The Covenant of Redemption
Section 2
LAW COVENANT
After Moses fled from Egypt, he began to learn that his strength was in God and not himself. He surrendered his self will and became a humble child of God. At the end of forty years in Midian, God appeared before him in the burning bush and said, “I have surely seen the affliction of my people which are in Egypt, and have heard their cry…
And I am come down to deliver them out of the hand of the Egyptians, and to bring them up out of that land unto a good land and a large, unto a land flowing with milk and honey…” Exodus 3:7.8.
Of course Moses was fearful. “Who am I?…. they shall say to me, What is his name? What shall I say unto them?” And God said unto Moses, “I AM THAT I AM…. This shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I AM hath sent me unto you…
Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, the Lord God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, the God of Jacob, hath sent me unto you; this is my name for ever, and this is my memorial unto all generations. Go….” Exodus 3:11.13-15.
At first the Hebrews rejoiced at the good news, but when Pharaoh refused to let them go, the people became discouraged. They complained to Moses saying, “…. Ye have made our savour to be abhorred in the eyes of Pharaoh….” Exodus 5:21.
Moses was also discouraged. He returned to the Lord with his complaint, but God said, “Now shalt thou see what I will do to Pharaoh, for with a strong hand shall he let them go, with a strong hand shall he drive them out of his land.
I appeared unto Abraham, unto Isaac, and unto Jacob, by the name of God Almighty, but by my name YHVH was I not known to them. And I have established my covenant with them, to give them the land of Canaan, the land of their pilgrimage, wherein they were strangers….
Wherefore say unto the children of Israel, I am the Lord, and I will bring you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians, and I will rid you out of their bondage, and I will redeem you with a stretched out arm, and with great judgments, and I will take you to me for a people, and I will be to you a God, and ye shall know that I am the Lord your God, which bringeth you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians.
And I will bring you unto the land, concerning the which I did swear to give it to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob; and I will give it you for an heritage; I am the Lord.” Exodus 6:1-8.
God’s message to Moses was a confirmation of the Covenant of Redemption, and although it spoke of the literal land of Canaan, it implied all the everlasting covenant had promised. This, the true Hebrew understood.
In reality, the message given to Moses was a divine communication of deliverance from sin. God was saying to them, ‘I will redeem you… I will take you to me…. I will be to you a God…. I am the Lord your God….’
In His plan, Egypt would be gone forever.
Sadly, the Hebrew people were rebellious. No sooner had they left Egyptian territory than they began to complain.
When they saw Pharaoh and his army thundering in hot pursuit across the desert, they cried to Moses, “Is not this the word that we did tell thee in Egypt, saying, Let us alone, that we may serve the Egyptians? For it had been better for us to serve the Egyptians, than that we should die in the wilderness.” Exodus 14:12.
Moses directed their thoughts to the One who had been their Deliverer saying, “Fear ye not, stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord, which he will shew to you today; for the Egytians whom ye have seen today, ye shall see them again no more for ever. The Lord shall fight for you, and ye shall hold your peace.” Exodus 14:13.14.
The deliverance was miraculous. It was a spiritual lesson of Christ’s body stretched out between heaven and earth, a deliverance wrought by God and not man.
Stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord.
On the other side of the Red Sea, Israel sang of their mighty deliverance, but when they ran out of food, they complained. “Would to God we had died by the hand of the Lord in the land of Egypt when we sat by the flesh pots, and when we did eat bread to the full; for ye have brought us forth into this wilderness, to kill this whole assembly with hunger.” Exodus 16:2.3.
Little did they realise that the Son of God – the One who had promised to give His life for salvation – was their Leader. He was the One who delivered them through the Red Sea. He was the One who fed them with manna forty years. He was the One who gave them water from the rock. He was the One who gave them shade from the heat of the desert sun, and warmth by night.
“I would not that ye should be ignorant, how that all our fathers were under the cloud, and all passed through the sea… and did all eat the same spiritual meat, and did all drink the same spiritual drink; for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them; and that Rock was Christ.” 1 Corinthians 10:1-4.
Paul tells the sad story of their rebellion. “But with many of them God was not well-pleased, for they were overthrown in the wilderness.” 1 Corinthians 10:5-11. “With whom was He grieved forty years? Was it not with them that had sinned, whose carcases fell in the wilderness.” Hebrews 3:17.
Why could they not enter the promised land?
“And to whom sware he that they should not enter into his rest, but to them that believed not? So we see that they could not enter in because of unbelief.” Hebrews 3:18.19.
It is for this reason that God could not unite Israel to His Covenant of Redemption. They were a rebellious people, but in deference to Abraham, God fulfilled His promise to bring them into the promised land of Canaan. Psalm 105:38-45.
