Which Covenant do we observe?

Which Covenant as Spirit-led Christians, do we observe in our living, giving & worship?

Covenant Relationships: For those who are unfamiliar with the term "Covenant," this word is in reference to an "agreement" that is made between parties. In this article, I will be mentioning two such "agreements," both found in the Bible.

Old Covenant: First up in Scriptures, we see the "Old Covenant," which covers the understanding that God had with His Children as written in the Old Testament. Many important figures such as Abraham have been described as having a very special relationship with God; and there were devotional practices that we can read about which expressed that love during those decades. But by the time of Moses, something in the way of additional and specific guidance had to be given to the people to help them and so “The Law,” was given to Moses by God who then presented it to the people so they would have a standard to live by to keep them on course and in good standing with the Father (God), so long as they kept the terms of the agreement.

New Covenant: Later in Scriptures we find what is known as "The New Covenant," which is based on each one of us having a personal relationship with the Holy Spirit (Christ inside). The idea is that we in The Body can learn over time, to be led by that Spirit within us, rather than remaining dependent on a set of rules and regulations imposed on us from the outside (via religious ordinances, etc.). This "inner guidance system" which was yet to come, is reflected in the prophecy of Jeremiah when he spoke of a law that would one day be written in our hearts.

“After those days, saith the Lord, I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their God, and they shall be my people.” - Jeremiah 31:33 (KJV)

More about the New Covenant: It is one thing to "define" sin (error) and then put forth a set of rules (and consequences) to try and help us "avoid sin." This is largely what we see at play with the Old Covenant, a lifestyle involving "strict obedience" and "willpower" and when necessary, "fear of consequences" to motivate conformity with the Law, all of which, as Jeremiah pointed out, usually fails. However, the New Covenant offers us an entirely different approach to overcoming the problems presented by our "human nature" since we are granted the tools and support (via Grace within) by which we can develop a “new nature" altogether. This "New Nature in Christ" leaves us with a natural desire to be loving and generous without the incentive of "fear of punishment" or other such negative motivations. It is true that this process does involve a kind of "death to the old"; however the process of growth is voluntary as we continue to walk in Mercy while holding to Grace.

"Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me." Matthew 16:24 (KJV)

New Nature in Christ: So, you might say then, that "the answer to sin-nature" (quite adequately defined by the Old Covenant)... is to introduce the soul to the Spirit of Grace whereby we can become "spiritual in nature." Centuries of history have shown us that "talking about sin," "describing it," "defining it and examining it"....none of that helps us to escape sin...not really....since we still find ourselves living in err wondering why we can't rise above these tendencies despite our resolve and good intentions. It is no wonder then, that Christians love the song Amazing Grace, since without that "overcoming power of Grace (Spirit within)," we would not have the victory over the limitations and impulses of the old nature, which the "He that is in me" affords us.

“Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.” 1 John 4:4 (KJV)

That all sounds great, doesn't it? But, as in Old Covenant, there are terms to abide by to walk in the fullness of this “life abundantly”; we are still expected to do our part of the agreement, which is to continue to walk in Mercy and forgiveness as we hold to Grace (Christ within); and that, by the way, is the whole purpose of the "Becoming the Church" Study Experience, to support one another in maintaining our focus and keeping up our end of the "New Covenant" bargain so that we may all reach the goal for our soul.

"Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls." 1 Peter 1:9 (KJV)

“The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.” John 10:10 (KJV)

Three elements of Baptism for those of the "New": Today, for those of us who embrace the New Covenant, we begin by entering into a relationship with Jesus Christ through His Mercy; and typically, we commemorate that decision with our induction into the Body of Christ via our water Baptism (first element of Baptism). Subsequently, some of us (according to the doctrine we are exposed to at the time) move on to the second element of Baptism often referred to as the "Baptism with the Holy Ghost"; and at that point we open ourselves to receive the “gift” or revelation of the Holy Spirit, giving our soul a vital point of reference to guide us and empower us throughout our growth process.

"Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost." Acts 2: 38 (KJV)

As for the third element of Baptism, or "Baptism with fire," though the word "fire" can invoke thoughts of a "terrible purging or eradicating by violent means," actually...that term is associated with the gradual releasing of habits and responses generated by the old nature in favor of embracing behavior inspired by the New Man (Christ within). As led by the Holy Ghost and empowered by Grace (Spirit within), this evolution of character is not "forced" since the choice to change becomes a natural result of our ongoing association with Christ within, ultimately bringing about different desires and motives for living. (Read more about the three elements of Baptism.)

