The Renewed Vow

 

The Renewed Vow
By Dr. J. Michael Murphy
 
 
    Concerning the New Covenant, the first question I like to ask those I teach is;  "Who was the New Covenant made with?"  From Jeremiah 31:31 it's concluded that the New Covenant was obviously made (or would be made) with Israel.  Another question I like to ask when teaching on the New Covenant is; "Why did God make a New Covenant with Israel?"  The first emphasis I will stress is the fact that both in the Hebrew and Greek; New in regards to the Covenant more correctly means "renewed" or "refreshed" in reference to time.  It does not mean something that completely replaces what's obsolete; but actually takes what's obsolete and builds on to, or adds within the framework of what's obsolete.  Notice I said adds "within the framework" of what was before. 
 
The Law of God says not to add to it or take away from it.  In the sense of the New (Renewed) Covenant its not taking away from or adding to the Old (First) Covenant, but rather bringing out it's true meaning.  In this we must see that the Old (First) Covenant did not become obsolete in reference to God; but rather, in reference to man.  Very important!  It's not that God was weak; but rather man in keeping His perfect standard.   So we can conclude that the Old Covenant was actually PERFECT.  So perfect that in light of man's nature; something further was needed to establish God's perfect standard in man.  Stay with me.  The New (Renewed) Covenant would be made with Israel to establish righteousness in her through a greater atonement.  So in other words the New Covenant was established based on man's inability to keep the Old (First).  This lines up with Paul's writing; "Where sin abounds; grace abounds all the more."  Actually we can say that the New Covenant is a "NEW" OF THE "OLD".   This is why it's called a New because it's a New of the Old or a Second of the First.  This tells us that it's the "same Covenant."  Just as the Old Covenant was a marriage contract between God and Israel; so the New Covenant is a renewed vow between God and His people.  I myself don't consider a wedding a true wedding without Communion involved.  If there is no Communion involved in a wedding ceremony then the whole lesson of marriage is thrown off.  This is why the enemy attacks marriage so much; because it's a testamonial of God's love and committment to His people.  Not just to Israel but to all who call upon the Name of the Lord.  
 
I would also like to say that the New Covenant doesn't do away with the Old Covenant; it acually takes the Old Covenant and establishes it in the hearts of God's people.  The Law of God becomes alive in us; as God always intended from the beginning for His people.  God also knew He would make this Covenant through His Son before time and from eternity; because He knows the hearts of men.   It's even prophesied in Genesis 3:15 that the Seed of the woman would crush the head of the Serpent.  Jeremiah 31:33 tells us that God would write His Law in the inward parts of His people Israel.  
 
The complete fulfillment of the New Covenant will be realized when Israel is redeemed at the Second Coming of Messiah.  Until then God left a deposit anointing of the Holy Spirit to us who believe in the Messiah to be a testamonial to the ends of the earth.  As Messiah's Assembly we are His representatives of the New Covenant message.  We have the Key of David; the keys of the Kingdom.  We have the message of the King to prepare the hearts of His people for the Coming of Messiah to the Jew first and also to the Greek (Gentile).   Amen!!!