When they arrived at Mount Sinai, God made another covenant with the nation of Israel. It involved the literal land and its bounties, the literal descendants of Abraham, a civil law, a priesthood by law, an earthly sanctuary, elaborate ordinances and rites, and the sacrifice of thousands of animals every day.
It was not an evil covenant, for God said the nation would be “a peculiar treasure above all people… a kingdom of priests, and an holy nation.” Exodus 19:5.6.
God’s greatest desire was that they would obey His laws. He cried out in divine longing, “O that there were such an heart in them, that they would fear me, and keep all my commandments always, that it might be well with them, and with their children for ever!” Deuteronomy 5:29.
If only the children of Jacob had a love in their hearts for their mighty Deliverer.
If only they had faith enough in Him to claim the promises.
When God came down on Mount Sinai to give His laws, the people were petrified. They heard the law spoken from the fiery mountain and said to Moses, “Speak thou with us, and we will hear; but let not God speak with us, lest we die.” Exodus 20:19.
Moses called for the elders and gave the words of the Lord, “And all the people answered together, and said, ‘All that the Lord hath spoken we will do’.” Exodus 19:7.8. Deuteronomy 5:27.
God knew they were still a rebellious people, but He always desires obedience. Two of Noah’s sons were rebellious, but the fact that they were obedient to their father, saved them from drowning in the flood. It did not give them salvation, but they had an extended life.
Although the Mosaic Covenant was only temporary, it was a ‘type’ of the Covenant of Redemption. Look at some comparisons:
- Both were based on the holy law of God. Exodus 31:18. 25:16-21. Revelation 11:19.
- Both were to involve a nation that was to be holy and obedient. Exodus 19:6. 1 Peter 2:5-9. 1 John 3:2-4.
- Both would have an order of priesthood and a high priest. Exodus 28:1. Hebrews 3:1.4.14-16. 1 Peter 2:5.
- Both had a sanctuary with blood sacrifices. Exodus 25:8. Leviticus 1:3.4. 4:1-6. Hebrews 8:12. 9:1-5.11.24.
- Both had forgiveness through sacrifice and the offering of blood by the priest. Leviticus 4:20.26.35. Hebrews 9:28. 10:10.14. 1 John 1:9.
- Both had a promised land flowing with milk and honey. Numbers 13:26.27. Revelation 21:1-4. Isaiah 65:17.21-25.
However, the differences were great.
The Mosaic Covenant was a system of externals. Its moral law did not enter the heart. Although written on stone, which is enduring as far as the law is concerned, it was only the ‘letter’ of the law, and “...the letter killeth”. 2 Corinthians 3:6.
“Therefore, by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight, for by the law is the knowledge of sin.” Romans 3:20.
The LAW, any kind of law, can only reveal sin; it can not make a new man.
In contrast, the Redemptive Covenant is spiritual, based on the same eternal Law of God, but the divine original. It is a “spiritual” law and covenant, and “the spirit giveth life.” Romans 7:12. 2 Corinthians 3:6.
David says of this law, “…thy commandment is exceeding broad”. Psalm 119:96. It speaks, through the divine Lawgiver, to the thoughts, motives, words, and actions, “a discerner of the thoughts and intents or the heart.” Hebrews 4:12. (The Word of God and the Law of God both are “sharper than any two-edged sword” because the Spirit of God operates through them both)
God’s moral ten commandment law is “holy, just and good”. Romans 7:14. It is as sacred as God Himself, a revelation of the divine will, a transcript of His holy character.
Under the Mosaic Covenant, Israel was “kept under the law (the covenant of law) shut up unto the faith which should afterwards by revealed.” Galatians 3:23. (This revelation was the incarnation of the Son of God. It was a manifestation of God in human flesh. 1 John 1:2. Romans 16:25.26)
The Old Covenant was designed to be a schoolmaster, continually pointing to the coming of the Saviour. It was a Teacher of divine realities. “Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ….” Galatians 3:24.
When MESSIAH did come to His temple, He filled the “house with glory.” Haggai 2:7. Said John, “And we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father…” John 1:14.
Sad to say, the people of the Old Covenant rejected Him, and Yeshua had to say to them, “Behold, your house is left unto you desolate.” Matthew 23:38.
This was the end of the Sinai covenant, “In that he saith, ‘A new covenant, he hath made the first old. Now that which decayeth and waxeth old is ready to vanish away.” Hebrews 8:7.13.
The Mosaic Covenant was null and void. It was over, and from this time forward, the Covenant of Redemption would be known as the New Covenant. This everlasting covenant has always been the glorious gospel of Christ.
OLD COVENANT
Some years after the cross, the church in Galatia had problems with certain brethren trying to undermine their freedom in Christ. They were insisting on the rite of circumcision.