"John answered, saying unto them all, I indeed baptize you with water; but one mightier than I cometh, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to unloose: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost and with fire." Luke 3:16 (KJV)

The idea is, that as we focus on the Spirit (Gift of Grace), then, over time, our souls begin to take on attributes of the Spirit of God along "The Way" toward becoming "spiritual in nature," eventually demonstrated in characteristics (AKA "Fruit of the Spirit") such as what we see in Gal 5:22-23 KJV: "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law."

Attributes of Covenants: Each Covenant whether "Old" or "New," has its rules, standards, and agreements. With each Covenant we can learn what our part of the agreement is; and then with further study and prayer, we can come to know what God's part is. Each Covenant also has a time, a season, and a purpose as well as a specific group of people to whom the Covenant was directed.

Honoring both Covenants, but abiding under The New Covenant: Now that we have explored the benefits of both Covenants, do we follow both? The answer to that is that we who follow the Shepherd Jesus are to honor both, study both, understand the purpose of each Covenant, yet abide in the vine, under the “New.” 

“Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me.” John 15:4 (KJV)

Meanwhile, the Old Testament most certainly provides crucial guidance unto the time when we make our decision to follow Christ Jesus. Then, from the moment of the second aspect of our Baptism we can begin to experience a shift from a focus on external lists of rules to submitting to the Holy Spirit for a nature change and thus, following the leading from within. The Law (Ten Commandments,) also offers us a great starting point when raising children by providing guidlines. In addition, The Law is helpful in seeking to identify common values and principles when setting standards for public laws and agreements.

However, if we do wish to continue to practice certain elements of The Law after having received the Spirit of Grace, we may do so  as long as our motive is one of a personal nature, such as to express our love for God or to follow the leading of the Spirit, but not in order to “gain” or “improve upon,” our righteousness since The Spirit within becomes our point of righteousness through us, no longer via the performance of material acts to maintain a proper position. Because of this, one cannot fully operate under The Law of Moses (Old Covenant) and The Law of the Spirit (New Covenant) at the same time, since that would be a contraindication. For those who understand that Jesus came to fulfill the Law, this means that The Law brought us to the New Covenant and that we can now transition from proving ourselves by following external rules to operating from a New Nature in Christ.  John the Baptist told us of the change that was coming.

“I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance. but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire: Whose fan is in his hand, and he will throughly purge his floor, and gather his wheat into the garner; but he will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire." Matthew 3:11-12 (KJV)

Mixing Covenants: Of the 613 points of the Law in the Old Covenant covering all aspects of life and worship, many of these rules (in addition to what we have just reviewed), are still being upheld in Christian churches today such as “The Tithe,” which remains one of the most popular to be carried over. "Keeping the Sabbath" is another, though some in the Body argue that Saturday is the only acceptable day to set aside for the Lord, while others promote the idea that Sunday is best. But, what does Scripture say?

“Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days: Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ.” Colossians 2: 17-17 (KJV)

Does this mean that we do not have to go to church on Sunday? The answer to this question is not found within a simple “yes or no." As a “New Covenant” believer, we do benefit from gathering with others and certainly time must be set aside for our personal study and devotions, yet if Jesus has become our Sabbath and if Christ (The Spirit) lives within us, then our Sabbath experience is now 24/7 with the original Old Testament Sabbath commemorations being a forecast you could say, of things (The Promise) to come. Every day of the week can be consecrated to God and for that matter, every breath taken in relationship to the Spirit within can be experienced in the presence of God. Every act can be one of worship and all things can be consecrated unto the Father as we live driven by a deep sense of purpose, to love and serve God. So, according to the Old Testament, devotion is expressed by obedience to the ordinances associated with the Sabbath; however in the New, the Sabbath is Jesus himself. So, yes, we could choose Saturday, Sunday, or any day of the week to devote to God, however this would be out of love for God rather than to satisfy a material rule in order to achieve righteousness, since the righteousness of God is Grace.

For the Son of man is Lord even of the sabbath day. Matthew 12:8 (KJV)

In continuing on the topic of “not mixing Covenants," we have Colossians, verses 20-23 (KJV): 

“Wherefore if ye be dead with Christ from the rudiments of the world, why, as though living in the world, are ye subject to ordinances, (Touch not; taste not; handle not; Which all are to perish with the using;) after the commandments and doctrines of men? Which things have indeed a shew of wisdom in will worship, and humility, and neglecting of the body: not in any honour to the satisfying of the flesh.”

