A Covenant Through His Blood
The Bible speaks of several covenants, or contracts God made throughout history, beginning with figures like Adam, Noah, Abraham, and Moses. These covenants were God's way of establishing a relationship with His people, often sealed by a sign or a ritual. However, these covenants were ultimately pointing forward to a greater, final covenant, the one made through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
When we speak of a "contract" or covenant with Jesus through His blood, we are referring to the "New Covenant" prophesied in the Old Testament and established in the New Testament. This New Covenant was made through Jesus' sacrifice on the cross, and it represents a binding, eternal agreement between God and humanity. It is not based on human works or the keeping of the law, but on the grace and mercy extended through Jesus’ sacrifice.
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In the Old Testament, the people of Israel were under the Mosaic Covenant, which was based on adherence to the Law. Animal sacrifices were required to atone for sins, serving as a temporary covering but not a permanent solution. However, this covenant was never intended to be the final solution; it pointed forward to something greater, Jesus' ultimate sacrifice.
The New Covenant was sealed not with the blood of animals but with the precious blood of Jesus, the Lamb of God. Hebrews 9:12 emphasizes this shift: "He did not enter by means of the blood of goats and calves; but he entered the Most Holy Place once for all by his own blood, thus obtaining eternal redemption." Jesus’ blood was shed to pay for the sins of humanity once and for all, thus establishing a new relationship with God, one that is based on faith in Christ's completed work.
A New Relationship Through Christ's Blood
The contract through Jesus' blood represents more than just forgiveness of sins; it is an invitation to an intimate relationship with God. This New Covenant brings:
1. Forgiveness of Sins: Unlike the old sacrificial system, which had to be repeated, Jesus’ sacrifice is final. Colossians 1:14 says, “In Him we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.” The blood of Jesus cleanses us completely, offering a clean slate before God.
2. Access to God: Under the Old Covenant, access to God's presence was limited to the High Priest once a year. But through Jesus' blood, we have direct access to God. Hebrews 10:19-20 declares, "Therefore, brothers and sisters, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus... let us draw near to God with a sincere heart."
3. A New Identity and Inheritance: By entering into this contract through Jesus' blood, believers are adopted into God's family. They become heirs to the promises of God, as Ephesians 1:7-14 outlines, chosen, predestined, and sealed with the Holy Spirit.
4. Eternal Life and a Living Hope: This contract is not just for the here and now but extends into eternity. Jesus’ resurrection guarantees eternal life for those who are under this covenant. It provides hope, not based on earthly circumstances but on the unchanging promises of God.
Our Response to the Covenant
This covenant is offered freely, but like any contract, it requires a response. Accepting the New Covenant involves:
1. Belief in Jesus’ Sacrifice: Recognizing that Jesus’ blood was shed for the remission of sins and believing that His sacrifice is sufficient for salvation.
2. Repentance and Surrender: Turning away from a life of sin and surrendering to Jesus as Lord and Savior. This response is a commitment to live in the light of the New Covenant, empowered by the Holy Spirit.
3. Living in Faith and Obedience: Just as a contract outlines expectations for both parties, believers are called to live out their faith. While salvation is a gift, the covenant invites believers to walk in obedience and relationship with God, allowing His transforming power to work in their lives.
4. Forgiveness: A big part of the contract on our end is to forgive, so we can be forgiven. Luke 6:37 “Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven:”
Conclusion
The covenant we have through Jesus' blood is a binding agreement, established by God's grace, secured through Jesus' sacrifice, and sealed by the Holy Spirit. It’s not a contract based on our ability to hold up our end but on God’s unchanging promise and faithfulness. As beneficiaries of this covenant, we are invited into a life of freedom, forgiveness, and fellowship with God, living in the assurance that the price for our sins has been paid once and for all.
This perspective gives believers a powerful sense of identity, purpose, and hope, knowing that they are covered by Jesus’ blood and live under the new, eternal contract of grace and love.
David
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