Unfortunately, many had fallen for this false teaching and Paul cried out to them, “Oh foolish Galatians, who hath bewitched you that ye should not obey the truth…. Are ye so foolish having begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect in the flesh?” Galatians 3:1-3.
It is understandable that their fall into heresy was heartbreaking to the apostle. He had taught them the truth and now they had turned from it.
Once again Paul explained the gospel as given to Abraham, “Know ye therefore that they which are of faith, the same are the children of Abraham. And the Scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the heathen through faith, preached before the gospel unto Abraham, saying, ‘In Abraham shall all nations be blessed’.” Galatians 3:7.8.
In other words, the covenant made with Abraham was the covenant of salvation, and it was to this same covenant the Galatians had first been joined through their faith in Christ. Why did they want to go back to the Old Covenant?
He went on to explain that those who were under the Old Covenant were under a curse, not because of an arbitrary act on God’s part, but because the people failed to obey the laws of that covenant.
Paul was saying in effect, ‘If you want to keep the covenant of law, you must keep it absolutely, every jot and tittle. What is the point of keeping one Old Covenant law when there are hundreds of others?’ (The Old Covenant had 613 laws in all)
James had said, “Whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all.” James 2:10. This was in harmony with Paul’s argument to the Galatians, “Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them.” Galatians 3:10.
Before the fall of Adam and Eve, man was under a covenant of law, but once God’s specific command had been broken, there could be no return, not until sin had been eradicated from the universe. In a covenant of ‘Obey and Live’, “the man that doeth them shall live in them.” Galatians 3:12. (Genesis 2:16.17. 3:19.22-24)
“If there had been a law given which could have given life, verily righteousness should have been by the law”, but it was impossible. Galatians 3:21.
It is obvious no man can be saved by this means, “for all have sinned and come short of the glory of God.” Romans 3:23. Paul makes it absolutely clear that no one is exempt, for “what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are under the law; that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God.” Romans 3:19.
Therefore God must save the world another way; that way is by faith, for “the just shall live by faith.” Galatians 3:11. Romans 1:17.
Christ took the curse of the wrong-doer upon Himself “being made a curse for us”, and thus He has “redeemed us from the curse of the law.” Galatians 3:13. This does not mean that obedience is the curse of the law as some suppose, but that the penalty of death for disobedience has been paid for by Christ.
On the cross, Christ ratified the everlasting covenant, making it a legal entity. Thus the covenant made with Abraham stands fast, no further covenant can alter it. It is like a will; once the testator has been laid to rest, no one can change the testament, whether the words are received with joy or pain, the will remains unchanged. Hebrews 9:16.17.
Paul illustrates this by speaking about covenants made between men in worldly business. Once the document has been officially signed, “no man disannulleth or addeth thereto.” Galatians 3:15. He then links this lesson with Abraham.
“And this I say, that the covenant, that was confirmed before of God in Christ, the law, which was four hundred and thirty years after, cannot disannul, that it should make the promise of none effect.” Galatians 3:16.17.
Paul continues, “If the inheritance be of the law, it is no more of promise; but God gave it to Abraham by promise.” Galatians 3:18.
Why then did God make a law covenant with Israel?
It is an obvious question. Paul’s answer is, “it was added because of transgressions.” Galatians 3:19.
If God’s people had been surrendered and believed like Abraham, there would have been no need for the covenant of law. Israel would have continued to offer simple sacrifices, awaiting the Messiah and the eternal land. (They would also have been in the land of Canaan within a very short time, instead of having to wander in the wilderness for forty years. The time had come for their deliverance, but they scorned it)
They “forgot God their Saviour, which had done good things in Egypt…. Yea, they despised the pleasant land, they believed not His word.” Psalms 106:21.24.
In His love, God gave them an elaborate kindergarden lesson. Like children, they must learn to obey, until in their own personal maturity, they realised that salvation was by faith and not works. All who did this were joined to God’s Covenant of Redemption.
The addition of a law covenant, can refer to the covenant itself, or it can refer to the ten commandments on tables of stone. The distinction is important.
(a) The law covenant.
David wrote, “He hath remembered his covenant for ever, the word which He commanded to a thousand generations, which covenant He made with Abraham, and his oath unto Isaac, and confirmed the same unto Jacob for a law, and to Israel for an everlasting covenant.” Psalm 105:8-10. 1 Chronicles 16:17.
Notice that God confirmed His covenant unto Jacob “for a law”. It is clear that God united Jacob to His everlasting covenant at Bethel, confirming it again when his name was changed to Israel. So “unto Jacob for a law” must refer to Jacob as the nation, something often done in Scripture.
