New Covenant

It's in Christ's blood, shed for you and for all people for the forgiveness of sins. Do this for the remeberance of him. (Wine in the Eucharist).

Introduction and Overview
Around 33 AD, in the city of Jerusalem, while Jews were celebrating Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread, Jesus Christ of Nazareth was instituting an everlasting covenant under which all former covenants would be subsumed. What distinguished it from its predecessors was that it was, as the Apostle Paul said, "a covenant of the Spirit."[See Corinthians 3:6]. This was the covenant prophesied by the prophet Jeremiah when he said, "The time is coming," declares the LORD, "when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah" [Jeremiah 31:31].

The New Covenant would include all people who exercised faith in God and in His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ. The sacred covenants that preceded it, the Noahic, Abrahamic, Mosaic and Levitical Priesthood Covenant, all had special significance for the time period which they covered, but could not fulfill God's ultimate purpose for mankind - bring about total redemption from sin and death. God, therefore, put into effect, a Covenant that could, and this Covenant, sealed by the precious blood of Jesus Christ and later signified by the Holy Spirit, went into effect in the last days as was foretold centuries earlier, by the prophets of God.

The Precursors
Biblical and historical evidence shows that Yahweh made covenants [conditional and unconditional] with chosen men in the past before ushering in His New Covenant through Jesus Christ. By means of covenants, God was able to establish binding agreements with men in order to carry our His will. God was always the initiator and guarantor of the agreements, and remained forever faithful to them in spite of the failure of the party/parties to remain loyal to Him. Although the covenant differed in one aspect or another, at the root of all of them was God's unconditional love for His creation and His desire to help men.


 * The Noahic Covenant

The Noahic Covenant was a Covenant of promise that God made to Noah for the entire earth. Here, God promised Noah that He would never again send a flood to destroy all life on the earth. The Noahic Covenant is recorded in part at Genesis 9:1 and reads "Then God blessed Noah and his sons, saying to them, 'Be fruitful and increase in number and fill the earth.'" In Genesis 9:9-11, God goes on to say, "I now establish my covenant with you, and with your descendants after you....Never again will all life be cut off by the waters of a flood; never again will there be a flood to destroy the earth." Later God gives Noah a sign of the Covenant. Genesis 9:12-13 thus reads, "This is the sign of the covenant I am making between me and you and every living creature with you, a covenant for all generations to come," and at verse 13 it states, "I have set my rainbow in the clouds, and it will be the sign of the covenant between me and the earth."


 * The Abrahamic Covenant

The Abrahamic Covenant was established around 2000 BC when God visited Abraham of Ur [Mesopotamia] and told him to leave his country for the land that He would show him. God then made binding promises of prosperity to Abraham and his descendants [Genesis 12:1-3]. The Abrahamic Covenant was a covenant of faith, for God chose Abraham to be the inheritor of many blessings because of his unwavering faith in Him as the only true God. Although the covenant was an everlasting agreement between Abraham and his natural heirs and servants, it came to include people of all nations who displayed faith as Abraham did. Their faith would make them heirs of Abraham and thereby heirs of the promises made to him. The covenantal promises spoken by God to Abraham are, "I will make you into a great nation and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing. 3 I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you" Genesis 12:2-3]. [add source] The sign of this covenant was circumcision.


 * The Mosaic Covenant

Some time around 1280 BC, following the Israelites' deliverance from slavery in Egypt [See Exodus], God instituted a Covenant through Moses. It was a Law Covenant designed to forge the Israelites into a holy nation that would serve God and be witnesses of Him to the Gentiles. This Law Covenant [Mosaic Covenant] required strict obedience to the commandments and ordinances of God. The Covenant was confirmed at Mt. Sinai when Moses reiterated all the commandments and judicial decisions of God to the people gathered there, had the men make burnt offerings and communion sacrifices to God, and sprinkled both the book of the Covenant and the people with the blood from the sacrificed animals [Exodus 24:1-8]. [Also see Hebrews 9:18-21.] Since this was a covenant of the law and one of flesh [signified by circumcision], failure to adhere to its rules and procedures could mean banishment, legal fines and penalties, or even death. The only remedy for perhaps many of the offenses was the ritual atonement on the altar.

Jdgray 13:08, 17 October 2008 (UTC)


 * The Davidic Covenant

According to one source, the Davidic Covenant refers to God’s promises to David through Nathan the prophet found in 2 Samuel 7 and later summarized in 1 Chronicles 17:11-14 and 2 Chronicles 6:16. This is an unconditional covenant made between God and David through which God promises David and Israel that the Messiah (Jesus Christ) would come from the lineage of David and the tribe of Judah and would establish a kingdom that would endure forever (2 Samuel 7:10-13). The Davidic Covenant is unconditional because God does not place any conditions of obedience upon its fulfillment. The surety of the promises made rests solely on God’s faithfulness and does not depend at all on David or Israel’s obedience."


