Married to Another (Study of the Two Covenants)

7/28/2019 Married to Another (Study of the Two Covenants)

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Married to Another(3 Part Study Contrasting the Two Covenants)

A life-application study featuring seven Biblical examples of the two Covenants with one

example illustrated by marriage. We will consider how to be delivered from the natural

law of sin and death in the Old Covenant schoolmaster system a religion based upon

legalistic performance, disconnection, guilt, shame and frustration. We will explore how to

enter into the supernatural law of the Spirit of life under the New Covenant of grace and faith.

These things [Salvation by grace Eph. 2:7-10] . . . affirm constantly (Titus 3:8)

JeffWilson


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The covenant of mercy was made before the foundation

of the world. It has existed from all eternity and was

called the everlasting covenant. 7BC 934

As the Bible presents two laws, one changeless and

eternal, the other provisional and temporary, so there

are two covenants. The covenant of grace was first

made with man in Eden, when after the Fall there was

given a divine promise that the seed of the woman should

bruise the serpent's head. To all men this covenant

offered pardon and the assisting grace of God forfuture obedience through faith in Christ. It also

promised them eternal life on condition of fidelity to

God's law. Thus the patriarchs received the hope of

salvation. PP 370


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Third Revision: March 2013. Cover design/illustration by author. Contact: [email protected]

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Contents:

Seven (7) Biblical Examples of the Covenants: -Adam and Eve

Cain contrasted with Able and Noah contrasted with Babylon

Abrahams family during unbelief, correlating Mount Sinai

The old covenant experience manifest at Mount Sinai

The faithful Roman Centurion

Absentee School Kids

Romans Chapter 7: The illustration of marriage and remarriage.

Seven (7) Characteristics of the Two Covenants The Prince of the Covenants Seven (7) Love Languages

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Introduction: This is Part 1 of 3 of an in-depth study presenting seven different examples, seven

characteristics, and seven love languages of the two Covenants. The last Biblical example is

illustrated in by marriage. Hence the title Married to Another (Rom. 7:3,4). Im sure from Scripture

many more examples could come to your mind however, I have just included a small sample that I feel

clearly serves the purpose of illustrating the nature of either the old covenant, the new covenant or both.

Recently while I was editing and refining this article during down time at work, a colleague came

behind me, glanced over my shoulder right at my PC screen and said, Hmmm, married to another ha.

I think I was right in assuming she naturally took the title quite literally! I felt a slightly awkward and

didnt really want to try and explain that the title is symbolic and refers to being spiritually connected

to Christ and that the article is in no way promoting infidelity!

As you read through, before long you will notice plenty of Scriptural references to support what has

being said. These are not random references. They are relevant to the text and were specifically chosen

to harmonize with the context. I would like to think the things presented on the following 14 pages

would not be seen merely as personal opinion. When it comes to Scripture, my opinion is only worth

anything as it is influenced by principle pillars of truth which rest on the solid foundation of Gods

Word. If you are unsure with anything in this article and especially if you havent thoroughly explored

this theme, I would then challenge you to prayerfully do so. You can read the Scriptural references and

you might humbly come to a very similar conclusion J. But by all means, feel free to disagree. I

welcome your feedback. It is quite possible there are things I need to reconsider, clarify or

completely change. If after reading this, you have any feedback or friendly criticism then feel free to

email me on the above address.

The Everlasting Covenant: There are many different covenants mentioned in Scripture. For just one

brief example there is the Covenant God made with Noah by the token of the rainbow, promising that a

flood would never again destroy the world (Gen. 6:18; 9:11,18). The covenant we will explore in this

article however is the gospel Covenant the one associated with redemption first given in Genesis after

the fall of Adam and Eve with the first sacrifice prefiguring the Messiah, the Prince of the Covenant

to come and the promise of gospel enmity implanted in every believing soul that is converted.

The gospel Covenant is also reflected in the Abrahamic Covenant (See Gal 3:8). In actual fact, God

promised to establish it with Abraham, His son Isaac and his numerous descendants (Gen 17:21; Psm.105:8) as we will examine later. These are two of the seven Examples we will consider.


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Seven (7) Biblical Examples of the Two Covenants________________________________________________________________

Example 1: - Adam and Eve

And the eyes of them [Adam and Eve] both were opened, and they knew that they were

naked; and they sewed fig leaves together, and made themselves aprons Gen 3:7 [An OldCovenant characteristic]. . . . . . Unto Adam also and to his wife did the LORD God make

coats of skins, and clothed them Gen 3:21 (A New Covenant provisional characteristic.)

Adam and Eve:(Self-righteousness versus Gods righteousness). After Adam and Eve fell into sin, the

characteristics of distrust, fear, shame, guilt, blame, self-justification, disconnection and distancing

themselves from God took the place of love (Gen 3:8-13). They lost their covenantal garments of light

(signifying their character of purity and innocence) and felt naked and exposed. So they sowed fig

leaves together for clothes. This was an attempt to cover the shame of their nakedness (Gen 3:7). This

was the result of their own devising and the first example in Scripture of a manifestation of works

our first parents unsuccessful natural attempt to try and cover their emotional problems of

disconnection and deal with their shame. This reflects and illustrates the Old Covenant experience.

Only God could remedy the problem. He provided a sacrifice for lambskins to cover them.

Life Application: The provisional sacrifice pointed to the gift of Gods free grace. It prefigured the

sacrifice (freely given life) of Christ, as the lamb slain from the foundation of the world, who covers

the shame of our moral nakedness with His spotless righteousness (Rev 3:17,18; 13:8.). God also

promised to put gospel enmity, a heaven-born hatred against sin, in the hearts of Adam, Eve and their

seed (Gen. 3:15). Gospel enmity characterized by an aversion toward sin (disconnection/lawlessness) is

another indication of the new birth testifying of a New Covenant experience.

Earliest Origins of the Old and New: Most Christians consider the everlasting gospel as

foundational to their faith. In fact, the everlasting gospel, the gospel of Christ, the gospel of

salvation, the everlasting covenant, the Abrahamic Covenant and the New Covenant andthe object of the gospel of the kingdom are really seven (7) different expressions describing

much the same thing character restoration. This is the central theme of the Bible. It is important

to realize that although some of the above phrases contain the word new or old, this doesnt

imply that those particular Covenants wereALTOGETHER applicable to a particular dispensation.

Sealing the Covenant: It is true that the New Covenant was not sealed and ratified until the cross

when the messenger of the Covenant would come (Dan. 9:27; 11: 22; Matt. 26:27, 28; Heb.

9:16,17; Mal. 3:1) and eventually seal the covenant with His own blood. Paul writes, For where a

testament [Covenant] is, there must also be the death of the testator. For a testament is of force

aftermen are dead: otherwise it is of no strength at all while the testator liveth (Heb. 9:16,17). Itwas after Calvary when Christ the testator died that the real force of the New Testament

/Covenant took place. So there ARE overlaps and there are distinctions.Most people have a legal will in place by the time they reach a certain age. But the provisions

contained in that will/testament are not executed until that persons death. In the same way, Christs

covenantal will would begin to take effect as soon as He had confirmed the covenant by His death.

After someones death, the covenant/will cannot be changed. No one can add anything to it or take

away anything from it (Gal 3:15). However, it may need repeating that the New

Covenant/Everlasting Gospel is not restricted to a particular dispensation. Both Covenants exist

today The Covenants are not matters of time but of condition Glad Tidings, chapter 4, E.J.

Waggoner. The gospel experience of deliverance, enmity and supernaturalvictory available in

the New Covenant extended back to Adam and Eve just as the Old Covenant experience, which

also began with Adam and Eve, can extend forward to the present (Gen 3:15; Eze. 36:25-27.) Both

Covenants developed further over time and the contrasting experiences associated with them

became clearly noticeable in different peoples behavior. Lets examine some examples.


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Example 2: - Cain contrasted with Able / Noah contrasted with Babylon

By faith [firm trust/belief] Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by

which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts. Heb. 11:4

The New and Old Covenant experience was further demonstrated in Adam and Eves children Cain and

Able. They both professed to serve the living God. When God required a sacrifice, Cain brought a

bloodless offering from the fruit of the ground produced by his own works. This indicated unbelief.

This act of Cain points to an Old Covenant experience. Cains offering revealed a heart of unbelief (to

do religion his way) and God had no respect for it (Gen 4:5). Able on the other hand brought a livingsacrifice prefiguring Christ the life-giver. This demonstrated faith in the Messiah to come and was

acceptable to God (Gen 4:4).

Noah contrasted with Babylon: By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved

with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house . . . and became heir of righteousness which is by

faith Heb. 11:7. Cain's experience is further reflected in the tower of Babel. After the event of the flood

during the days of Noah, the people of the ancient world decided to build a city and a tower whoseheight may reach unto heaven in an attempt to save themselves and escape from another deluge of

water Gen 11:4. They did not accept or see the significance behind the Covenantal rainbow of promise.