The statement “and to Israel for an everlasting covenant”, obviously refers to the faithful in Israel, for the Mosaic Covenant has never been referred to as an “everlasting covenant”. It was always to be temporary. (The name Jacob means “a deceiver”, and Israel, “as a prince has thou power with God and with men, and hast prevailed.” Genesis 32:24-30. 35:9-15)
The words “the law was added” certainly refers to the actual covenant, and could be worded - ‘the law covenant was added’ (or made).
(b) The ten commandments.
The word “added” can also mean that the commandments were “spoken” audibly at Mount Sinai. The word ‘added’ is ‘prostithemi’ in Greek. It has been translated “added” in Galatians 3:19, but “spoken” in Hebrews 12:19.
It is vital to understand that the Ten Commandments were in existence and well known prior to Sinai. Even in the Garden of Eden, Adam and Eve broke the Law of God. Although the command was specific regarding the fruit of one particular tree, the actual law broken was the moral law. (In putting the word of Satan before God’s word they broke the first command; taking the fruit of a tree that did not belong to them broke the eighth; blaming others, including God, broke the ninth; and coveting forbidden wisdom broke the 10th commandment)
After Cain slew his brother, God punished him, an act He would not have done if there had been no law. Genesis 4:9-12. Cain knew he had committed murder, for “…by the law is the knowledge of sin.” Romans 3:20. “Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law, for sin is the transgression of the law.” 1 John 3:4.
Certainly Abraham understood God’s Law, for it was said of him, “…he obeyed my voice, and kept my charge, my commandments, my statutes and my laws." Genesis 26:5. 18:19.
When Abraham told Pharoah Sarah was his sister, he knew it was a lie. Even the heathen king understood, and on discovery, was angry. Genesis 12:10-20. (Sarah was Abraham’s half sister, but to hide his marital relationship made it a lie)
Wherever there is sin, there is law. Paul makes this clear when he says, “For until the law (or until Sinai) sin was in the world, but sin is not imputed when there is no law.” Romans 5:13.
Another convincing example took place one month before Israel arrived at Sinai when they ran out of food.
After their complaint, God gave instructions for the provision of a daily supply of manna. It was to be gathered six days of the week, but not on Sabbath. Only sufficient was to be collected for the day as the leftovers would putrify. But on Friday, twice as much was to be collected, enough for Friday and Sabbath. This time it would remain sweet and fresh for the holy day. Exodus 16:1-36.
Although the manna was to provide regular food for the next forty years, the reason God gave such explicit instructions was “that I may prove them, whether they will walk in my law or no.” Exodus 16:4.
Still rebellious, some Israelites went out on the Sabbath day, but found no manna. Others collected too much during the week and in the morning it stank. The Lord said through Moses, “How long refuse ye to keep my commandments and my laws.” Genesis 16:28.
The reason why the law was “added”, or “spoken” in such an awesome manner, was that Israel might see their sin, or as Paul says, “… the law entered, that the offence might abound.” Romans 5:20. (The Spirit of God works through the law bringing conviction to the heart. John 16:8. Romans 7:9)
After dealing with the purpose of the law, Paul asks, “Is the law then against the promises of God?” Galatians 3:21. His answer is decisive, “God forbid.” Galatians 3:21.
The fact that God made another covenant did not alter anything. It only meant that Israel needed to learn how God regards sin, and their need of a Saviour. Both were seen in the sacrificial system of rites and ceremonies.
Even today the nation of Israel needs to learn this truth, for “they have a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge”.
Instead of accepting the gift of righteousness, they are “going about to establish their own righteousness”. They keep the Mosaic Covenant for righteousness, instead of submitting themselves “unto the righteousness of God” through Christ.” Romans 10:2.3.
“Until this day, remaineth the same veil untaken away in the reading of the Old Testament, which veil is done away in Christ…. when Moses is read, the veil is upon their heart. Nevertheless, when it shall turn to the Lord, the veil shall be taken away.” 2 Corinthians 3:14-16.
Some Christians are also confused when they read the Old Testament. Instead of allowing the Lord Jesus Christ, through His omnipresent Spirit, to use the books of Moses as the divine Textbook, they discard them completely.
The text, “For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth”, is believed to cancel all obligation to commandment-keeping. Romans 10:4.
But Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to all who believe, for to accept Christ is to receive righteousness by faith, bringing to an end an Old Covenant experience. And the Greek word ‘telos’ means ‘goal, point, or purpose’, showing that Christ is the Goal or Object of the law, both the Law Covenant and the Ten Commandments. Galatians 3:24.
The truth of righteousness by faith was shown to Abraham when he was told to observe the stars in the night sky. As He looked at the countless shiny lights, God said to him, “So shall thy seed be”. Genesis 15:5. “Abraham believed in the Lord, and He counted it to him for righteousness.” Genesis 15:6.
