An Eternal And Unchanging Covenant.

An Eternal And Unchanging Covenant.

Hebrews 8:10-12TPT

Maybe because of your sins, failures and lack of commitment, have you felt that God has given up on you?

Let me tell you a story that illustrates why I believe God won't do that.

Dr. Robertson McQuilkin, A noted Christian author and theologian, was president of Columbia Bible college and seminary. When he was 57, he learned that his wife of 40 years, had Alzheimer's disease. When she reached the point that she could no longer care for herself, Dr. McQuilkin had a difficult decision to make. He could put her in a nursing home and let them care for her, or he could do it himself. Of course, if he cared for himself he would have to give up his job as head of the Bible college and seminary. His decision was to resign the presidency and care for his wife.

This is how he explained his decision. My wife needed more and more of me, I wrestle daily with the question of who gets my full-time, my wife, or Columbia Bible college and seminary? When the time came, my decision was firm. It took no great calculation. It was a matter of integrity. Had I not promised 42 years before, “In sickness and in health till death do us part?”

Doctor McQuilkin goes on to say that he was surprised at people's response to his decision. -Husbands and wives renewed their marriage vows. Pastors told the story to their congregations.

More than likely, the theologians decision moved people because it is unusual to see people go to such lengths to honor a covenant.

God has made a New Covenant with us, too. Hebrews chapter 8, indicates that the temples, rituals, and objects of the old covenant were always meant to be symbolic. They were real, and valuable, but their ultimate worth was in their symbolism. Those were always intended by God to point towards a better covenant.

Rather than something repetitive, earthly, and limited, God planned to offer something completed, personal, and eternal through Jesus Christ.

As further proof of this, the writer of Hebrews offers yet another quotation from the Jewish Scriptures, this time from the prophet Jeremiah.

Hebrews 8:10-12TPT For here is the covenant I will one day establish with the people of Israel: I will embed my laws within their thoughts and fasten them onto their hearts.

I will be their loyal God and they will be my loyal people. 11 And the result of this will be

that everyone will know Me as Lord!

There will be no need at all to teach their fellow-citizens or brothers by saying,

‘You should know Yahweh,’ since everyone will know me inwardly, from the most unlikely to the most distinguished. 12 For I will demonstrate My mercy to them and will forgive their evil deeds, and never remember again their sins.”

This verse continues a quotation from Jeremiah 31:31–34. In this verse, Jeremiah describes a new covenant between God and man which perfectly describes the ministry of Jesus Christ.

In particular, this verse points out the difference between a covenant based on external, legalistic rules, and one based on internal, personal experience with God.

This drive for obedience, from the inside out, is the work of the Holy Spirit in those who are saved, (2 Corinthians 3:1–3).

Jeremiah was not the only prophet to make such a claim; the idea is also seen in places such as Ezekiel 36:26–27.

What exactly is a covenant? According to Webster's dictionary, to make a covenant is to enter into a formal agreement; to stipulate; to bind one's self by contract.

Most of us know that a legal covenant is binding. Marriage covenants are also supposed to be binding according to our wedding vows. Even though many people don't honor their wedding vows, God always honors his covenant.

Numbers 23:19NLT God is not a man, so he does not lie. He is not human, so he does not change his mind. Has he ever spoken and failed to act? Has he ever promised and not carried it through?

God's new covenant with us is unconditional, and made possible only by the death and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Hebrews 13:20-21NLT Now may the God of peace—who brought up from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great Shepherd of the sheep,?and ratified an eternal covenant with his blood—21 may He equip you with all you need for doing his will. May He produce in you, through the power of Jesus Christ, every good thing that is pleasing to Him. All glory to Him forever and ever! Amen.

What is God's new covenant with us? It is the promise that He will be our God and we will be His people; we can know and relate to Him as our heavenly father; He has forgiven our sins and will remember them no more; He will put His laws in our minds and write down on our hearts.