The rainbow was a divine promise and merciful reminder that God would never again allow the earth to

be swallowed up by a flood. The manmade structure of the tower of Babel was the epitome of works-

based religion. It is further reflected in modern Protestant/Papal/New Age/Humanistic mentality. This

religion of Babylon to this day will be made more manifest as we approach the end.

The characteristics of Satans lady Babylon, the great whore, will stand in clear contrast to the

Christs representative lady His beloved bride and faithful church. Lucifer the great deceiver and

leader of Babylon will influence the religio-political beast powers to "have indignation against the holy

Covenant" and Christs holy bride. However, Christs ladys message invites all people to receive the

blessing of the marriage covenant and experience (the everlasting gospel). This will eventually cause

Babylon to "fall", or as Jesus said, come to an end (Rev 14:6-12; Matt 24:14).

Life Application: When we were born of the flesh (our first birth) we all naturally inherited an

inflexible law of sin nature (Rom 8:23,25; 8:2). Unaided by Gods Spirit or grace, we soon very

naturally and easily develop a moral nature/character that has a tendency toward self-justification that

tries to obtain righteousness and approval by our own worldly or religious performance. This is

amazingly subtle. (Any of you parents may from time-to-time notice this in your kids). This natural

tendency is so enmeshed into our nature that, without the illumination of Gods Word in exposing our

moral defects we find it very hard to recognize and usually do not want to acknowledge this! We find it

difficult to admit the reality of our bent to sinfulness. I regularly encounter wonderful people from wide

differing socioeconomic backgrounds influenced by New Age mentality. These often times

sophisticated and educated people appear to highly prize and value love, peace, healthy living,spirituality etc. They are often high achievers and that in it self is not always a bad thing for Christians

either. (It is good to faithfully develop our God-given gifts and talents. Matt 25:14-30). So although

these people may have many admirable qualities, under the subtle deception of their philosophy there is

usually either a lack of knowledge of, a complete denial of, or a reluctance to want to acknowledge the

inherent sinfulness of human nature. They believe in the inner light and the humanistic philosophy

that humanity can naturally develop the good inside themselves (find enlightenment like in Buddhism

etc.) but they do not recognize in and of ourselves, without divine supernatural converting power, there

is none righteous no not one. (See Jer. 17:9; Rev 3:15-18; John 3:6, 9:41; 1 Cor. 15:50; Jer. 13:23; Isa

64:6; Mark 7:21,22; Rom 3:10).

God has always desired that His people would, at least eventually, experience the New Covenant and

learn from the hopelessness of the Old. Fortunately, oftentimes when people get tired of the old, fed upwith either a life of sin and guilt, or, the emptiness and futility of attempting to obtain righteousness by

personal religious achievements, they are moved to the foot of the cross to seek liberation in the New.


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Example 3: - Abraham during unbelief correlating Mount Sinai

Example 3 here blends into Example 4. The Jewish Christians in the church of Galatia were steeped

in legalism (people who desired to be under the law). In writing to this church, Paul compares the

Covenants to a famous, yet at one point, dysfunctional family where the mother and father made somemistakes. However, fortunately they eventually got it right! It was a family where God first established

His Covenant - the family of Abraham. There is an important lesson to be gained here because Paul

wrote something concerning Abrams wife Sarah and Hagar her mistress we should take note of. He

wrote unequivocally, these womenARE[signify] two Covenants (Gal 4:24 KJV). So we can expect

to find in this Scripture the nature and characteristics of the Two Covenants.

Tell me, you who desire to be under law, do you not hear the law? For it is written that

Abraham had two sons, one by a slave and one bya free woman. But the son of the slave

was born according to the flesh, the son of the free woman through promise. Now this is an

allegory: these women are two covenants. One is from Mount Sinai, bearing children for

slavery; she is Hagar. Now Hagar is Mount Sinai in Arabia; she corresponds to present

Jerusalem, for she is in slavery with her children. But the Jerusalem above is free, and sheis our mother. For it is written, "Rejoice, O barren one who does not bear; break forth and

shout, you who are not in travail; for the children of the desolate one are many more than

the children of her that is married." Now we, brethren, like Isaac, are children of promise.

But as at that time he who was born according to the flesh persecuted him who was born

according to the Spirit, so it is now. But what does the scripture say? "Cast out the slave

and her son; for the son of theslave shall not inherit with the son of thefree woman." So,

brethren, we are not children of the slave but of the free woman. -Gal 4:18-28 RSV.

These woman are the two Covenants: Sarah and Hagar represent the two covenants. One Covenant is

from Sinai and one from heaven. One corresponds to bondage and the other to freedom. One is of the

flesh and the other is of the Spirit. One was based upon what Abraham, Sarah devised (with the

assistance of Hagar) in their human attempt to hasten the promised child. The other was based on whatGoddid in doing what Abraham and Sarah could not do, and that was, through divine impregnation,

miraculously bringing about Isaac the child of the promise. Ishmael, the son of the slave woman,

represents those under the old Covenant and the free woman Sarah the mother of Isaac, represents

those under the New/everlasting Covenant. Now that we know what the two women epitomize, we

know what characterizes the two Covenants. 1) Slavery/spiritual bondage 2) Freedom/spiritual liberty!

Now Hagar is Mount Sinai in Arabia: The apostle Paul here connects one covenant, one womens

experience (Hagar) with something that occurred years later at Mount Sinai. What do Abraham and

Sarahs servant lady have to do with Mount Sinai? The connection between Mount Sinai and Hagar is

that of attempted works-based salvation and subsequent bondage. In Patriarchs and Prophets Ellen

White indicates that Israels experience at Mount Sinai further epitomized Old Covenant behavior.

Another compact--called in Scripture the "old" covenant--was formed between God

and Israel at Sinai, and was then ratified by the blood of a sacrifice. The Abrahamic

covenant was ratified by the blood of Christ, and it is called the "second," or "new,"

covenant . . . . .But if the Abrahamic covenant contained the promise of redemption,

why was another covenant formed at Sinai? In their bondage the people had to a great

extent lost the knowledge of God and of the principles of the Abrahamic covenant. In

delivering them from Egypt, God sought to reveal to them His power and His mercy, that

they might be led to love and trust Him. He brought them down to the Red Sea--where,

pursued by the Egyptians, escape seemed impossible--that they might realize their utter

helplessness, their need of divine aid; and then He wrought deliverance for them. Thus they

were filled with love and gratitude to God and with confidence in His power to help them. He

had bound them to Himself as their deliverer from temporal bondage.


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But there was a still greater truth to be impressed upon their minds. Living in the midst

of idolatry and corruption, they had no true conception of the holiness of God, of the

exceeding sinfulness of their own hearts, their utter inability, in themselves, to render

obedience to God's law,and their need of a Saviour. All this they must be taught. PP 371

God brought them to Sinai; He manifested His glory; He gave them His law, with the

promise of great blessings on condition of obedience: "If ye will obey My voice indeed, and

keep My covenant, then . . . ye shall be unto Me a kingdom of priests, and an holy nation."

Exodus 19:5, 6. The people did not realize the sinfulness of their own hearts, and that

without Christ it was impossible for them to keep God's law; and they readily entered

into covenant with God [the old covenant]. Feeling that they were able to establish their

own righteousness, they declared, "All that the Lord hath said will we do, and be

obedient." Exodus 24:7. They had witnessed the proclamation of the law in awful majesty,

and had trembled with terror before the mount; and yet only a few weeks passed before they

broke their covenant with God, and bowed down to worship a graven image. They could not

hope for the favor of God through a covenant which they had broken [the old covenant];

and now, seeing their sinfulness and their need of pardon, they were brought to feel

their need of the Saviour revealed in the Abrahamic covenant and shadowed forth in the

sacrificial offerings. Now by faith and love they were bound to God as their deliverer fromthe bondage of sin. Now they were prepared to appreciate the blessings of the new covenant.

- Patriarchs and Prophets pp. 371, 372, Bracketed comments added.

Life Application: Problem: All people back then, and today, have sinned and come short of the glory

of God (Rom 3:23). Although the Old Covenant was instrumental, it required continual offerings.

Christs offering of Himself on the other hand was once and for all. Solution: The solution was

through the bringing in of a better hope through the mediator of the New Covenant Heb. 7:19. The

will of God is to cleanse, to take away the first (old) Covenant and its sacrificial services and establish

the second. This includes removing cultivated and cherished sin. The purpose of the New Covenant is

to purge our conscience, to purify our minds and hearts from guilt and shame. (Heb. 9:14.), for God to

put/write the law of liberty on our minds and hearts through His life-giving Spirit, (Heb. 8:10; 10:16; 2

Cor. 3:3), to empower us to walk in His laws of life and happiness, live a life of victory (Gen 22:17;Luke 1:68-75) and ultimately deliver us from the power of death (See Matt 6:13; Rom 6:14; Heb. 2:14;

Phil 4:13; 1 John 5:4.)

Gods Covenant with Abraham was founded upon the blood/life of a sacrifice. (See Gen. 15:9,10,17).

