Covenants Of Love - Joshua Club · 2007-08-04 · understanding of the exciting and essential subject of God’s Covenants of love. ... Score all questions before taking the related

CovenantsOf

LoveWorkbook 20

1

copyright 2007 by Glenn Davis

Covenants Of Love is based on notes and messages on Covenants and The

Making Of A Blood Covenant by theRev. LeRoy Davis

Copyright 2003 by Rev. LeRoy Davis

2


Covenants Of Love

Workbook 20The Workbook is designed to help you come to a solid

understanding of the exciting and essential subject of God’s Covenants of love. To successfully complete this workbook you will need to:

1. Complete all the questions in a Section.2. Score all questions before taking the related Review. Underline

the answers in the text for any questions you got wrong.3. Take the Review.4. Score the Review. Underline the answers in the text for any

questions you got wrong.5. Go on to the next section and repeat.6. Memorize selected Scriptures.7. Before taking the Pre-Test make sure all questions in the Sections

and Reviews are correctly answered.8. Take the Pre-Test.9. Score the Pre-Test. Underline the answers in the text for any

questions you got wrong. 10. Take the Final Test.

Note 1: Not all questions on reviews or tests will be taken directly from previous questions. However, reviews and pre-tests will show how well you understand the material. If you do well on them you should have no difficulty with the Final Test.

Note 2: All Final Tests except the first one will include some random questions from previous workbooks to test how well the student is remembering the material.

Note 3: This workbook is copyrighted and may be copied and used only by active Joshua Club members. The conditions and restrictions are listed on the Joshua Club website: www.joshua-club.com.

3


THE NEW COVENANTThe Introduction continued

9. SUMMARY

The Old Testament gives abundant witness to that fact that it is incomplete. The completion must come from a final Covenant, called the new Covenant. The New Covenant will come through the promised Redeemer who is Christ. God would put His words in His mouth. The promised Mediator would declare all of God's will.

It is not called the New Covenant because its contents differ from the old Covenant. It is the fulfillment and confirmation of all the went before. It is important that we see the New Covenant is built on the Old Covenant. When we talk about the Old Covenant passing away we are not saying the Old Covenant is unimportant for us today. The New Covenant is the true fulfillment of all the types and shadows and that which was not type and shadow [i.e. the moral law] is brought into the New Covenant and is a vital part of it. The “new” part of the New Covenant is that now Jesus has come so that the types and shadows are not needed any longer and now the law is written on our hearts - not done away with but we are given the desire to walk in the righteousness of God. It is now a part of our nature - our new nature in Christ.

The Old Covenant contained the shadow and the type. The New Covenant has the substance and the reality.

It is also called the New Covenant because it contains those legacies and testamentary affects which Christ bequeathed to His people.

Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Moses, and Daniel show that the old Covenant must be set aside as the new Covenant came into force, by the death of Jesus.

compare

Jer. 31:34 And they shall teach no more every man his neighbour, and every man his brother, saying, Know the Lord: for they shall all know me, from the least of them unto the greatest of them, saith the Lord: for I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more.

4


with

Dan. 9:26-27a And after threescore and two weeks shall Messiah be cut off, but not for Himself;...and He shall confirm the Covenant with many for one week; and in the midst of the week He shall cause the sacrifice and oblation to cease,...

Whoever rejected the words of Christ and the New Covenant would be cut off from among God's people.

Acts 3:22-23 For Moses truly said unto the fathers, A prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren, like unto me; Him shall ye hear in all things whatsoever He shall say unto you. And it shall come to pass, that every soul which will not hear that prophet, shall be destroyed from among the people.

Deut. 18:18-19 I will raise them up a Prophet from among their brethren, like unto thee, and will put my words in His mouth; and He shall speak unto them all that I command Him. And it shall come to pass, that whosoever will not hearken unto my words which He shall speak in my name, I will require it of him.

1. The ________ Testament gives abundant witness to that fact that it is incomplete.

2. The New Covenant is ____________ on the Old Covenant.

3. The New Covenant is the true ___________________ of all the types and shadows and that which was not type and shadow [i.e. the moral law] is brought into the New Covenant and is a vital part of it.

4. It is also called the New Covenant because it contains those

legacies and testamentary affects which ______________ bequeathed to His people.

OLD COVENANT COMPLETED IN THE NEW1. FULFILLED PROPHECIES - Heb. 8:6-13; 9:13-17; 10:1-17

5


Jesus fulfilled all of the Old Covenant, it's righteousness, and it's prophetic types. When Jesus came its time was ended and it entered into its true fulfillment and meaning.