Paul says of Abraham’s experience, “Now it was not written for his sake alone, that it was imputed to him, but for us also, to whom it shall be imputed, if we believe on him that raised up Jesus from the dead.” Romans 4:23.24.
The Mosaic covenant of law was given to Israel, “to bring (them) unto Christ”, that they might be “justified by faith”. Galatians 3:24. 4:3-5.
FAITH COVENANT
Let us praise God for the everlasting covenant. It is the gospel, the good news of salvation.
Before we were born and the world created, the Father anticipated (“predestined” Ephesians 1:3) our salvation. He saw us, in His Son, released from the bondage of sin and death. It is the most wonderful promise in the universe.
God has spoken, “My covenant will I not break, nor alter the thing that is gone out of my lips.” Psalm 89:34.
When Abraham Lincoln signed the emancipation papers against slavery in the United States, he was placing his signature to a dream that had been in his heart for many years. He wanted all men, especially in his own country, to be free.
It was the same with God. He desired all the world to be free, and when Christ gave His life on Calvary, the Father’s ‘dream’, so to speak, was realised.
As a result, you and I are free.
So also is the drunk in the gutter, and the heathen in the jungles of Africa, the men and women in prison, and the leaders of regimes that convey terror to their subjects. They are still bound to sin in their personal experience, but the good news is that “in Christ” every man is free!
The lifegate is open -- through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Why doesn’t everyone go through the Door of salvation?
Perhaps it is because they have not heard the good news! (After all, “…how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher?” Romans 10:14.15)
“God who is rich in mercy, for His great love wherewith he loved us, even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ…. and hath raised us up together and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus, that in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus… for we are his workmanship…. which God hath before ordained….” Ephesians 2:4-7.10.
Yes, we were “ordained” to be saints before the world began. This is the “wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom.” 1 Corinthians 2:7.
Today, not one person needs to feel without hope. No matter what the circumstances, there is hope. No matter how sinful a person is, or how unworthy they feel, there is hope. Even if they have failed God over and over, there is hope.
Hope is in God and in Jesus Christ, nothing else.
“For there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we might be saved.” Acts 4:12.
It is important to understand clearly the meaning of being ‘in Christ’, otherwise there will be great misunderstanding, even a false message. And a counterfeit gospel is something Paul warned against in very strong terms.
“But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. As we said before, so say I now again, if any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed.” Galatians 1:8.9.
Not only is there “another gospel”, but “another Jesus” and “another Spirit”. “For if he that cometh, preacheth another Jesus, whom we have not preached, or if ye receive another spirit, which ye have not received, or another gospel, which ye have not accepted, ye might well bear with him.” 2 Corinthians 11:4.
We must be extremely careful.
To understand that all men are legally free ‘in Christ’ and seated in heavenly places, does not mean all men are saved. When the Father looks upon His Son, He sees all men free, but when He looks at the world, He sees few who claim the glorious truth.
Heaven does not belong to the world, it belongs to Christ. Only those who have accepted the good news of deliverance have any claim to the promises. Even then, their ‘claim’ is only through faith in Christ.
But for committed Christians, the Spirit of Christ connects them to God’s covenant, and they can then see themselves seated in heavenly places “in Christ” because “God hath revealed (it to them) through His Spirit…” 1 Corinthians 2:9.10. Galatians 4:6. It is still by faith, but now it is their inheritance as children of God.
The man or woman who refuses to surrender has no claim on a heavenly inheritance. It is true God sees them “in Christ”, but His ‘dream’ can never become a reality if they do not surrender. “He that believeth on him (Christ) is not condemned; but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.” John 3:18.
Never confuse what God sees legally when He looks at His Son, with what He sees literally when He looks at the sinful world. And never confuse what you see literally in yourself with what you see by faith when you look at Christ. There must always be a distinction.
Let us consider once again the establishment of the covenant in heaven.
The only reason God and Christ could make an agreement that would save mankind from the bondage of sin, is because the Father and Son are absolutely righteous. This might seem obvious, but sometimes it is overlooked.
The character of God is holy. The character of His Son is holy, and He is the “brightness of His (Father’s) glory and the express image of His person”. Hebrews 1:3. God is absolutely just, truthful and good. “The Lord is gracious, and full of compassion; slow to anger, and of great mercy.” Psalm 145:8. And “God is love”. 1 John 4:8.16. John 3:16.
“The Lord is righteous in all his ways, and holy in all his works.” Psalm 145:17.
His name is “…holy and reverend...” Psalm 111:9.
“Our Father, which art in heaven, hallowed be thy name….” Matthew 6:9.
His Law is spiritual, “… all his commandments are sure, they stand fast for ever and ever, and are done in truth and uprightness.” Psalm 111:7.8.