These passages speak of a burning lamp of fire that passed through the sacrifice Abraham prepared.

This fire was a symbol of the flame of Gods love and pointed forward to the messiah to come and offer

Himself as asacrifice (See Song 8:6.). Abraham caught a more striking glimpse of the messiah when he

was about to offer his own son Isaac as a sacrifice. He then understood that this was what God would do

in the future in giving His own Son for to redeem a lost sinful world. In whom we have redemption

through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins Col 1:14. The difference between Abrahams sacrifice

and Gods is that God would see it all the way through! The sacrifice of Christ was not gospel fiction,

not merely a human sacrifice it was an infinite sacrifice. Christ did not pretend to die, He did not diein part (a human death while His Spirit lived on), He died in reality! (See my study entitled Epic

Sacrifice from The King of Glory Series.) This other-centered act of God the Father in completely

giving His only begotten Son to redeem a fallen world is the cornerstone of the everlasting Covenant.

The Messiah was to come through the seed of Abraham. We need to recognize this seed had a divine

origin it was not merely human but supernatural in nature, just as it was with the birth of Isaac. Christ

was a blend of the human with the divine. Great blessing was to come upon multitudes through Christ.

Ye are the children . . . of the covenant which God made with our fathers, saying unto Abraham, And

in thy seed shall all the kindreds of the earth be blessed. Acts 3:25, 26

And so all Israel shall be saved: as it is written, There shall come out of Zion the deliverer,

and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob: For this is my covenant unto them, when Ishall take away their sins. Rom 11: 26, 27


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Example 4: - The old covenant experience manifest at Mount Sinai

The two Covenants were further amplified through Moses

And he took the book of the covenant, and read in the audience of the people: and they said,

All that the LORD hath said will we do, and be obedient. And Moses took the blood, and

sprinkled it on the people, and said, Behold the blood of the covenant, which the LORD

hath made with you concerning all these words. Ex. 24:7

Further examples of the Old Covenant Experience: In the above verse we have another hint of the Old

Covenant performance-based (self-reliant) doing contrasted with the Everlasting Covenant. Notice the

words we will do . . . with emphasis here on we implying self-dependence. They promised to obey

yet Jesus said, With men it [obedience] is impossible (Mark 10:27; Rom 8:3,4). The carnal mind is

enmity with God: it is not subject to the law of God and neither indeed can be Rom. 8:7. What was the

result of their legalistic presumption? What eventuated from their good intentions? While Moses was

up on Mt. Sinai receiving the words of the Covenant inscribed on the stone Tables of the Covenant

or Tables of the Testimony (Ten Commandments) Ex 32:15; 34:28; Deut. 4:14; 9:11, the children

of Israel disconnected from God and were overcome by unbelief (Heb. 4:6). They forgot their promise

to God, became increasingly impatient. By the time Moses came down from the mountain they had

made a golden calf, and indulged in drunkenness, rhythmic dance-music (described by Moses as the

noise of war!) and committed idolatrous worship of their lifeless god. (See Ex 32:6-25). (When Gods

merciful Covenant is forgotten or neglected or we come to the place of unbelief, like Israel of old,

there is a natural tendency for us also to fall into idolatry (Duet 4:23; 31:16, 20)). Then in anger,

Moses cast the tables of stone out of his hands and brake them (Ex 32:19). As a boy when I first heard

that account, I thought Moses would be sure to get into big trouble with God for breaking the two

irreplaceable (at least humanly speaking) tables of possible sapphire stone. Think about it, these were

not ordinary stones. They contained words engraved in them by the pre-existent Christ and His Father

Co-Creators of the Universe! Yet God did not reprimand Moses! Why? (Now this is only my opinion

here ok): Because his act served as a powerful lesson - a reminder to generations to come, showingIsraels unbelief(or ours today) equates to a broken law. A broken law/broken Covenantepitomized

their fractured experience with God. This served as a schoolmaster to bring them to Christ.

Significance of the blood: Earlier on we noted Moses sprinkled the people with the blood of a sacrifice.

This was another thing that puzzled me. Now I understand it represented the life of the Savior to come,

which was to figuratively cover the life of penitent believers (Lev 17:11). Blood = life. But the people

did not grasp the significance of the symbolic blood of the covenant or apply the reality of it to their life.

But their minds were blinded: for until this day remains the same vail untaken away in the

reading of the old testament; which vail is done away in Christ. But even unto this day, when

Moses is read, the vail is upon their heart. Nevertheless when it shall turn to the Lord, the vail

shall be taken away. 2 Cor. 3: 14-16

Yet it is significant that Moses told the Israelites to behold, to deeply consider its symbolic meaning.

The blood atonement of Christ (through His freely given life/infinite sacrifice) is the foundation of the

Everlasting Covenant. That's why the blood of an animal, prefiguring Christ, was involved in the

Covenant. While at face value, sprinkling blood on people appears to be a really peculiar thing to do, it

is however rich in symbolic meaning and contains a powerful lesson. In order to obey, we need to be

daily spiritually sprinkled Heb. 12:24; 1 Pet. 1:2 or covered (filled) with the imparted life/Spirit of

Christ otherwise when it comes to true obedience we may as well forget it! In and of our selves there

will be no point or power in trying to obey. Someone said, Its not about trying, its about dying

implying the need to daily die to self that Christ can live and work through us (Phil 2:13; Gal 2:20)

Gods Covenant: What is most encouraging is that although we might drift away and break our covenant

with God, He never breaks His Covenant with us! My covenant will I not break, nor alter the thingthat is gone out of my lips. - Psm. 89:34


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Life Application: (The Doing and/or NotDoing Paradox) Now we will make sense of an interesting

apparent paradox. Although God recognized the utter impossibility of His peoples intendedfulfillment

of we will do, regarding the words of His Covenant, there were a number of occasions when He

actually commanded them to do . . . ! Concerning His commandments, on occasion He said, Do

them! (Deut. 27:26; 32:46; Joshua 22:5; 23:6). He doesnt necessarily tell them how it is like He is

having a bit of fun with them and thinking: Ill leave it up to you guys to find out. If you want to try it

your way go ahead and fail! (Duet. 29:9; Psm. 103:18; Jer. 11:6,8). He commands but He alsosupplies empowering grace for obedience (Rom. 1:4, 5; Phil 4:13). All His biddings are enablings - if

we truly believe! He was leading Israel from the Old Covenant self-reliant experience of all of the

words of the Lord we will do to whatHe could accomplish and do through them ifthey would only

cooperate, and, believe. One of the biggest struggles we all have as Gods professed people is to really

believe. So the primary part of the doing in the New Covenant is to believe!

The Work of God: The work of God is to believe in His Son. Christ the pre-existent Son of God was

instrumental in giving the Tables of the Covenant (10 Commandments) to Moses. He was the rock that

followed and led Israel during their Exodus journeying (Gal. 3:19; 1 Cor. 10:4). Yet many became

hardened through unbelief. When the people following Jesus asked, What shall WE DO, that we might

work the works of God? (John 6:28) in realizing their over self-focus, Jesus gave a radical response.

He said, This is the work of God, to believe on Him [me, the Son] whom He [the Father] hath

sent (John 6:29. See Heb. 4: 6-11). True belief proves itself by action - faith that works by love.

Progressively and increasingly Abraham believed God and this belief was demonstrated by active

living faith in trustful obedience (See Gen. 26:5). And this was counted unto him for righteousness

(Luke 8:50; See also John 6:29; Rom 4:3-5, 11,13; Mark 1:15; Acts 15:7; Gen 15:6).

Satans agencies Indignation against the Holy Covenant: As mentioned, the everlasting

gospel is synonymous with the everlasting Covenant. Since there has always been an attack

upon the gospel, cant we expect there will be opposition to the New Covenant? Absolutely.

Through modern religious Babylon, Satan has caused widespread confusion concerning thecovenants (2 Cor. 11:4; Gal 1:6).

In the book of Revelation we see vivid contrast between the everlasting gospel (New blood

Covenant) and the false doctrine and theological threats and attacks of Babylon that distorts the

only true gospel and eclipses the character of God. (Rev 14:6-12; 16:13,14; 17:6.) In relation

to the characteristic of the Papacy, the prophet Daniel was even more specific. He actually

mentions the words Holy Covenant denoting the object of her attack. Referring to the

Papacy/beast power, Daniel prophesied, He shall have indignation against the Holy

Covenant (Dan 11:28,30). Clearly, Antichrist does not want people to comprehend or

experience, Jesus blood/life of the Covenant. Therefore it is important that we study to discover

the REAL value and purpose of the New/everlasting/Holy Covenant.