Gal. 3:10, 23-25 For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse: for it is written, Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them...But before faith came, we were kept under the law, shut up unto the faith which should afterwards be revealed. Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith. But after that faith is come we are no longer under a schoolmaster.

2. SUPPLANTS

Read Col. 2:10-17 and note especially verses 14-16 which show the old was nailed to His cross and verse 10 which declares we are complete in Him. The old forms, which pointed to the True, are taken away because the True has come. Notice, this is not talking about the moral law - which, as an expression of God’s holiness, remains true in every age - but the ceremonial law.

He took away the first that He might establish the second.

Heb. 10:9 Then said He, Lo, I come to do thy will, O God. He taketh away the first, that He may establish the second.

compare with:

Heb. 8:6-7, 13 But now hath He obtained a more excellent ministry, by how much also He is the mediator of a better Covenant, which was established upon better promises. For if that first Covenant had been faultless then should no place have been sought for the second...In that He saith, A new Covenant, he hath made the first old. Now that which decayeth and waxeth old is ready to vanish away.

Jesus, in Mt. 23:29-38, pronounces His judgment on the old system, which takes it away completely. The national Jewish house and ceremonial system is left desolate. This pronouncement should be read with Dan. 9:27.

Dan. 9:27 And He shall confirm the Covenant with many for one week: and in the midst

6


of the week He shall cause the sacrifice and oblation to cease, and for the overspreading of abomination He shall make it desolate, even until the consummation, and that determined shall be poured upon the desolate.

The New Covenant would eliminate the old, and it's natural city, as well as it's physical temple for worship. There is no longer one physical location that can be looked to as the place of God’s presence. Now God dwells with His people world wide and the spiritual Jerusalem, from above, is the joy of all who belong to her, i.e. Christians.

compare:

Jn. 4:20-21 Our fathers worshipped in this mountain; and ye say that in Jerusalem is the place where men ought to worship. Jesus saith unto her, Woman, believe me, the hour cometh when ye shall neither in this mountain, nor yet at Jerusalem, worship the Father.

with:

Jer. 3:14-17 Turn, O backsliding children, saith the Lord; for I am married unto you: and I will take you one of a city, and two of a family, and I will bring you to Zion: And I will give you pastors according to mine heart, which shall feed you with knowledge and understanding. And it shall come to pass, when ye be multiplied and increased in the land, in those days, saith the Lord, they shall say no more, the ark of the Covenant of the Lord: neither shall it come to mind: neither shall they remember it; neither shall they visit it; neither shall that be done any more. At that time they shall call Jerusalem the throne of the Lord; and all the nations shall be gathered unto it, to the name of the Lord, to Jerusalem: neither shall they walk any more after the imagination of their evil heart.

Isa. 66:1-2 Thus saith the Lord, the heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool: where is the house that ye build unto me? and where is the place of my rest? For all those things hath mine hand made, and all those things have been, saith the Lord: but to this man will I look, even to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit and trembleth at my word.

Rev. 22:3 And there shall be no more curse: but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it; and His servants shall serve him.

7


For the Christian the Law of God is no longer an external burden but an internal delight. The Law which temporarily divided the human race into Jew and Gentile is taken down or changed. Now the division is between Christian [spiritual Jew] and non-Christian [spiritual Gentile]. All who want to come to God are free to do so. The Law of separation is abolished. The moral Law is re-established as the Christian’s way of life [NOT his righteousness] and, of course, continues to be the perfect standard by which the ungodly will be judged by.

Compare:

Ex. 34:1-2, 28, 35 And the Lord said unto Moses, Hew thee two tables of stone like unto the first: and I will write upon these tables the words that were in the first tables, which thou brakest...And he was there with the Lord forty days and forty nights; he did neither eat bread, nor drink water, and he wrote upon the tables the words of the Covenant, the ten commandments...And the children of Israel saw the face of Moses, that the skin of Moses' face shone: and Moses put the veil upon his face again until he went in to speak with Him.

with

2 Cor. 3:3, 13, 18 Forasmuch as ye are manifestly declared to be the epistle of Christ ministered by us, written not with ink, but with the Spirit of the living God; not in tables of stone, but in fleshy tables of the heart...And not as Moses which put a veil over his face, that the children of Israel could not steadfastly look to the end of that which is abolished..But we all with open face beholding as in glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.

Eph. 2:13-15 But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ. For He is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us; Having abolished in His flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in Himself of twain one new man, so making peace;

5. Jesus fulfilled all of the Old Covenant, it's __________________, and it's prophetic types.

6. Now God dwells with His people world wide and the _________ Jerusalem, from above, is the joy of all who belong to her, i.e.

8


Christians.