It is upon this basis that the agreement between the Father and the Son was made. The Son agreed to keep the Law of God on earth as perfectly as He kept it in heaven or there could be no salvation. Adam and Eve lost eternal life through one sin, and it would be the same for Christ.
We failed early in life, and before too long we sinned again and again and again. In our lost state, all “…our righteousnesses are as filthy rags…” Isaiah 64:6. Heaven is beyond our reach.
The GOOD NEWS is that Christ offers to give us Heaven’s righteousness as a gift. He has ‘worked’ this righteousness into humanity, and this is the only way we can present to God a righteousness good enough to entitle us to heaven.
But, it can never cover unrepented, wilful sin. In other words, God cannot credit His Son’s holy life to a person who remains rebellious and intends to sin.
However, a decision for Christ is not a promise to obey in order to gain heaven. This is the Old Covenant experience. Salvation is always a free gift.
In making my commitment to Christ, I realise that my life is bound up with His life, as far back as the covenant pledge in eternity. His death was my death, and His life is my life. With grateful heart, I hand everything over to Him, giving Him permission to do His will in me. I know I am weak and helpless in myself, and although my goal is to walk a new life without sin, I cannot promise to do it because I do not know my own heart. It is “… deceitful… and desperately wicked.” Jeremiah 17:9. But I am willing to surrender my will to the Saviour moment by moment.
Sadly some Christians believe Christ did all the obeying because it is impossible for us. As a result they say, ‘We will be sinning until Jesus comes’, yet they expect to enter the pearly gates. It is pure deception.
Jesus did obey on our behalf, this is true. He is our Substitute for righteousness, but He is not our substitute for godly living. In this, He is our example.
Paul asked the question, “Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound?” Romans 6:1. His answer is once again decisive. “God forbid.” 6:2. Nothing could be further from the truth, for we have been “ordained…. unto good works.” Ephesians 2:10.
“For by grace are ye saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest any man should boast, for we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.” Ephesians 2:8-10.
When we are joined by faith to God’s Covenant of Redemption, we must be willing to live like Jesus lived. We must be willing to forsake the world and its pleasures, and be fitted for heaven.
God cannot take any chances with those who inhabit eternity. They must live in the sight of a holy God without sin. They will be in the presence of the glorified Jesus, for whom their praise and gratitude will rise for eternity. And they will be companions of holy angels.
The promise is that sin and “affliction shall not rise up the second time.” Nahum 1:9.
When Jesus comes He will not change our characters. The time to submit is NOW. If you want to know if your faith is genuine, look at your thoughts, words, and deeds, and see how they stand against the Word of God. “Whosoever abideth in him sinneth not.” 1 John 3:1-10.
Our works are the demonstration of our faith. “He that committeth sin is of the devil… Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin…” 1 John 3:8.9.
Obedience is the test of faith.
The only question asked in the judgment will be – ‘Did you obey my Law?’ James 2:10-12. Ecclesiastes 12:13.14. Romans 14:10. 2 Corinthians 5:10. Revelation 22:12.
“Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?” Romans 6:16. Galatians 2:16.17.18.
These are strong words, but remember, the power for obedience is part of the gift – the Spirit of Christ. “… because you are sons (and daughters), God hath sent forth the Spirit of His Son into your hearts.” Galatians 4:6.
When the final decree goes forth, the character is determined. It is fixed for eternity.
“He that is unjust, let him be unjust still; and he which is filthy, let him be filthy still; and he that is righteous, let him be righteous still; and he that is holy, let him be holy still. And, behold, I come quickly, and my reward is with me….” Revelation 22:11.12.
So although the redeemed will not be keeping the Law of God to be saved, they will be an obedient people, honouring God’s commandments. “Be ye holy, for I am holy.” 1 Peter 1:16.
The robe of righteousness does not cover a sinful life. God does not cloak sin. The fig leaves of sin are first removed, and the heavenly garment graciously bestowed. Zechariah 3:4. The penitent believer can rejoice in the Lord, saying, “he hath clothed with the garments of salvation… (and) covered with a robe of righteousness…” Isaiah 61:10.
Our lives will not be exactly like Jesus’ life, but we must copy the Pattern.
“Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body… neither yield your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin… for sin shall not have dominion over you, for ye are not under the law, but under grace.” Romans 6:12.13.14.
Again Paul asks a question, giving the same forceful answer, “What then? Shall we sin because we are not under the law, but under grace? God forbid.” Romans 6:13.
It is important for the apostle to ask these questions. He has been dealing with the gift of salvation, and he does not want his readers to think they can live as they please. The gospel is not cheap grace.
So he must deal with obedience. It may seem a contradiction, but it is not. Law and grace always go together; they can not be separated, for without a law, there is no sin. If there is no sin, there can be no death, for the “wages of sin is death”. Romans 6:23.