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Example 5: - The faithful Roman Centurion

The centurion answered and said, Lord, I am not worthy for you to come under my roof:

but speak the word only, and my servant shall be healed. Matt 8:8

Now we will consider the faith of a man who experienced the everlasting covenant to whom Jesus

the Prince of the Holy Covenant encountered and commended. The self-distrust and firm belief

exemplified in the Roman army officer are two essential qualities for entering the New Covenant. The

gospel of Matthew recounts the story of a Roman centurion whose servant was very sick. One day as

Jesus, the great Teacher, entered into Capernaum a Roman approached Him to present his case (Matt 8:

5-10). The Teacher responded decidedly and positively with, I will come and heal him. The man

didnt feel worthy enough for the Teacher to come under his roof but said, speak the word only, and

my servant shall be healed (Matt 8:8). He recognized the great Teacher/healer possessed extraordinary

divine authority more authority than he possessed over 100 Roman soldiers. The Centurions response

was an expression of faith, an indication of a strong belief that the Teacher marveled at and publically

commended. Jesus described this non-Jew, non-Seventh-day Adventist, as a man possessing great

faith. Jesus did not find this kind of faith amidst the Seventh-day [first] Adventists of Israel (See Matt

8:8, 5-10). And what was his faith based on? Implicit trust in Gods Word: - the Word only. Unlike

the proud self-righteous Jews, the Roman officer humbly acknowledged his own unworthiness and

FULLY believed there was ultimate authority and life-changing healing power in Gods Word (See

Matt 8:9). (Keep in mind, that faith, firm belief, humility and self-distrust are essential character

attributes of the New Covenant.) He believed if Christ said it, it was so. The Word of the Living God is

the rock we will build upon (Luke 6:48; 1 Cor. 3:10). Obviously this study contains more than just

Scripture. I do think however, you would have found that my comments harmonize with the Scriptural

references. The study was not built on the shifting sand of human speculation (Luke 6:47-49). We can

believe whatever Gods Word says concerning the Covenants is so. It is not make-believe gospel fiction

it is a definite reality. (See Gen 15:6; Isa 55:11).

In my own experience of meeting the non-churched, when I have shared truth from Gods Word I have

sometimes marveled at their faith and acceptance of it. They recognize their unworthiness and seem so

free of theological traditions, inhibitions and resistance. I have felt that, like in the case of the centurion,

some of these people manifest greater faith than many of us in spiritual Israel. It could be said, Truly I

have not found so great faith no not in all Israel. It reminds me of the illustration Jesus drew upon in

describing the reception of truth. He said; And no one puts new wine into old bottles [wineskins]; if he

does, the wine will burst the skins, and the wine is lost, and so are the skins; but new wine is for fresh

skins." (Mark 2:22).

Life Application: This is saying, the pure unfermented truth of the gospel (the new wine) is best

imparted to people (new skins/vessels/bottles) whose hearts and minds are open and willing to hear and

retain the truth (2 Cor. 4:6,7; John 2:6,7,9; Luke 11:31,32; 21:31,32). It is more likely to be preserved

when shared with those whose hearts are not dried up contracted and stubbornly closed due to years ofinfluence from misleading erroneous traditions and I hope and pray that is not any of us! A huge part

of the everlasting Covenant is saving grace. Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but

according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost . . .

be careful to maintain good works. Titus 3: 5, 8. In this article I have affirmed and repeated

constantly (Titus 3:8) the essence of the two Covenants: We are saved by grace through faith, and

not of ourselves . . . . not of works lest any should boast (Eph. 2:8). Through the renewal of the Spirit

(new birth) we are created in Christ Jesus unto good works (See Eph. 2:7-10). We are not saved by

works, but we are to maintain good works and we should clearly understand the difference.


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Example 6: - Absentee school kids

There are two aspects of the OldCovenant. Firstly, it served to illustrate the whole plan of salvation

under shadowy types as a God-ordained temporary system to point out moral sin (Rom 3:20; 5:20).

Secondly the eternal law contained in the Old Covenant Sanctuary is intended to guide, protect,preserve and bless us (Matt 5: 17-19; Psm. 119:142; Rev 11:19). Yet when it was broken, which was

too often the case, it became what the apostle Paul referred to as a schoolmaster to bring us to Christ.

Before Christs beloved lady entered the Covenant of faith she oftentimes manifested a lack of moral

and relational maturity and instead behaved like little absentee (disconnected/distanced) children.

These kids needed to be disciplined by a truant officer and guided back to the Teacher.

But before faith came, we were kept under the law, shut up unto the faith which should

afterwards be revealed. Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ,

that we might be justified by faith. But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a

schoolmaster. For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. Gal 3:23-26

Kept under the law: Firstly, it is important to recognize in the original Greek, the word kept in thepassage is not altogether a negative expression. It means, to guard, to protect by military guard, either

to prevent hostile invasion or to keep the inhabitants of a besieged city from flight . . to keep by

watching and guarding to preserve one for the attainment of something. The law protects us from the

enemy and serves to preserve us for the attainment of the promised inheritance. So even though a person

may be legalistic in their Christian experience, because he or she respects Gods law, and is conscious

of its claims, he or she will be somewhat protected and guided (kept) by it. Yet after faith is come into

ones life, when they start living IN Christ, they are then no longer under [under the discipline and

guidance of] the *schoolmaster. This is not to say Christians no longer revere or remain subject to

Gods law. No, no! It means they are no longer enslaved to it, no longer held morally captive under the

continual condemnation shame and guilt of a broken law/broken Covenant.

They are now under grace forgiving and empowering grace, under the liberating law of the spirit of

life in Christ Jesus. They find delight in His law and in His strength they obey it (Gal 3:25; Rom 6:14)

___________________________________________________________________________________

*Identifying the schoolmaster: In 1888 there was much confusion and considerable debate over exactly what the schoolmaster

in Galatians referred to. Some emphatically insisted it was the ceremonial law and others, A.T. Jones particularly, suggested it

was the moral law. Interestingly Ellen White said it was both. At another time she said the schoolmaster was especially the

moral law. (Sunnyside, Cooranbong June 6, 1896.) I accepted the word of inspiration here yet in my own mind I couldnt

understand why she, along with Jones came to that conclusion until one day the lights came on. I read a S.O.P. quotation that

connected the schoolmaster with the sacrificial service way back from Abel to Christs day. Then it all began to make sense to

me. I began to see the moral law in the context of the desert tabernacle/sanctuary and in that context the moral law was a

broken law/covenant (sin/disconnection) and thats what Christ death took care of (Isa 59:2). It reconciles us to God and takes

care of the sin problem. Sin - the consequential result of disconnection from God- is a schoolmaster to bring us to faith in

Christ: Thelaw is broken but cannot pardon the transgressor. Itis our schoolmaster, condemning to punishment. Where is

the remedy? The law drives us to Christ, who was hanged upon the cross that He might be able to impart His righteousness to

fallen, sinful man and thus present men to His Father in His righteous character. - Ellen G. White, 1SM 341.

Greek Meaning of *Schoolmaster: (G3807paidaggos) a tutor i.e. a guardian andguide of boys. Among the Greeks and the Romans the name was applied to

trustworthy slaves who were charged with the duty of supervising the life and moralsof boys belonging to the better class. The boys were not allowed so much as to step

out of the house without them before arriving at the age of manhood.


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The moment we disconnect from Christ and start depending on our own righteousness, (Rom. 10:3),

like many of the Israelites, we instantaneously move back into the Old Covenant experience

sometimes subconsciously! When we disrespect or hurt our neighbor in any way, we come back under

the schoolmaster. In direct or subtle ways the people we offend might directly or indirectly let us know

of our neglect or offense. This brings shame and guilt to our conscience and serves as a schoolmaster!

Perhaps to our shame and embarrassment, people sometimes pull us up when we fail to represent Christ

in word or deed. They notice our inconsistencies when we happen to be selfish, momentarily disconnect

ourselves from God and neglect to think and care for our neighbors welfare in the Spirit of Christ-likelove. As born-again Christians we may at times disconnect from God or others and fall, but in such

cases God does not cast us off. We are to confess our sins to God or others we may have wounded and

lovingly reconnect with them! He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all

unrighteousness (1 John 1: 9). Under the influence of the New Covenant, with Gods infinite mercy,

love and forgiving empowering grace, the trend of our old life and habits are forsaken and radically

changed (2 Cor. 5:17; Gal. 6:15; Rom. 6:4; 8:11; 12:2).

The Purpose of Gods *Schoolmasters: The broken 10 Commandment law served especially as a

schoolmaster. But there was another schoolmaster in addition to this - the ceremonial (sacrificial) law.

Christ was the foundation for the whole Jewish economy. The death of Able in consequence

of refusing to accept Gods plan [gospel/covenant] in the school of obedienceto be savedby the blood of Jesus Christ typified by the sacrificial offerings pointing to Christ. Cain

refused the shedding of blood which symbolized the shedding of blood for the entire world.

This whole ceremony was prepared by God, and Christ became the foundation of the whole

system. This is the beginning of its work as the schoolmaster to bring sinful human agents

to a consideration of Christ the foundation of the whole Jewish economy.

All who did service in connection with the sanctuary were being educated constantly in

regard to the intervention of Christ in behalf of the human race. This service was designed to

create in every heart a love for the law of God, which is the law of the kingdom. Ellen G.

