Covenant

A covenant relationship with Jesus Christ. Actually, we can shorten that to just a “covenant with Jesus Christ”. And what is a covenant? It is a compact, an agreement……a contract.

Oops!

A contract is a legally binding agreement of specific terms and conditions between two or more parties. And if it is legal and binding, then it must also be enforceable, with consequences for not fulfilling the agreed upon commitment, obligation or duties.

Oops again!

Here are the components of a contract. This is intended to define a typical business contract, but notice how all of it directly applies to our covenant with Christ.

A) an offer; B) an acceptance of that offer which results in a meeting of the minds; C) a promise to perform; D) a valuable consideration (which can be a promise or payment in some form); E) a time or event when performance must be made (meet commitments); F) terms and conditions for performance, including fulfilling promises G) performance……Source: LAW.com.

By now I’m sure there is at least one person thinking I’m trying to drag Christianity back to the Jewish legal system of the Old Testament. Absolutely NOT!

But what many Christians do not realize is that when we accept Jesus Christ as our Savior, that there is an obligation by us to Christ. As in any relationship there is a certain amount of give and take, all of which is motivated by heart, spirit and love and not by contractual obligation or fear of retribution through enforceable law.

The covenant relationship is a two way street. It isn’t, “OK God, do what you do and change me. I’ll wait.” Nor is it a matter of performing duties, being a good person, or adhering to a set of written rules and regulations.

All works and deeds by a Christian are motivated by the Spirit of Christ residing within them. A Christian is Christ like not by mandate or emulation but by His consuming love. When Christ is in you, nothing devilish will come out of you.

“For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth” (Ephesians 5:8)

The fruit of the Spirit, or what the Spirit produces is nothing but goodness, righteousness and truth. No lie, unrighteousness or unholy thing can come of the Spirit. These things are produced naturally and without thought or effort.

It must be understood that being a “good person” and doing “good deeds” is not the same as a Christ motivated person. The devil himself can and will, do “good deeds”. The devil himself is a “good person” when out and about roaming the world.

The road to Hell is paved with good works and good deeds and is the road traveled by many a “good” person.

Think about this. We do things for our loved ones, not by mandate, expecting nothing in return and take great pleasure in doing them without premeditation or being instructed to do so.  Why? Because we love them, we are motivated by love for them, and are not following any prescript or mandate. 

Think of all the things you do, great and small, for your husband, wife, kids, grandchildren, relatives, coworkers, neighbors, etc. Things like packing a lunch, paying a compliment, holding the door open, carrying someone to the store, giving money, mowing a yard, checking up on someone’s wellbeing…..the list is endless of the things, (works and deeds) that we do for the ones we love that are motivated purely by love.

It’s the same thing with our relationship with Christ. We do things for Jesus because we love Him. We don’t think about it. What are called good works and deeds flow out naturally with a Christ consumed heart. Sin becomes alien to us because of this loving relationship and inherent need to please Him. Love becomes the dominant trait of a Christian because after all, God is love! (1 John 4: 8 & 16).

Now let’s go back to those components of a contract. They describe perfectly our covenant relationship with Christ. But as you read them, don’t think law, legal and judicial system. Think spirit, think love. Think in terms of what God does to preserve and guarantee us an eternal life with Him.

A) Offer. Jesus Christ offers the world salvation through Him.

B) Acceptance. The offer is made to everyone. Sadly, few will accept the offer.

C) Promise. The promise is of peace, love and joy. The promise is righteousness and truth. The promise is God, He is our portion and our lot.

D) Valuable Consideration. That price has already been paid by Christ at the cross.

E) Time. The time is now for your salvation. The time when Christ returns is too late.

F) Terms and Conditions. Christ has fulfilled his part of the covenant. The ball is now in our court. The contract isn’t consummated until we do our part.

G) Performance. Just do it!

Christians are in a covenant relationship with Jesus Christ. Visit with your heart, spirit and soul to see exactly where that covenant relationship is. If you are not a Christian, then realize that the offer still stands, regardless of where you’ve been. Christ isn’t concerned about that. He’s concerned about where you are going.

Bill Hitchcock