The cross of Christ is the greatest evidence that LAW and MERCY are united in salvation. If the Law of God could be set aside, the Saviour need not have died. Be it far from us to denounce the righteousness of Heaven’s divine standard.
At the cross, “Mercy and truth are met together; righteousness and peace have kissed each other.” Psalms 85:10.
It was JUSTICE that nailed Him to the tree.
It was LOVE that kept Him there.
Justice bowed at the foot of the cross and said, ‘It is enough’
Some may ask, is it possible to live like Jesus?
Yes it is, but not in our own strength. When we surrender, Christ begins to dwell in the heart by His Spirit, and by faith we walk the path of holiness. Philippians 4:13.19.
“There is therefore no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit…. and if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin, but the Spirit is life because of righteousness.” Romans 8:1.10. Revelation 3:20.
Instead of the law being carved out of the mountain and demanding obedience, God’s eternal Law is written on the heart. “Forasmuch as ye are manifestly declared to be the epistle of Christ ministered by us, written not with ink, but with the Spirit of the living God; not in tables of stone, but in fleshy tables of the heart.” 2 Corinthians 3:3.
Now, instead of living the drudgery of a slave in bondage, there is love and gratitude for the wonderful gift – “the riches of the glory of this mystery… which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.” Colossians 1:27. Psalm 25:14.
Love is the motivation for the new life. It is not the law of the everlasting covenant. Love is never a law, for it cannot be commanded. The Christian walk is one of “faith that worketh by love.” Galatians 5:6.14.
Jesus said, “If ye love me, keep my commandments.” John 14:15.
In both God’s covenants, love comes first. “We love him because he first loved us.” 1 John 4:19. “Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son….” 1 John 4:10.
It was the death of Christ ‘in type’ that delivered Israel from Egyptian bondage. The blood on the lintel and door post was a sign for the angel of death to “pass over”, delivering the firstborn from destruction. Exodus 12:21-28. And, on the cross, “…Christ our passover (was) sacrificed for us.” 1 Corinthians 5:7.
Those who are covered by the blood will be protected when ‘the angel of death’ passes through this earth during its final days. As the firstborn of old, they will not be destroyed by the seven last plagues. Psalm 91:1-10. Revelation 16:1-21.
(At the last supper, Christ replaced the commemorative Passover feast with the Lord’s ordinance of Communion. Matthew 26:28.29. As in the Passover service, leaven and fermentation must be put aside, making the bread and wine a true representation of the sinless Christ. And as we partake, we must not have sin on our hands or hearts, or we are “guilty of the body and blood of the Lord.” 1 Corinthians 11:27. One day, if we are faithful, we will drink the pure grape of the vine with Christ in His kingdom)
When the believer is buried in the waters of baptism, he symbolises his own death to the life of sin. “Knowing this, that your old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.” Romans 6:6. 1 John 2:4-6. 3:4-10. Colossians 3:5-10.
Baptism represents a burial to the old way of life. Thus the believer, who has figuratively died, is buried, and “he that is dead is freed from sin.” Romans 6:7. This death was real to Christ, and although it is symbolic to the believer, it must become a reality in the life, or there can be no salvation. Bible symbolism is important.
When answering the question as to whether Christians continue in sin, Paul asked, “How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?” Romans 6:2.
The Christian is “buried with Him (Christ) by baptism unto death” and by faith it must be believed that there is a death to the old life. Romans 6:4.
According to the Bible, death is the opposite of life, for in death man’s “… breath goeth forth, he returneth to his earth; in that very day his thoughts perish.” Psalm 146:4.
Death is not life. “For the living know that they shall die, but the dead know not anything, for the memory of them is forgotten, also their love, and their hatred, and their envy, is now perished, neither have they any more a portion forever in anything done under heaven.” Ecclesiastes 9:5.6.
A true understanding of man’s state in death gives a perfect picture of the meaning of baptism. As a literally dead person is unable to do anything, so the symbolically dead believer can not sin.
This does not mean he does not have a choice. The old nature is still in reality alive, and the moment the Christian forgets he has been crucified with Christ, his sinful nature demands obedience (or sin). But while believing himself “dead indeed unto sin”, the Christian can not sin. Instead, he lives a new life of faith, “for if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection….” Romans 6:11.5. Colossians 3:1-4.
Although this text contains a promise of the resurrection at Christ’s return, in context, it refers to the new life of obedience. “Knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more; death hath no more dominion over him, for in that he died, he died unto sin once; but in that he liveth, he liveth unto God. Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord.” Romans 6:9-11. Galatians 2:17.18.
Under the New Covenant, believers can say with joy, “I am crucified with Christ, never-the-less I live, yet not I, but Christ liveth in me, and the life which I now live in the flesh, I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave Himself for me.” Galatians 2:20.