White, Manuscript Release -3 Oakland, California, Cir. 1900

Life Application: The continual shedding of blood of harmless helpless feeling creatures (lambs, rams,

goats, calves, bullocks etc.) taught people with sensitive consciences and eyes to see and ears to hear,

the high cost of sin: - it cost life! The nature of the transgression will determine the degree of emotional

consequences such as depression, unrest, guilt, shame and regret. Rom 6:23. (For us today, the wages of

sin is still all of the above and eventual death, however Christ has bridged the gulf and through His

sacrifice given ALL both sinner and saint present probationary life (John 3:16; Rom 5:18; 1 Tim 4:10;

Rom 5:6, 10). We are no longer under condemnation. Why? Because condemnation is equivalent to

shame and guilt and shame and guilt is the result of a broken law. So when we come to Christ we are

delivered from the law(Rom. 7:6) not the law of liberty of course but the law of sin and death!

We are no longer under the law of condemnation (Rom. 8:3; John 3:17; 8:11) no longer under the curse

of the law (Gal 3:10,13), no longer under the law of sin (Rom 7:8, 23, 25; 8:2) and therefore no

longer constantly under the guidance, discipline and correction of the schoolmaster. Now we are undersomeone greater than the schoolmaster, we are under grace (Rom. 6:14,15), under the leading and

guidance of Christ, the great Teacher of righteousness, friend, Savior and everlasting Father of our

redemption. Now they are not afraid of the schoolmaster (the law) but get along much better with him

and his wisdom and counsel pointing to the great Teacher is written in their heart.

When children have a different motive for school, when they love and respect their teacher, they are no

longer treated like naughty little girls and boys that wander off and wag school and need the truant

officer to guide them back to the teacher. As Gods professed children, we may have wondered off from

the school of Christ and been led into sin. But the purpose of the schoolmaster (especially the moral

law) along with the convicting Holy Spirit, are there to quicken our consciences (John 16:8) and bring

us back to faith, back to Christ, back to the school of righteousness. We are now at the feet of the

Master - Christ the great Teacher of righteousness and day-by-day grow in love and grace.


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For many a good reason it was the will of God, under His eternal purpose, to bring in the

New/Everlasting Covenant of righteousness Psm. 119:142; Dan 9:24; Eph. 3:11. As we have been

repeating, it was generally the case that in the Old Covenant people tried, in and of themselves, to obey

God and live righteously (Luke 18:9). This of course always resulted in failure and disappointment

(Heb. 8:8; Ex. 19:8; Gal. 2:16, 3:2, 5). Thats why the apostle Paul used strong perhaps exaggerated

terms to make a point. He stated that the law (broken law) worketh wrath, slays the guilty and

killeth and leads the guilty to be cursed or separated from God (See 2 Cor. 3:6; Rom. 4:15; 7:13;

Gal 3:10).

Run, John, run, the law commands But gives us neither feet nor hands,Far better news the gospel brings: It bids us fly and gives us wings

John Bunyan (1628-1688)

When we are IN Christ (synonymous with Christ is IN us) Gods principles and laws are seen and felt

in a different light: Thy testimonies also are my delight and my counselors (Psm. 119:24) they bless

the obedient and function as a lamp and a light to guide in the way of life. (James 1:25; 2:12; Prov

6:23)

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Example 7: - Romans chapter 7 and marriage to remarriage

Now for the final example. So farwe have considered the Covenants as illustrated by 1) - Adam and Eve.

2) - Cain contrasted with Able and Noah contrasted with Babylon. 3) - Abrahams family during unbelief,

correlating Mount Sinai. 4) - The old covenant experience manifest at Mount Sinai. 5) - The faithful Roman

Centurion.6) Absentee School Kids.

Now we will explore illustration number 7 - Romans Chapter 7: The illustration of marriage and remarriage.The apostle Paul explicitly defines the nature of the two covenants in a daring way in Romans 7:1-6. He

likens the Old Covenant to a horrible marriage experience and the New to a meaningful and intimate

one brimming over with other-centered love.

Do you not know, brethren--for I am speaking to those who know the law--that the law is

binding on a person only during his life? Thus a married woman is bound by law to her

husband as long as he lives; but if her husband dies she is discharged from the law

concerning the husband. Accordingly, she will be called an adulteress if she lives with

another man while her husband is alive. But if her husband dies she is free from that law,

and if she marries another man she is not an adulteress. Likewise, my brethren, you have

died to the law through the body of Christ, so that you may belong to another, to him who

has been raised from the dead in order that we may bear fruit for God. While we wereliving in the flesh, our sinful passions, aroused by the law [the law of sin], were at work in

our members to bear fruit for death. But now we are discharged [delivered KJV] from the

law [the law of sin], dead to that which held us captive, so that we serve not under the old

written code but in the new life of the Spirit. Rom 7:1-6

Here the apostle Paul uses a clever illustration most adults can identify with especially those who are

currently in or have once been in a physically or emotionally abusive marriage -- to make a point. He

compares the Old Covenant to a horrible/broken marriage and the New to a wonderful marriage. He

likens a failing marriage to a slavish Christian experience. He employs the figure of marriage (the union

of two people - husband and wife) to illustrate the legalistic Christians union with the law of sin (See

also Rom 7: 14-23).


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It is important to realize the woman or lady mentioned in the above passages is not a worldly lady

by any means but actually religious one! (Paul begins the illustration by saying I speak to those that

know the law, in other words this lesson applies to the Jewish Christians and NOT the gentiles.) The

woman represents Gods professed people the bride, the church (Isa. 54:6; 2 Cor. 11:2; 2 John 1:1,5)

only in this instance she is emotionally disconnected and her marriage is purely legalistic. (Legalists

may appear to have a happy face on Sabbath and be diligent in keeping reforms, Bible study, outreach

and in church attendance etc. but beneath the religious facade they are empty and miserable! In the

context of sin there are only three kinds of people in this world. 1) Willing slaves. 2) Unwilling slaves.And 3) Those who are free!! It is generally the case that worldlings are willing slaves. They freely

indulge in sin. Professed Christians on the other hand are often unwilling slaves. They sometimes know

they shouldnt think, act or behave in certain ways but without a vital connection with God they are

powerless to do otherwise. Free people on the other hand are those whom Christ has set free from

condemnation and empowered their lives. (See John 8:33-36; Gal 5:1; Heb. 2:15; 2 Pet 2:19)

In the above example, the woman is married to the type of tyrannical man that makes her life feel very

unsatisfied and miserably enslaved. (This first husband represents the law WITHOUT Christ - the

judicial side of the 10 Commandment law that the apostle refers to as the ministration of

condemnation or ministration of death which was written and engraven in stones. (2 Cor. 3:7,9).

More specifically this is a broken law - the law/principle of sin (a task master) or the first Adams sin

nature we are all naturally united to. (Rom 7:25; 8:2). When we are bound to this law, like the woman

we feel dissatisfied and miserably enslaved. Thatis the law we need to be delivered from. After the

sinful carnal mind/character is crucified, the woman (us) is at liberty to marry another but not until then

(Rom 6:1-22; 2 Tim 2:11; Gal 2:20; 5:24). One day while she encounters another man (who

represents Christ the second Adam), her hearts desire is awakened but she cannot marry him while her

first husband is living. After she is almost suicidal and can take no more, she secretly and somewhat

shamefully wishes her first husband were dead! She then knows she could be free to marry another!

(Please dont take this aspect of the allegory literally ok?!!!)

One day in sorrow and repentance of her unwise decision in marrying this man, she cries out to God for

deliverance. And thats the turning point where the old is past and all things are become new (2 Cor.

5:17). Now unlike the woman, when we were born we had no choice whatsoever in what we inherited

and later became married/enmeshed to. Some people here might say, well thats unfair. Yes it maybe.

However, it would be more unfair without Gods provisional gospel of moral restoration. And Satan

claims thatsalvation is unfair (Zec. 3:1-8; Jude 1:9,10).

Life Application: So the question is, how can she/we get rid of the first husband? Legally she/we

cant! However her/our new future husband (Christ) can. Around 30 AD He absorbed into His sinless

divine/human nature all the sinfulness of this old representative man of sin and crucified him at

Calvary! (See Rom 6:6; Eph. 2:15; 1 Pet 2:24; 2 Cor. 5:21). And the point is, when He died,she (we)

died with him because the two had become one flesh. The good news is Christ raises her, not him, in

newness of life and chooses her to be His spiritual beloved bride (Rom 6:3-6; 2 Cor. 11:2). By faith she

must believe that her old man is now dead and begin to walk in newness of life the law of the spirit

of life in Christ Jesus. (See Rom 6:11) This is the work of justification.

None other but God can remove the first Adam (the inflexible law of sin and death) from her/our life.

