Covenant

Originally scheduled for May 10

One of the curious words found in the Bible is the word, “covenant.” Depending upon the denomination of your church, you will get a variety of definitions for the word. Entire systems of theology have been built on the definition selected. We can, however, understand a few things which are in common to all systems.
 
There are several covenants described in the Bible. Each of these covenants seems to have a promise and a visible sign.  Some of the more prominent ones are these:
·         The covenant of Noah, which carried with it the promise that God would never flood the earth like that again. The sign which was given was the rainbow.
·         The covenant with Abraham, which carried the promise of the land to be given to the descendants of Abraham. Its visible sign was, curiously, circumcision.
·         The covenant with Moses, which carried with it the promise that God would be the God of the Israelite people. Its sign was the Ten Commandments.
·         The covenant with David, which promised that David’s descendants would be the only line kings for Judah, and that one day the Messiah would come from that line.
It is therefore not surprising that in implementing the Lord’s Supper Christ established it as a covenant. Its promise was the forgiveness of sins for many; its sign, the cup, symbolizing the blood of Christ.
 
To participate in the Lord’s Supper is to accept the covenant as defined. In taking the bread, you acknowledge the suffering of his body on the cross for the sake of your forgiveness. In the cup, you acknowledge that his blood was poured out for the forgiveness of sins. Just as the ancient tabernacle was sanctified by blood, so are we sanctified by “blood” in the cup of the Lord’s Supper. You are acknowledging that you have taken the offer of the covenant made by God Almighty.
 
In so doing, you also acknowledge the death, burial and resurrection of Christ. You acknowledge that he is coming again to judge the living and the dead. God never goes back on his word; he offered you salvation. By taking the Lord’s Supper you acknowledged all the world and beyond that you have accepted his covenant in your life.