7. For the Christian the _________ of God is no longer an external burden but an internal delight.

8. Now the ______________ is between Christian [spiritual Jew] and non-Christian [spiritual Gentile].

9. The _____________ Law is re-established as the Christian’s way of life [NOT his righteousness] and, of course, continues to be the perfect standard by which the ungodly will be judged by.

3. DEAD TO LAW

The scripture informs us that we are dead to the law and delivered from it. In what way are we. as Christians, dead to the Law? The Law, as the perfect standard of God’s Holiness, is the instrument of judgment on anyone who fails to keep any of it. The penalty for breaking the Law - any one of the Laws - is death, the wages of sin is death. Jesus died on our behalf. When He died, I died with Him. The penalty of the broken Law was fulfilled. A person cannot be condemned twice for the same crime. Because of Jesus the law considers me dead - it no longer condemns me. It’s righteous requirements have been fulfilled by the death of Jesus Christ. Now the Law is to be my lifestyle but never again can it be my judge.

Rom. 7:4, 6 Wherefore, my brethren,ye also are become dead to the law by the body of Christ; that ye should be married to another, even to Him who is raised from the dead, that we should bring forth fruit unto God ...But now we are delivered from the law, that being dead wherein we were held; that we should serve in newness of spirit, and not in the oldness of the letter.

Col. 2:13-17 And you being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath He quickened together with Him, having forgiven you all trespasses; Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to His cross; And having spoiled principalities and powers, He made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it. Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holy day, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days: Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ.

The Christian is not under the law for salvation. It is not, nor was it ever intended to be a means of salvation. Christ fulfilled it and liberated us

9


from its demands. No longer do I labour under the law in order to please God, but because I live in God’s smile I want to keep the Law. Big difference.

Write out and memorize Rom. 6:14: _________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

We are to cast out the old, but at the same time we are to hear it correctly. Every temptation to use the Law as a method of gaining or maintain salvation is to be cast out. I stand in the righteousness of Christ alone.

Read Gal. 4:21-30.

The misuse of the Law is the method of earning our righteousness. The Law cannot, will not, and never could make anyone righteous because no one could keep it. We do not struggle in the flesh and live under condemnation, but we walk upright as the sons and daughters of God Whose grace empowers us to keep the Law. When we stumble or fall we run to God for forgiveness knowing that our “right standing” before God does not depend on our works. We don’t get “kicked out of the family” because we fail. We receive forgiveness [and discipline] and move on.

Gal. 5:1-4, 13, 18 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, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another...But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law.

10. The Law, as the perfect standard of God’s ________________, is the instrument of judgment on anyone who fails to keep any of it.

11. Because of Jesus the law considers me ____________ - it no longer condemns me.

10


12. Now the Law is to be my _________________ but never again can it be my judge.

13. A person cannot be condemned twice for the same _________.

14. No longer do I labour under the law in order to ____________ God, but because I live in God’s smile I want to keep the Law.

15. When we stumble or fall we run to God for ________________ knowing that our “right standing” before God does not depend on our works.

4. NEW IS HEIR TO THE DECEASED OLD

The New Covenant is the heir of the deceased Old Covenant. The New Covenant is the true and ONLY heir to the scripture of the Old Covenant.

All the promises of the Old are to and in Christ. We are joint heirs with Him.

Gal. 3:16-18 Now to Abraham and his seed were the promises made. He saith not, And to seeds, as of many; but as of one, and to thy seed, which is Christ. And this I say, that the Covenant that was confirmed before of God in Christ, the law, which was four hundred and thirty years after, cannot annul, that it should make the promise of none effect. For if the inheritance be of the law, it is no more of promise: but God gave it to Abraham by promise.

2 Cor. 1:20 For all the promises of God in Him are yea, and in Him amen, unto the glory of God by us.

Isa. 65:9 And I will bring forth a seed out of Jacob, and out of Judah an inheritor of my mountains: and mine elect shall inherit it, and my servants shall dwell therein.

Heb. 1:2 Hath in these last days spoken unto us by His Son, whom He hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also He made the worlds.

Rom. 8:17 And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be

11


that we suffer with Him, that we may be also glorified together.

Gal. 3:29 And if ye be Christ's then are ye Abraham's seed and heirs according to the promise.

All the types of the of the Old Covenant were created for the New Covenant.

Heb. 9:9-13 Which was a figure for the time then present, in which were offered both gifts and sacrifices, that could not make him that did the service perfect as pertaining to the conscience; Which stood only in meats and drinks, and divers washing, and carnal ordinances, imposed on them until the time of reformation. But Christ being come an High priest of good things to come, by a greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this building; Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by His own blood He entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us. For if the blood of bulls and of goats, and the ashes of an heifer sprinkling the unclean sanctifieth to the purifying of the flesh:

Heb. 10:1 For the law having a shadow of good things to come, and not the very image of the things, can never with those sacrifices which they offered year by year continually make the comers thereunto perfect.