Christ crucified the first Adams sin nature/character at the cross and through His Spirit supernaturally

imparts His new/divine nature/character to us His lady, His church. (Rom. 6:1-11; 2 Pet. 1:3,4). This

second man she meets (the messenger and Prince of the Covenant) is her High Priest-King, Teacher,

and loving Savior. He forgives, restores and cleanses her and becomes her new husband and she

becomes His chosen lady, and His spotless bride. (Dan. 11:22; Mal. 3:1; Jer. 31:32; Isa 54:5; Eph.

5:22-28; Eze. 16:8). Then the law becomes spiritual. The law of the spirit of life in Christ Jesus has

set her free from the law of sin and death (Rom 8:3,4).


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Seven (7) Characteristics of the Covenants

Up to now we have considered seven different examples of the two Covenants. Now we will explore

seven characteristics of them before examining the seven divine love languages. Here is the shortversion summary.

1) The Covenants were based upon blood sacrifice: This awakened gratitude, love and convictionleading to self-distrust, humble confession of sin and deep repentance. The blood points to

Christs freely given divine life of Christ and His justification, forgiving, cleansing, saving

power. (See John 1: 7-9; 3:16,17; 1 John 1:9; Ex 6:3-8; 20:1,2; Deut. 5: 15; Eph. 2:8-10)

One Covenant was characterized by belief and the other by unbelief. We need to recognize

the new covenant is an everlasting covenant even though it wasnt ratified until the cross.

(See Heb. 13: 20) The covenants are not matters of time but of condition (belief leading to

willing obedience or pseudo belief (in reality unbelief) and broken promises). The new birth,

symbolized by the reality (not the sign) of circumcision, was an essential part of the NewCovenant.

4) The Covenants were founded on the 10 Commandment lamp and light, law of liberty and love:

The 10 Commandments in Exodus 20 actually begin by specifying Gods saving power in

delivering Israel from Egyptian bondage (Ex. 20:1,2). We all need reminding that Gods

saving power (from spiritual bondage) is the basis of commandment keeping.

5) The earthly tabernacle, (point of divine contact), was replaced by the heavenly tabernacle that

was based upon better promises.

6) 7) The New Everlasting Covenant is characterized by willing obedience to Gods Commandments

and is manifest in victory over sin: The blessing of Abraham is characterized by deliverance and

victory in Christ.

7) The Covenant was founded upon an oath/will promising a glorious inheritance.

Now we will explore these seven characteristics in greater depth.

1) They were both based upon Christs freely given life typified by sacrifices: The life of the

sacrifice is in the blood therefore blood = life. Animal sacrifice prefiguring Christs freely given life in

His one offering. This purposed to perfect the conscience of them that are sanctified - vitally

connected with Him. The blood (divine freely given life of Christ) justifies and sanctifies. (Heb. 10:14:

Ex. 24:7; Gen. 15:9,10,17).

Covenant of Mercy: Gods sacrificial act is an act born out of mercy toward His children. (Mosesrecognized the merciful nature of the Covenant (Deut. 7:9,12); the author of Kings (whoever that was?)

recognized this (1 Kings 8:23; 2 Chron. 6:14); Nehemiah recognized this (Neh. 1:5); king David, Isaiah,

and Daniel all recognized this. They understood Gods Covenant was based on faithfulness and mercy

(Psm. 89:28; Isa. 42:6, 54:10; Dan 9:4). What greater mercy could be demonstrated than for God to give

His only begotten Son for the life of the world? (John 3:16-18).

2) One Covenant was characterized by belief - faithful trust in God and His promises - and the

other Covenant by unbelief: The everlasting Covenant is a conditional Covenant and requires true-

hearted belief which is made manifest in obedience to Gods Commandments For what saith the

scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness - Rom 4:3; (See Heb.

4:1-11). Abrahams belief was characterized by obedience and his willingness to offer his son Isaac to

the Lord. The 10 Commandments specified in Exodus 20 actually begin in verse 1 and 2 with a

reminder of Gods saving power. In fact in relation to the Sabbath Commandment, it is interesting to


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note Deut. 5s version is quite different to the wording in Exodus 20. In Deuteronomy the Sabbath is

not described as a memorial of creation but rather as a memorial of redemption, of Gods saving

power!!! (See Deut. 5:15). This points to anything but works salvation but points to the New!

3) The new birth, symbolized by the reality of circumcision, was an essential part of the New

Covenant: If a child remained uncircumcised he was cut of from the people and the covenant was

broken (See Gen. 17:11, 14). This indicates unless one is born again (circumcised in heart Deut. 30:5,6)

the Covenant is ineffective and redundant. The reality of circumcision is the sealing of righteousness inthe heart by the Holy Spirit (Eph. 1:7-14). The sign of circumcision, made by hands, is a reminder of

mans attempt to work out the promise of God and his failure, a reminder that we can do nothing of

ourselves to obtain righteousness and a warning of Abrahams big mistake to put no confidence in the

flesh. The supernatural new birth (the reality of circumcision, circumcision made by the Spirit not

made with hands) is closely linked to righteousness of faith (firm belief) and keeping Gods

Commandments. Thats why the three are an integral part of the New Covenant. (See Jer. 4:4; Rom 2:

25, 27, 29; 3:30; 1Cor. 7:19; Gal. 5:6; Eph. 2:11; Col. 2: 10-13). Abrahams children are not exclusively

Jews. Romans 2:28-29 For he is not a Jew, which is one outwardly; neither is that circumcision, which is

outward in the flesh: (29) But he is a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in

the spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God (See Rom 3:2; 9:6-8; Heb. 12:22-24).

The outer court of the desert Tabernacle, represented the earth. Here the brazen altar (prefiguring thecross) and the laver (prefiguring the water of life for spiritual regeneration) is where conversion (new

birth) takes place. (See John 3:3,5,14; Titus 3:5; Phil 3:3; Rom 2:25-29)

4) Founded upon the perpetual moral 10 Commandment lamp and light, law of liberty and love:

The law was/is is part of both Covenants and there is no fault whatsoever with the law. Although it is

only a limited reflection (photograph) of God the Father and Son, the law is still perfect. There is no

fault in the law. The commandment is a lamp; and the law is a light and its reproofs instruct us in

the way of life (Psm. 19:7; Prov. 6:23). Therefore in relation to the professed people of God, during

Sinai and afterwards in their desert wanderings, God found fault . . . with them. And the fault is still

with many of His professed followers today (Heb. 8:8).

Though this covenant was made with Adam and renewed to Abraham, it could not be

ratified until the death of Christ. It had existed by the promise of God since the first

intimation of redemption had been given; it had been accepted by faith; yet when ratified by

Christ, it is called a new covenant. The law of God was the basis of this covenant, which

was simply an arrangement for bringing men again into harmony with the divine will,

placing them where they could obey God's law. Patriarchs and Prophets p. 371

The covenant which had existed by the promise of God since the first intimation of redemption had

been given refers to the promise of enmity given to Adam and Eve at the fall in Eden. This was

nothing less than the everlasting covenant. In the life of victory under the New Everlasting Covenant,

the law is written on the heart (Luke 1:68-75; Heb. 8:10; 10:16).

5) The earthly tabernacle system, (a point of divine contact), gave way to the eternal heavenly

tabernacle that was based upon better promises: Both Tabernacles were a point of divine contact.

Yet the old earthly tabernacle/temple systems vanished: Aside from some of the items found in the

Most Holy Place, like the 10 Commandments, by the time of the cross, both Old Testament era

tabernacles (the Old Covenant desert Tabernacle and its services, and the Solomons temple in

Jerusalem), vanished away. (Dan. 9:26; Luke 19:43; Matt 24:2). As Christ yielded up His life on

Calvarys cross, the relevance of the old system/temples came to an end. (See Matt 27:46-51). God

never intended forthese gloriousyetless than perfect tabernacles to be of any permanent nature.

There are a few reasons why the New [Heavenly] Covenant is better and much superior to the Old.

Firstly, because it was the source of better promises (Heb. 7:19,22; 8:6; 9:23; 10:34). Secondly, the

New Covenant Tabernacle is better because it was pitched by God and will exist for eternity! Thirdly

it was better because it is based upon the promise of what God would accomplish rather than thepromises of men. Finally, it had a permanent nature because Christ the eternal Son of God, our crowned

and anointed Priest-King is the central figure ministering in this tabernacle. (We will feature this more


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in the second study entitled, Delivered from the Law). Through His infinite sacrifice and ministry

Christ the Prince of the Holy Covenant can and will accomplish in our lives what the Old pointed to but

was powerless to accomplish. It goes way beyond gospel fiction it is to take away our sins not merely

legally but as a reality! (Rom 1:16; 11:26, 27; 1 John 1:9)

6) The New Everlasting Covenant is characterized by willing obedience to Gods Commandments

and statutes and manifest in victory over sin: The blessing of Abraham is characterized by

deliverance, obedience and victory in Christ. (1 Cor. 15:57; 1 John 5:4; Rev. 15:2; Acts 3:26; Rom 1:16,17; 11: 26, 27; Jude 24,25; 2 Tim 4:18.) There are blessings in obedience to Gods law of liberty

which forms as a written contract in covenantal marriage between Christ and His bride. We are not only

to believe but we are to walk in the steps of that faith of our father Abraham (Rom 4: 11-13). Through

the empowering grace of the indwelling Christ, willing obedience is an essential part of the covenant.