Let's also read what Paul passionately expressed about mixing Covenants in his letter to the Galatians 5:1-5 (KJV): "Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage. Behold, I Paul say unto you, that if ye be circumcised, Christ shall profit you nothing. For I testify again to every man that is circumcised, that he is a debtor to do the whole law. Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace. For we through the Spirit wait for the hope of righteousness by faith. For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth anything, nor uncircumcision; but faith which worketh by love."

So, in short, we can still do many of the things found in the “Old" but the difference is found in our reason. If we are doing or giving as an expression of love, this would be in keeping with the New Covenant. The “Old” involves obedience to the rules given in the Law; whereas in the “New,” we obey the leading of the Spirit.

Why are some leaders in the Body promoting rules of both Covenants to New Covenant Christians? Well, the reasons can vary, but often what causes this habit of "selecting rules" to enforce from both Covenants, is simple "unawareness" about the true nature and purpose of our New Covenant since some students (or leaders) are limited in the scope of their studies to the doctrines and traditions of their particular denomination. Therefore, even the "trained" leaders are only as knowledgeable as their denominational base allows them to be. Thus, we see variances in theology among groups in the Body. Along with that we hear many justifications for mixing covenants, such as: “We are Bible based” or “We acknowledge the whole Bible” or how about this one...."It's in the Bible." This sounds pretty convincing, right?

Christ is sufficient: Even though the Scriptures "speak of" both the Old and the New Covenants and even though we of the "New" recognize and understand the purpose for the Law of Moses, it is actually not possible to operate fully under both the New and Old Covenant at the same time. With the “Old,” obedience is the manner of devotion as deeds are performed in order to establish a kind of standing or religious righteousness. This Order was given and would continue “until” Grace/The Promise could be presented. Meanwhile, with the “New,” the “Righteousness" is Christ (Spirit) within that sanctifies us and guides us, not of our own deeds, (Jeremiah 31:33 (KJV). Also, pursuing the practices of both Covenants would be as if to say that the New Man (Christ now abiding in us) is not sufficient to transform our souls or guide us throughout our lives. 

Thus, we see Paul's plea to the Galatians in Chapter 4, Verses 21-23: “Tell me, you who want to be under the law, are you not aware of what the law says? For it is written that Abraham had two sons, one by the slave woman and the other by the free woman. His son by the slave woman was born according to the flesh, but his son by the free woman was born as the result of a divine promise.”

“Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.”- Galatians 5:1 (KJV)

Our Commandments: Apart from maintaining our respect for the Law of Moses, we of the "New" still have points of obedience such as the Two Commandments, “Love God and Others." We are still to be merciful and give “Tithes” (giving from our overflow) in any number of different ways as the Spirit leads. We are encouraged to edify one another and do good works to care for those in need. The difference here is that we do these things not to “gain sanctification” or induce “a blessing,” but we do these things out of love and reverential respect for God, because we are already blessed. As we follow the leading of the Holy Spirit, we simply know that God always sends what any of us truly needs when we need it, but not in proportion to the specifics of our giving. He gives that our "souls will prosper," which may or may not speak to our material preferences or condition. Again, we “do” because we have already “attained,” not “to attain” any karmic blessing or “position.” After all, Grace as the hoped for “Promise," is the most profound experience a soul could ever enter into.

"Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth." 3 John 2 (KJV)

Certainly, let's learn our Bible history and gain wisdom from the experiences of those who have gone before us; but as New Covenant Christians, let our steps be ordered by the Spirit of the Lord first, confirmed by the Doctrine of Christ and walked out in a life full of mercy with the evidence of Grace.

"Two Covenants - Which Covenant do we observe?" by Ann M. Wolf  © 2016, All rights reserved.

Check Understanding:

Question for discussion or add your answers to your notebook:

• What does the word “Covenant” mean?
• Which Covenant do we observe in the Body of Christ?
• Which Covenant is the Law of Moses under?
• Can following the Law of Moses grant me a "New Nature"?
• What helps me gain a New Nature in Christ?
• To whom was the Law of Moses given & to whom is the Law of the Spirit given?

Apply Understanding: 

Discuss or notate how you would like to apply what you have learned or what the Holy Ghost has reminded you of with this Lesson; and jot your thoughts down about the following questions as well:

• Describe what you understand to be a “New Nature in Christ” and how does that apply to your giving?
• What relationship are we of the New Covenant to have with the Ten Commandments and the other ordinances & practices in the Old Covenant or the Law of Moses?