The Christian life is a life of faith, for God has said, “the just shall live by faith”. Romans 1:17. Galatians 3:11. Hebrews 10:38.
It will be a life of contrasts – the joy of what I am in Christ; and the sorrow of what I see in myself. There must be self-examination to see that we are in the faith, but for every look at ourselves, we must have many long and loving gazes at Christ. 2 Corinthians 13:5. Let us in faith behold the glory of the Lord. 2 Corinthians 3:18.
“Looking unto Jesus, the Author and Finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Hebrews 12:2.
If we see ourselves progressing very slowly towards our goal of being like Jesus, let us remember that “it is God which worketh in you to will and to do of his good pleasure.” Philippians 2:13. He has promised to prepare us for heaven, so long as we remain surrendered and obey His revealed will.
Our authority is the Word of God, for “man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God.” Luke 4:4.
“The Lord will perfect that which concerneth me; thy mercy O Lord endureth forever; forsake not the work of thine own hands.” Psalm 138:8. “Being confident of this very thing, that He which began a good work in you, will perform (perfect or complete) it unto the day of Jesus Christ.” Philippians 1:6.
This preparation for heaven is a daily sanctifying work. It is a constant “dying to self”. Paul said of himself, “I die daily”, and although he may have been referring to the threats upon his life, he certainly experienced the crucifying of self. 1 Corinthians 15:31
The works of the flesh must be forsaken according to the Word of God, and they will be, so long as we remember that we have been crucified with Christ. “Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world; if any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him, for all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.” 1 John 2:15.16. Galatians 5:16-25.
The Christian who walks after the flesh is not walking the narrow path to heaven, “… because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.” Matthew 7:14.
Unfortunately, many men and women have the name CHRISTIAN on their t-shirts, when in actual fact they are skipping down the wide road that leads to damnation. They have a “form of godliness, but denying the power thereof; from such turn away”. 2 Timothy 3:5.
In the day of Jesus Christ, they will fulfil the parable and cry out, “Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name, and in thy name have cast out devils, and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you, depart from me, ye that work iniquity.” Matthew 7:21-24.
These distressed people thought they were part of the New Covenant, but in actual fact, they had an Old Covenant experience. This is seen in their reply, ‘We have done…. We have obeyed… We have…’ It is the experience of Cain, presenting the works of their own hands.
Righteousness is not in what we do. Yes, we are to do good works and obey the Law of God, and while living a faith-full life, God calls us “righteous”, for “he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous.” 1 John 3:7. 2:29.
It is righteousness through Yeshua Moshiach – the Messiah for whom Abraham and all the Old Testament faithful waited. He is now interceding for us in the heavenly sanctuary.
“Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession, for we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities, but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.
Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.” Hebrews 4:14-16.
Reader, will you bow before your heavenly High Priest right now and confess your sins? He will forgive and “cleanse you from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:9.
You can trust His holy Word.
When Jesus comes in the clouds of glory, His priestly ministry will be over. The heavenly ministration will have finished, and Yeshua will no longer be the High Priest. Instead, He will be the Judge. John 5:22.27. Revelation 19:11-16.
It will be too late then to repent. Too late….
According to the parable, in that glorious day, when the King of kings descends from the skies with ten thousand times ten thousand of His holy angels, some will cry out for JUSTICE. ‘Lord, save us. We have worked hard for our salvation. We deserve heaven’.
Their entreaty will be rejected outright.
Those who have waited for their Lord, will cry also, but it will be a plea for MERCY. ‘Father, the blood of your Son. Cover us with the blood. It is our only hope.’
And their prayers will be graciously answered.
‘Father, I have no righteousness of my own. I am undone. The good I have done has been through your Spirit, and I have only done my duty. All the glory goes to you and your beloved Son.’
“Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, ‘Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world…” Matthew 25:34.
Oh, what a day!
Is it your desire to hear these words on that day?
Will you surrender your life right now to the Saviour?
When the redeemed are led forth to the gates of the New Jerusalem, they will see “the city that hath foundations”, a city of “pure gold, like unto clear glass”, the foundations of its wall “garnished with all manner of precious stones”. Hebrews 11:10. Revelation 21:18.19.
These redeemed ones will drink of the “pure river of water of life, clear as crystal” proceeding from the throne of God. They will eat of the “tree of life which bare twelve manner of fruits, yielding her fruit every month.” Revelation 22:1.2.
Together, they will see the throne of the Almighty God, and seated at His right hand will be the beloved Son, the One who willingly gave His life a ransom for the human race.
Their voices will swell in praise and gratitude to their Saviour, for “He hath done all things well”. Mark 7:37.
One name will be on their lips, and one name alone -- the wonderful name of --
Jesus
Colorado State Park is rugged and beautiful. So is God's Word.