The covenant with Abraham also maintained the authority of God's law. The Lord appeared

unto Abraham, and said, "I am the Almighty God; walk before Me, and be thou perfect."

Genesis 17:1. The testimony of God concerning His faithful servant was, "Abraham obeyed

My voice, and kept My charge, My commandments, My statutes, and My laws." Genesis

26:5. And the Lord declared to him, "I will establish My covenant between Me and thee and

thy seed after thee in their generations, for an everlasting covenant, to be a God unto thee and

to thy seed after thee." Genesis 17:7. PP 370

7) The everlasting Covenant was founded upon an oath the legal will of the Prince - promising

an eternal inheritance and eternal life: The promise to Israel involved earthly Canaan (the promised

land) a type of the heavenly Canaan (Ex 12:25; Deut. 6:3; Joshua 22:4,5). This was a shadowy type

of our glorious/eternal country and city homes in paradise that Christ has prepared for the overcomers

that will inherit this upon His return (John 14:2,3). The future provisions prefigured in the shadowy

earthly Canaan were included in the will of Christ the testator before His death (Heb. 9:16,17.) Now

they will be imparted upon His return. Our future inheritance of our heavenly home is made certain by

its inclusion in Christs testament or will that was made of force and confirmed after Calvary. These

promises are unalterable. No man can alter His will or can add to or take away from these provisions!

(Gal. 3:15; Eph. 1:7-14).

The next segment we will briefly consider the seven love languages of Christ the Prince of the

everlasting covenant. These are not unrelated to the everlasting covenant. All 7 love languages blend

into Christs covenantal other-centered agape love for His chosen lady and bride.


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The Prince of the Everlasting Covenants

Seven (7) Love Languages

You may have heard of the best selling book The Five Love Languages by Gary Chapman. It

contains several tips on how to identify your spouses particular love language.

The Prince of the New Covenant Sanctuary speaks all seven (7) Love Languages! The Old

Covenant Sanctuary was a shadow of the Princes saving work. The book of Hebrews contains seven

love languages. Christ the Prince of the Covenant began His work with the gift of sacrifice,

(Passover/unleavened bread) continued it after His resurrection (first fruits) and

Coronation/glorification (Pentecost) to impart the gift of His Spirit, He lovingly corrects us, gives of

His time, and is touched by the feelings and weaknesses. His ministry is a continual act of service. He

comforts His beloved with words of affirmation, and has made a total commitment to His bride.

There are two love languages in GodsNew Covenant, that can also be applied to human relationships,that do not appear in Chapmans book. These are number 2 and 7 in the table below - *correction and

*commitment. These are vital yet so often lacking in relationships today.

The Prince of the Covenants Seven (7) Love Languages

1) Special Gifts: The Prince of the Covenant gave Himself by the gift of sacrifice.

Upon His glorification and coronation at Pentecost, He imparted the gifts of His

Spirit to His waiting bride (Eph. 4:7; Heb. 6:4; Rom 5:17,18.)

2) *Correction: The words/promises of Gods law/Covenant are for His beloveds

instruction, guidance and correction which ensures the happiness and security of His

lady. They serve to preserve and protect her freedom. Genuine forgiveness,

transparency and acknowledgement of wrongs committed are vital for preserving

love and in maintaining healthy relationships. (Prov. 3:12; Matt 5:23; 18:5)

3) Quality Time: The Prince desires to meet with His beloved. There is need for

daily prayer. His Tabernacle was a point of contact. It points to our soul temple - the

ultimate place for open and meaningful communication through prayer. This is the

primary purpose forquality time (Eph. 6:18; Phil 4:6; Luke 6:12)

4) Touch: Christs divinity touched humanity. The divine/human Mediator/Prince of

the Covenant came down to our level. On occasion He physically touched people. InHis humanity He was emotionally touched with our feelings and weaknesses (Heb.

4:15; Matt 19:13, 15; John 9:6,15).

5) Acts of Service: The merciful Prince of the New Covenant is a Priest forever

ministering and serving on our behalf. He imparts His Spirit and grace. (John

12:13,14; John 21:9,13, 25; Phil 2:7, 8.)

6) Words of affirmation: The words of the Prince of the Covenant are a great source

of comfort to His beloved. (John 6:33; 16:33; Prov. 12:18; 15:4; 18:21; 25:11; 31:26;

Luke 4:22; 1 John 3:20,21; 8:11)


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An example of Gods Correction followed by Commitment to His lady Ancient Israel: Inreflection and summation of what has been said, here through Ezekiel the prophet, is Gods message of

love and warning to ancient Israel. It is a reminder to Christs beloved lady (modern Israel today) not to

take the New Everlasting Covenant for granted. To remember who clothed her, remember who provided

her with the garments of righteousness and remember to retain the beautiful character of Christ.

THE PRINCE OF THE COVENANTSCARE & CORRECTION:

And when I passed by thee, and saw thee polluted in thine own blood [as a new born

baby], I said unto thee when thou wast in thy blood, Live; yea, I said unto thee when

thou wast in thy blood, Live. I have caused thee to multiply as the bud of the field, and

thou hast increased and waxen great, and thou art come to excellent ornaments: thy

breasts are fashioned, and thine hair is grown, whereas thou wast naked and bare.

Now when I passed by thee, and looked upon thee, behold, thy time was the time of

love; and I spread my skirt over thee, and covered thy nakedness: yea, I sware unto thee,

and entered into a covenant with thee, saith the Lord GOD, and thou becamest mine.

Then washed I thee with water; yea, I throughly washed away thy blood from thee, and

I anointed thee with oil. I clothed thee also with broidered work, and shod thee with

badgers' skin, and I girded thee about with fine linen, and I covered thee with silk. I

decked thee also with ornaments, and I put bracelets upon thy hands, and a chain on thy

neck.

And I put a jewel on thy forehead, and earrings in thine ears, and a beautiful crown

upon thine head. Thus wast thou decked with gold and silver; and thy raiment was of

fine linen and silk, and broidered work; thou didst eat fine flour, and honey, and oil: and

thou wast exceeding beautiful, and thou didst prosper into a kingdom.

And thy renown went forth among the heathen for thy beauty: for it was perfect through

my comeliness, which I had put upon thee, saith the Lord GOD. But thou didst trust in

thine own beauty, and playedst the harlot because of thy renown, and pouredst out thy

fornications on every one that passed by. . . . . . . . .

THE PRINCE OF THE COVENANTSLOVE & COMMITMENT:

For thus saith the Lord GOD; I will even deal with thee as thou hast done, which hast

despised the oath in breaking the covenant. Nevertheless I will remember my covenant

with thee in the days of thy youth, and I will establish unto thee an everlasting

covenant. Then thou shalt remember thy ways, and be ashamed, when thou shalt

receive thy sisters, thine elder and thy younger: and I will give them unto thee for

daughters, but not by thy covenant.

And I will establish my covenant with thee; and thou shalt know that I am the LORD:

That thou mayest remember, and be confounded, and never open thy mouth any more

because of thy shame, when I am pacified toward thee for all that thou hast done, saith

the Lord GOD. Eze. 16: 7-15, 59-63.

The Sanctified Life: She is not however immune from memories or temptations of the past life.

Temptation is inevitable. Her Prince works as an advocate and Supreme Court judge and is not

7) *Commitment: Commitment is the love language that most often neglected in

relationships today. The Prince of the Covenant is completely committed to His bride.

He confirmed a will with an oath promising to share His eternal inheritance with

His chosen lady (Jer. 3:14; 31:3; John 14:3,18; 15:26; 16:7; Rev. 21:9-11,24).


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Married to another

- Part 2

Being Delivered

From the Law(What the law engraven on stonecan, and cant, do!)


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Superseding Natural Law!

Introduction: Welcome to part two of three in the study of the Covenants. At face value

glancing at the title and subtitle on the previous page one could easily think, this study is

promoting infidelity, and rebellion to law and order! If you read the first study you will know it

is certainly not! In this study we will consider how to be delivered from the law of sin and death,how to be free from condemnation to walk in the liberty of Christ. We will examine the purpose

of the 10 Commandment law and what it can and cant do. We will explore how the law takeson a completely different revolutionary perspective when we are living and abiding in Christ.

We will also consider the instances when God did extraordinary things that implicated He is incontrol of everything and is way and above all natural law. We will discover how this is

practically significant in terms of the gospel - it promises and provides a power that supersedesthe inflexible law of sin and death.

