Articles
The New Covenant - 2Cor. 3
The New Covenant - 2Cor. 3
God has throughout history dealt with men according to covenants.
Noah (Gen. 6:18), Abraham (Gen. 17:1-14), Israel (Deut. 5:2-3), David (2Sam. 23:5), and others. Such covenants included what God would do and provide, but also what was expected and required of the individual. Such provisions were different in the different covenants. The one constant is simply that God was always faithful to such covenant. Yet, when individuals failed to do their part, God was free to regard the covenant as broken and not in effect.
We then should not be surprised that with the coming of Christ there would be a covenant. Jesus stated: for this is My blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for forgiveness of sins” (Matthew 26:28, 1Cor. 11:25).
Here in 2Cor. 3, the contrast is made between the covenant that was made with Israel through Moses and the covenant made by Jesus. We usually refer to these two covenants as ‘the old’ and ‘the new’ (see 3:14, 6). These were also called ‘the first covenant’ and ‘the second covenant’ (Heb. 8:7).
Disciples of Jesus are in this covenant relationship. We can expect the promised blessings and protection that is given by the Lord, and in turn, we abide by the stipulations of that covenant. As with all such covenants, there are stipulations. As disciples and partakers of this new covenant, we are to be taught to observe all that Jesus taught – Matt. 28:18-20 (note, this includes what was revealed through the Lord to the apostles and prophets following his death and glory, cp. 1 Cor. 14:38).
The great blessing of this covenant is that it provides forgiveness of our sins and the privilege of eternal fellowship with God. This covenant includes initial stipulations to be forgiven (Belief – Mark 16:16, Confession – Rom. 10:9-10, Repentance – Acts 2:38, and baptism in His name – Acts 2:38, 22:16; Mark 16:16; Col. 2:10-13). As we live in covenant relationship, we find forgiveness through continued confession of any sins (1John 1:7-9), and repentance and prayer concerning such sins (Acts 8:22).
Are you in covenant relationship?
Hugh DeLong
