Beyond Measure

The basic definition of covenant is an agreement, usually formal in nature, between two or more parties to do or not to do specified things. More important is the biblical concept of covenant between God and humanity, wherein conditional promises are made by God to the people of God.

The initiative is always God’s. This is an amazing realization - that the great creator God of the universe comes to us seeking relationship! God’s commitment is to walk among His people and be their God. God’s covenant promise to walk and live with His people found new fulfillment when God’s Word of promise became flesh in the person of Jesus.

As with the old covenant, this new covenant is God’s initiative of love: “For God loved the world in this way: He gave His One and Only Son.”  And, as with the old covenant, this new covenant requires our response: “If you keep my commands you will remain in My love, just as I have kept My Father’s commands and remain in His love”. (John 15)

We must initially respond to this covenant individually, but acceptance of the covenant always places us in community, as members of one body – the body of Christ. Salvation is personal, but life in Christ is life in covenant community, a community of mutual love.