I’m writing this from a perspective different from what we have come to understand. First and foremost, the reader should understand that there are seven covenants of God recorded in scriptures:
- Adamic Covenant—Genesis 1:26-30; Genesis 2:16-17; Genesis 3:15.
- Noahic Covenant—Genesis 9:8-16.
- Abrahamic Covenant—Genesis 12:15-18; Genesis 22:15-18; Romans 4:11.
- Palestinian Covenant—Deuteronomy 30:10.
- Mosaic Covenant—Exodus 19:5-6; Deuteronomy 11.
- Davidic Covenant—2 Samuel 7:8-16. This promise was fulfilled in Luke 1:32-33; Mark 10:77. See also Psalm 89: 3-4.
- New Covenant—Jeremiah 31:31-34; Hebrews 9:15. This covenant was invoked by Jesus at the last supper: Matthew 26:17-30; Mark 14:12-25; Luke 22:7-20; and John 13:1-30; and established with Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross and, subsequent resurrection.
Reason for exploring covenants is I have a sense that the last 1900 plus years since the Constantine our understanding of the Gentile’s place in God’s plan has been distorted and usurped. Five of God’s covenants was given to the house of Israel, not any others, and at the last supper and sacrifice of Jesus on the cross is a doorway for all those who come to believe in Jesus and to take part in the new covenant. God has not abandoned Israel because of their unbelief, and to think such is to distort God’s promises to the house of Israel.
What about the Last Supper?
At the last supper there were no Gentiles “heathens” present; and the new covenant given was for the house of Israel. Gentiles who converted became part of this new covenant by way of adoption where they are given all the rights and privileges of their new family — Gentile converts did not inherit the history of the house of Israel, nor did were the blessings from God given to the house of Israel inherited by Gentiles. However, because of Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross and converts belief in Him, and by accepting His call, Gentiles were accepted into the family of God, they did not become Jews upon conversion replacing the old with the new as some believe.
In the upper room when the Spirit was given to the Apostles they began to evangelize, and Peter under the power of the Holy Spirit went out spoke to the crowds where thousands believed and began to follow Jesus. At that point, those who became followers fell under the new covenant, and that included those who were not from the house of Israel.
What about the other five covenants?
Well, to put it short and sweet: Humanity falls under the covenants God gave to Adam and Noah. I know that’s difficult to accept, but the fact is, Israel did not exist yet, and those two covenants are set for all humankind. Those other five covenants are God’s promises to the House of Israel, the priest nation that God established.
It is interesting how Gentiles have tried to strip Israel from the covenants that God gave them, and how Gentiles superimpose their ownership of the covenants God gave the house of Israel. Gentiles have no skin in the game with any covenant other that than the Adamic and Noahic covenants until accepting Jesus as their savior, and then the new covenant applies.
The devil is at work where Gentile nations put a claim on God’s covenants that were made with Israel only. As adopted family members, we have the same rights and privileges but we do not inherit the history of the Hebrew people. Believe it or not, Jesus was Jewish, he was not pale of skin, he had hair like wool—see the hint in Revelation 1:14-15.
Did you ever notice in revelations 7:4 that the 144,000 servants of God are sealed are all Jewish, that they are from the twelve tribes of Israel. There is some speculation in the orthodox community that this number represents completeness and perfection, and that the number symbolizes the entire faithful Church as the new Israel (12 tribes times the churches of the twelve apostles time 1000—a number which means “a great amount”). And some see the 144,000 as the Church militant, the Church on earth. I say bunk! In revelations it is still part of the new covenant of God with the house of Israel and the Gentile converts, those adopted and grafted in to the tree of Israel.
What’s my point?
My point is there has developed an arrogance in the Gentile churches, a boastfulness from a heart of pride instead of humility and obedience to God’s commands under the new covenant. The usurping and posturing of some whom claim to be Israel’s replacement and that all covenants pertain to them are dead wrong. Gentile’s need to understand their position within the family of God, and to stop trying to replace the chosen people claiming it for themselves. My point is, we should be thankful that God became man to pay the price of the Adam and Eve’s not trusting God and believing the lie of the devil. The sin was disobedience, untrustworthiness, and the desire to by as God. Over the last 1900 years, that same story has played out as the western Gentile churches was deceived into believe they are the chosen, and all the promises of God no belong to them, and this deception has become so engrained in the Gentile churches that no one can see it. That is my point.
References for adopted and grafted in:
Adopted: Ephesians 1:3-14; Romans 8:23; 9:1-5
Grafted in: Romans 11:11-24
This is the good news of the new covenant?
Romans 10:5-13 (NIV) — Moses writes this about the righteousness that is by the law: The person who does these things will live by them. But the righteousness that is by faith says: Do not say in your heart, Who will ascend into heaven? (that is, to bring Christ down) or Who will descend into the deep? (that is, to bring Christ up from the dead). But what does it say? The word is near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart, that is, the message concerning faith that we proclaim: If you declare with your mouth, Jesus is Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved. As Scripture says, Anyone who believes in him will never be put to shame. For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile—the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him, for, Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.
Conclusion:
By studying the covenant’s we can better understand the faithfulness of God. God will never falter in keeping His promises. God’s plan has been the same long before the creation of the world—God will exalt His name above all other names, God will exhibit His mercy, goodness and grace throughout the ages.
The LORD make His face shine on you and be gracious to you; The LORD lift up His countenance on you and give you peace.” (Numbers 6:24-26)
Michael
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