What the law can and cant do: Now we will further consider the illustration of marriage as we

developed and applied in part 1. In a marriage the two individuals that unite are no longer two butbecome one flesh. (Gen 2:24; Eph. 5: 31) In the Old Covenant experience we are married (closely

bound) to our first husband the old *flesh nature/character the law of sin and death or the broken

law. In our fallen state we become so familiar and closely enmeshed with sin that it was part of our very

nature/character and identity we were no longer two but one. We might have known the law but

because we didnt have the presence of Christ we failed to keep the law and thats what made our

Christianity a miserable Old Covenant one! There is nothing wrong with the law (it is holy, just and

good, glorious etc.) It is a reflection of righteousness. But in the context of the weakness of our flesh

nature the apostle Paul wrote, what the law could not do . . (Rom 8:2,3). There are certain things the

law can do but there are more things that it simply could not [and cannot] do in that it is weak through

the flesh! It cannot bring righteousness (Gal. 2:21). The stone written code is powerless to transform

the character, give life, save or give us an inheritance Gal 3: 21; Rom 8:3; Gal 2:21; 3:18). But the good

news is that what the law could not do . . God can and does do in us through His supernaturaltransformative power! (Rom 8:3)

God is more powerful than natural law! See Matt 14:25-30. The gospel can be likened to walking on

water and flying with eagles wings! Christ and Peter, at one point, lived beyond the natural law of

gravity by miraculously walking on water. Through Gods heart-transforming supernatural power you

can live beyond the natural law of sin and eternal death. That which was once unnatural (righteousness)

becomes natural. This lesson teaches us God, the heavenly Creator of all law is not subject to any

natural law. Sometimes He does extraordinary things for His faithful children that supersede natural law

(See Isa 40:31; Heb. 1:3; Dan 3:22-25). The point is, the everlasting gospel is more powerful than the

law of sin and death.

The Purpose of the Law: What is the purpose of the law then? Why did God give it? The laws job isto awaken knowledge of sin. It entered the world that the offence [sin] might abound and that sin

by the Commandment (Rom. 3:20; 5:20). The primary job of the law is to magnify sin that it might

become [be seen as] exceeding sinful (Rom 7:13). Speaking of the 10 Commandments, as mentioned,

the apostle said, The letter [ministration of death written on stone] kills but the Spirit gives life (2

Cor. 3:6). In other words, merely focusing on the law, merely attempting to obey it in our own strength

without the Spirit of life in our hearts is a dead-end road that leads many well meaning sincere

professed Christians to secret despair, frustration and disappointment.

___________________________________________________________________________________(*Defining the Biblical term flesh. Now for a little clarification. Just in case anyone is confused at this point, the word

flesh mentioned throughout these studies generally refers to the fleshly/self-centered character and NOT merely the physical

aspect of our human nature. We will always have the fallen physical nature until Christs return when He will change ourbodies to glorious and perfect incorruptible ones.)


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In fact, obedience from the heart without an indwelling Christ is not merely difficult it is impossible!

(John 15:5) The frustration and guilt we experience as a consequence of our failures is what kills the joy,

freedom and life of our Christian experience and makes it a legal dry lifeless theory. There is absolutely

no fault in the law whatsoever but the fault was with people who, in and of themselves, try to obey it

when it is powerless to save. When we have Christ in our hearts and lives we have a radically different

relationship and response to the law we say with David, Oh how I love Thy law. It becomes our

delight, our meditation day and night, it is a light and a lamp, and a source of peace, comfort and

guidance to us who love it. Under the New, Gods Commandments are not grievous (1 John 5:3).

He is the Rock, his work is perfect: for all his ways are judgment: a God of truth and

without iniquity, just and right is he. Deut. 32:4

All Gods are perfect and nothing whatsoever He devises is faulty (Deut. 32:4; James 1:17; Matt 5:48).

Concerning the faultless nature of the law, the same could be said of the Old Covenant tabernacle. It

was temporary in nature but wasnt faulty. The people, however involved in its services were. So the

Old Covenant tabernacle and its services was glorious in that it reflected the heavenly ministration

and served a provisional purpose (Heb. 8:5; 9:23). It was a shadow of good things to come. Again,

God was trying to teach His people the cost of disconnecting themselves from Him (guilt, shame,

emotional consequences, and the need for a Savior- a perfect man to offer sacrifice and die in our place).

From the curse of Stone to hearts of flesh: The written law on stone (the ministration of death and

condemnation) can never save us or produce righteousness (Gal 2:21). Its purpose along with the

sacrificial law, is that the offence might abound, that sin would be magnified and clearly recognized

through the consciousness of guilt and shame (Rom. 5:20; 7:9, 13). Otherwise we would feel no need

for deliverance, no need of a Savior! But although the law is a description of righteousness, it is not

thesource of righteousness. Unlike our Savior it cannot provide righteousness but through the guilt itawakens, it CAN bring us unto to Christ who is the source of righteousness! (Gal. 3:21,24). The

moral 10 Commandment law is a reflection, a photograph of Gods character. Christ on the other hand

is the living object of the photograph, the ultimate expression and embodiment of Gods law. Think

about this. If you were to ask anyone who is happily married what would they rather kiss, cuddle, hug

and talk to day or night a static unresponsive photograph of their spouse or their actual livingbreathing spouse him or herself, it would be almost certain they would say My spouse! Theyd be

crazy to say otherwise! But a small photograph carried around in a purse or wallet still evokes

wonderful emotions and memories of their beloved and may help to preserve faithfulness and loyalty.

Christ the Son of God is the living breathing, seeing, talking walking law of God demonstrated to whom

it was prophesied He would magnify the law, and make it honorable (Isa 42:21). The stone law

defines righteousness yet it cannot impartrighteousness. Christ the embodiment of law can and DOES!

He modeled trust and dependence on the Father, and in contemplation of His life through prayer,

meditation and reading the Word (particularly the gospels), we meditate on Christ the end

[goal/aim/object] of the law day and night. And then it can be said, great peace have they which

love Thy law and nothing shall offend them [cause them to stumble] - Psm. 119:165

From the slavery of Judicial to the liberty of supernatural: How do we get the law from beingmerely judicial to becoming natural? The object of the New Covenant is to transfer the law from stone

and from dry religious formality, to the fleshly tables of the heart (2 Cor. 3:3). It is to bring us from

being under judicial law to being under natural law the supernatural law of the Spirit of life IN Christ

Jesus. (John 15: 1-10; Rom. 6:22; 8:3,4). As far as motivation goes, supernatural law, which becomes

natural under the New Covenant, is always far more powerful than the Old Covenant judicial .

One leads to fear-based motivation, eventual disconnection and failure, and the other is motivated by

love, which inspires connection and consequential victory.

The law of gravity is an example of natural law. It helps illustrate a spiritual lesson. Gravity is an

inflexible law (principle) designed by God that most people, unless they are foolish or intend to self-

destruct, live in harmony with. Almost everyone understands gravity exists to ground and protect them.

We instinctively know if someone jumps off a high building he or she will suffer very serious physical


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consequences possibly death! When they ignore this law and suffer the consequences, it is not God

that has inflicted injury upon them but they themselves suffer the law of cause-effect.

Christians understand the moral law is a protector and preserver of freedom. Like the law of gravity, the

10 Commandments are inflexible laws of life for our freedom, protection and happiness originating

from God. (They cannot be accommodated or changed anymore than His character can be changed).

There are inflexible principles inbuilt in the law itself that when violated bring emotional

consequences EVERY TIME. Both God AND His laws are protectors and preservers of freedom. (Psm119:24). The commandment is a lamp; and the law is a light to guide in the way of life (Prov. 6:23).

They preserve our success and welfare by preserving and protecting our relationships both human and

Divine. When Christians transgress and step out of the protection of Gods law of liberty (James 1:25;

2:12) and suffer emotional consequences (fear, pain, guilt, resentment, disconnection, fractured

relationships, heart-ache, anger, frustration, depression) we need to understand it is not God that has

arbitrarily inflicting them. They bring these toxic heavy emotions, and the effects and consequences,

upon themselves. The idea that Gods character and His laws are merely judicial or arbitrary leads to

open or secret resentment of Him - and even sometimes causes people to despise and reject Him. Just

look at atheism for example. Do your homework and you will see atheism came on the heels of the

strong rejection of Romes depiction of Gods character. During the French Revolution, they said in

effect, if God is like that (the way Papal Rome portrayed Him) then we will not serve Him, in fact we

dont even believe a god like that exists! I think they have a point! Id be an atheist too if I thought

God was like that. On the other hand, understanding Gods laws (natural and spiritual) as inflexible

principles of other-centered love for our happiness and protection makes us think twice about violating

them. It helps us to love, revere and respect Him to Fear God and give glory to Him.

Lawlessness = the curse of the law which is disconnection: Sin or lawlessness can be defined as

anything we think, say or do that hurts the Father God, the Son or another person (Heb. 6:6).

Understanding law this way instead of seeing it merely as dos and donts serves as a far more

powerful motivator in changing behavior. In hurting others we hurt ourselves and as Christians with

sensitive consciences we dont want to hurt people anymore! Whether we profess to be Christians or

not, sin results in fractured human relationships, it cause

Documents

Married to Another (Study of the Two Covenants)