The days are surely coming, says the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and the house of Judah. Jeremiah 31:31  

They are Israelites, and to them belong the adoption, the glory, the covenants, the giving of the law, the worship, and the promises; to them belong the patriarchs, and from them, according to the flesh, comes the Messiah. Romans 9:4-5 

What is a covenant? Basically it is an agreement between two parties, a treaty or a pact. As used in the Bible, the term refers to “a relationship between two partners who make binding promises to each other and work together to reach a common goal.” Covenants define obligations and commitments, but they are different from a contract because they are relational and personal.   

God enters into several covenants with His people, several older covenants, plus this new covenant. First there is the covenant after the flood, between God and all people. There are several covenants with Abraham, promising lots of descendants and blessings. Then there are others with the kings of Israel. Finally, Jeremiah writes of the Lord making a new covenant with all of the Jewish people both Israel and Judah. By extension, that new covenant will include everyone in the world.   

Jeremiah 31: 31-34 describes this new covenant. One where the law of God will be written within people, He will be their God, and will forgive all their sins. Paul in Romans reminds us of this history. All the generations of faithful people that have come before his time. Those people that were adopted by God as his people, where the patriarchs kept the faith, all God’s glory, and law, and worship and promises – all these where in the Israelite people. Now they are present for all people, everywhere, as Paul relates the Good News of our salvation through Christ Jesus. We are heirs to this covenant whether Gentile or Jew.   

Promise-keeping God, we extol your faithfulness throughout all generations. Thank you for all you have done for your people through the centuries. Enable us to be loyal partners with you, and so reveal your steadfast love and mercy to those who are seeking a sure foundation. Help us to spread your Good News to all. In Jesus’ name, Amen.  

Chris Gabel 

Ministries
Teaching Mission Party