvation to others.
– **Spiritual Warfare:** He calls us to partake in destroying the enemy.
– **Blessing Future Generations:** Isaiah 59:21 promises that God will place His Spirit upon us and our descendants.
God has given us Jesus for our salvation with many promises and the Holy Spirit, and now it is our responsibility to uphold our part of the covenant.
Obedience and the Covenant
Our obedience to God activates the covenant. The Bible emphasizes that everything depends on obedience. God’s hand is not too short to fulfill His promises; He is simply waiting for us to honor our commitments. When we obey, God is committed to making His promises work in our lives.
Final Thoughts
Everything in the spiritual realm operates through covenants. For the physical realm to align with the spiritual, we must fulfill our responsibilities. Disobedience and sin block the blessings that God has prepared for us. By embracing and upholding the covenant, we unlock divine favor and fulfill God’s purpose for our lives.