 * In 1 Chronicles, the prophet Nathan is commanded by God to deliver His words to King David. Nathan therefore repeats God's exact words to him saying, "I declare to you that the LORD will build a house for you: 11 When your days are over and you go to be with your ancestors, I will raise up your offspring to succeed you, one of your own sons, and I will establish his kingdom. 12 He is the one who will build a house for me, and I will establish his throne forever. 13 I will be his father, and he will be my son. I will never take my love away from him, as I took it away from your predecessor. 14 I will set him over my house and my kingdom forever; his throne will be established forever.' "[1 chronicles 17:10-14]

The commentators continue, "the Davidic Covenant centers on several key promises that are made to David. 1) God reaffirms the promise of the land that He made in the first two covenants with Israel (the Abrahamic and Mosaic Covenants). This promise is seen in 2 Samuel 7:10, “Moreover I will appoint a place for My people Israel, and will plant them, that they may dwell in a place of their own and move no more; nor shall the sons of wickedness oppress them anymore, as previously.” 2) God promises that David’s descendant or “seed” will succeed him as king of Israel and that David’s throne will be established forever. This promise is seen in 2 Samuel 7:12-13, "I will set up your seed after you, who will come from your body, and I will establish his kingdom. He shall build a house for My name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever.” This is a reference to the coming Messiah, Jesus Christ."

At the end, the writers explain, "The provisions of the covenant are summarized in 2 Samuel 7:16, “And your house and your kingdom shall be established forever before you. Your throne shall be established forever.” The promise that David’s “house,” “kingdom” and “throne” will be established forever is significant because it shows that the Messiah will come from the lineage of David and that He will establish a kingdom from which He will reign. The covenant is summarized by the words “house,” promising a dynasty in the lineage of David; “kingdom,” referring to a people who are governed by a king; “throne,” emphasizing the authority of the king’s rule; and “forever,” emphasizing the eternal and unconditional nature of this promise to David and Israel. Jdgray 14:21, 17 October 2008 (UTC)

Jesus Christ, Mediator
A new covenant was about to be instituted by God, and it's beginning was signaled by the divine birth of God's only begotten Son, our Lord Jesus Christ. As prophesied by Isaiah and other prophets of the Old Testament, a Son would be born of a Virgin in the latter days, and the government of the world would forever be on His shoulders. The verse that predicts this event is found in Isaiah 9:6.7 and reads:
 * 6 For to us a child is born,

to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 7 Of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David's throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it       with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the LORD Almighty will accomplish this. "

This glorious event took place around 4 BC in the city of David [Bethlehem] when the Virgin Mary gave birth to an infant son and called his name Jesus. The birth of Jesus Christ was the starting point of God's plan of redemption. The plan would be fulfilled in Christ's ransom death, whereby His shed blood would pay the price for mankind's sin, bringing about a reconciliation between Almighty God and man. Christ, following His resurrection, would ascend back into heaven to be installed as our eternal King and High Priest, and mediator of the New Covenant.

The most sacred aspect of the New Covenant is the Eucharist or the Lord's Last Supper celebration [Also see Holy Communion, Divine Liturgy.] Christ instituted the Eucharist ceremony during His last Supper with His Apostles on the eve of the Passover celebration in Jerusalem. He prescribed this observance as the manner by which all would remember Him. 1 Corinthians 11:25 states, "In the same way, after supper he took the cup, saying, "This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me." Merriam-Webster dictionary defines communion [the Eucharist] as "a Christian sacrament in which consecrated bread and wine are consumed as memorials of Christ's death or as symbols for the realization of a spiritual union between Christ and communicant or as the body and blood of Christ." The Apostle Luke writes, "In the same way, after the supper he [Jesus Christ] took the cup, saying, "This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you. Luke 22:20.] The blood of Christ, symbolized by the sacrament of wine, brings about atonement or forgiveness. The Apostle Paul confirms this truth in Hebrews 9:22 when he says, "In fact, the law requires that nearly everything be cleansed with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness." http://www.ibs.org/bible/verse/index.php?q=+Hebrews+9%3A22&niv=yes&submit=Lookup] Also see Numbers 8:12. The bread of the Eucharist represents Christ's body. In this sacrament Christ is revealed as the true bread that sustains all life.

Jesus Christ, Our High Priest
Jesus Christ is the eternal High Priest of the New Covenant. He performed this priestly role while on earth when he made the ultimate sacrifice [Himself]on mankind's behalf. He performs this role in heaven as He baptizes them in or with Holy Spirit [referred to by some followers as annointing], makes intercession on behalf of His followers, blesses them as heirs of Abraham, nurtures and sustains them with spiritual bread or food, ministers healing to them, and does many other things for their welfare. Christ does all things through the Eternal Holy Spirit.

