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A New Covenant...

Likewise He also took the cup after supper, saying, "This cup is the new covenant in My blood, which is shed for you.”
Luke 22:20

It’s vital for us to remember that we live in a new covenant with God, which is the launching pad into all things new that He has for us.

Yet, it is good for us to take a look back in Scripture at the old covenant. The contractual agreement of the heart between God and the nation of Israel. We find this account in Genesis 15, where the Lord instructs Abraham to cut prescribed animals in two, setting the two halves opposite each other. In those ancient times, shedding the blood of animals—for life is in the blood and signifies life—was already significant between two parties, binding them together in an agreed trust (Leviticus 17:11).

On that particular evening of God’s wonder, awesomeness, and, yes, terror from the sheer magnitude of Almighty splendor, only God passed through the two sets of animal halves, where usually both participants walked. This signified that He alone was the initiator and administrator of the covenant. In and of ourselves, we have nothing to offer. No strength, authority, power, resources—and if truth be told—no worth outside of Him. Only the Great I AM could ratify the irrevocable covenant. (Hebrews 8:6, 9:11-12, 10:19-23)

This is also true of God’s new covenant through Jesus. He alone, once for all—by His shed blood for each of us—was and remains the initiator and administrator of God’s covenant. Our part? Ultimately, our faith is the only thing we can do. The Lord GOD does all the rest.

How does this apply to us? One, the rescue and salvation of our whole person, body, soul, and spirit rests upon what Jesus has done, His finished work. And two? Hebrews 8:6 explains that Jesus’ sacrifice ushered in an even better and new covenant based on better and new promises. Let’s rest in this truth today. Every new thing He does is far superior and exceeds the old—in us, too. Let’s believe Him and His Word with our whole hearts.