The Apostle Paul write at Hebrews 9:;;, "But when Christ came as high priest of the good things that are now already here, he went through the greater and more perfect tabernacle that is not made with human hands, that is to say, is not a part of this creation. 12 He did not enter by means of the blood of goats and calves; but he entered the Most Holy Place once for all by his own blood, thus obtaining eternal redemption. 13 The blood of goats and bulls and the ashes of a heifer sprinkled on those who are ceremonially unclean sanctify them so that they are outwardly clean. 14 How much more, then, will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself unblemished to God, cleanse our consciences from acts that lead to death, so that we may serve the living God!  15 For this reason Christ is the mediator of a new covenant, that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance—now that he has died as a ransom to set them free from the sins committed under the first covenant.

18 This is why even the first covenant was not put into effect without blood. 19 When Moses had proclaimed every command of the law to all the people, he took the blood of calves, together with water, scarlet wool and branches of hyssop, and sprinkled the scroll and all the people. 20 He said, "This is the blood of the covenant, which God has commanded you to keep." 21 In the same way, he sprinkled with the blood both the tabernacle and everything used in its ceremonies. 22 In fact, the law requires that nearly everything be cleansed with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness.

The Eternal Holy Spirit
As the New Advent Encyclopedia point out, "The Holy Spirit is the Third Person of the Blessed Trinity. Though really distinct, as a Person, from the Father and the Son, He is consubstantial with Them; being God like Them, He possesses with Them one and the same Divine Essence or Nature. He proceeds, not by way of generation, but by way of inspiration, from the Father and the Son together, as from a single source." 

The Holy Spirit is a real person who came to reside within Jesus Christ's true followers after Jesus rose from the dead and ascended to heaven (Acts 2). Jesus told His apostles, "I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may be with you forever; the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it does not behold Him or know Him, but you know Him because He abides with you, and will be in you. I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you" [John 14:16-18].

The Holy Spirit is not a vague, ethereal shadow, nor an impersonal force. He is a person equal in every way with God the Father and God the Son. Jesus said to His apostles, "All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age" [Matthew 28:18-20].

The Apostle John summarized the role of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit's major role, the Apostle explains, is to bear witness of Jesus Christ (John 15:26, 16:14). The Holy Spirit also acts as a teacher (1Cor. 2:9-14), revealing God's will to Christ's followers and God's truth. Jesus Christ told His disciples, "The Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all that I said to you" [John 14:26]. Jesus Christ adds, "When He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all the truth; for He will not speak on His own initiative, but whatever He hears, He will speak; and He will disclose to you what is to come." (John 16:13)

On the Day of Pentecost, Jesus Christ sent forth the eternal Holy Spirit as promised. For the Spirit is the guide for believers under the New Covenant. The New Covenant is a covenant of the Spirit, and everything that takes place in the life of the Christian is done by means of the Holy Spirit. Christ's followers are brought into the New Covenant through the mystical operation of the Holy Spirit. Jdgray 21:20, 16 October 2008 (UTC)

Prophecies of the New Covenant

 * Jacob

Jacob's Testament about the Messiah through Judah


 * King David

Psalm 132:12- "If your sons keep my covenant and the statutes I teach them, then their sons will sit on your throne for ever and ever.

Isaiah 40:3-5 "A voice of one calling:"In the desert prepare the way for the LORD [a]; make straight in the wilderness a highway for our God. [b]Every valley shall be raised up,every mountain and hill made low;the rough ground shall become level, the rugged places a plain. 5 And the glory of the LORD will be revealed, and all mankind together will see it. For the mouth of the LORD has spoken."
 * Isaiah

Isaiah 40:10 - 10 See, the Sovereign LORD comes with power, and his arm rules for him. See, his reward is with him, and his recompense accompanies him.]

Isaiah 65:17 - "Behold, I will create new heavens and a new earth. The former things will not be remembered, nor will they come to mind.]


 * Jeremiah

"The time is coming," declares the LORD, "when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah."[Jeremiah 31:3]


 * Micah


 * Malachi

Angelic Pronouncements

 * Made to Zechariah


 * Made to Mary

The birth of Jesus was announced to the Virgin Mary by the angel Gabriel while she was betrothed to Jacob and still residing in Bethlehem. The verses read as follows:

The virgin's name was Mary. 28The angel went to her and said, "Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you." :29Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. 30But the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God. 31You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus. 32He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, 33and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever; his kingdom will never end." :34"How will this be," Mary asked the angel, "since I am a virgin?" :35The angel answered, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. 36Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be barren is in her sixth month. 37For nothing is impossible with God." :38"I am the Lord's servant," Mary answered. "May it be to me as you have said." Then the angel left her. From Luke 1..]

Symbolic Links to God's Former Covenants
Jdgray 16:22, 13 October 2008 (UTC)
 * Abraham
 * Moses
 * Phineas