Jn. 3:14 And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up.

1 Cor. 10:18 Behold Israel after the flesh: are not they which eat of the sacrifices partakers of the altar?

1 Cor. 10:1-11...all our fathers were under the cloud, and all passed through the sea; ...all drink the same spiritual drink...Now these were our examples...all these things happened unto them for ensamples...

1 Pet. 1:9-12 Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls. Of which

12


salvation the prophets have inquired and searched diligently, who prophesied of the grace that should come unto you: Searching what, or what manner of time the Spirit of Christ which was in them did signify, when it testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ, and the glory that should follow. Unto whom it as revealed, that not unto themselves, but unto us they did minister the things, which are no reported unto you by them that have preached the gospel unto you with the Holy Ghost sent down from heaven; which things the angels desire to look into.

The writings of the prophets are to and for the heirs of the gospel.

Eph. 2:20 And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;

Rom. 3:21 But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets.

Rom. 16:25-26 Now to Him that is of power to establish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began, But now is made manifest, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith:

Lk. 24:27, 44-49 And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, He expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning Himself... And He said unto them, These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which are written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms concerning me. Then opened He their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures, And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behooved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day: And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in is name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. And ye are witnesses of these things. And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high.

Paul describes his ministry in:

13


Acts 26:22 Having therefore obtained help of God, I continue unto this day, witnessing both to small and great, saying none other things than those which the prophets and Moses did say should come:

Peter follows the same view and teaches it.

Acts 3:22, 24, 26 For Moses truly said unto the fathers, A prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren, like unto me; Him shall ye hear in all things whatsoever He shall say unto you...Yea and all the prophets from Samuel and those that follow after, as many as have spoken, have likewise foretold of these days...Unto you first God, having raised up His Son Jesus, sent Him to bless you, in turning away every one of you from his iniquities.

Acts 10:43 To Him give all the prophets witness, that through His name whosoever believeth in Him shall receive remission of sins.

1 Pet. 1:9-12 Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls. Of which salvation the prophets have inquired and searched diligently, who prophesied of the grace that should come unto you: searching what, or what manner of time the Spirit of Christ which was in them did signify, when it testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ, and the glory that should follow. Unto whom it as revealed, that not unto themselves, but unto us they did minister the things, which are now reported unto you by them that have preached the gospel unto you with the Holy Ghost sent down from heaven; which things the angels desire to look into.

The Apostles continually support their teaching by quoting from the prophets. Acts 2:16-18; 2:30-36; 3:22-24-26; 4:23-31; 7:47-51; 10:43-44; 13:22-23, 27-35, 40-41, 47; 15:13-19; 17:10-11; 18:24-28; 26:22-23; 28:17, 23-28. This true in the Gospels and Epistles as well as in the Acts.

16. All the promises of the old are to and in ___________.

17. All the ____________ of the of the Old Covenant were created for the New Covenant.

18. The writings of the ______________ are to and for the heirs of the gospel.

14


5. NEW COVENANT PEOPLE ALONE INHERIT IT

Only those who come to Christ can enter the New Covenant and truly become the people of God. If there is any other way to God other than Jesus Christ, then the death of Jesus on the cross was unnecessary and God could have answered His plea in the Garden. If we could come to God by being Jews, for example, then we could all go and become Jews [Biblically the procedure isn’t hard]. But the fact is: there is only one way to God - Jesus Christ. Nothing else [nationality, good works, etc.] can bring us to God.

Jn. 3:3 Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.

Gal. 3:10 For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse: for it is written, Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them.

Those who cling to the Old Covenant and reject the New Covenant are cut off from God. The rejectors of the New Covenant cannot understand it. They have failed to see that the Old Covenant laid the foundation for the New Covenant. The Old Covenant was never intended to be permanent.

1 Jn. 2:22-23, 27 Who is a liar but he that denieth that Jesus is the Christ? He is antichrist, that denieth the Father and the Son. Whosoever denieth the Son, the same hath not the Father: [but] he that acknowledgeth the Son hath the Father also...But the anointing which ye have received of Him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in Him.

Jn. 7:19 Did not Moses give you the law, and yet none of you keep the law? Why go ye about to kill me?

Jn. 5:45-47 Do not think that I will accuse you to the Father: there is one that accuseth you, even Moses, in whom ye trust. For had ye believed Moses, ye would have believed me: for he wrote of me. But if ye believe not his writings how shall ye believe my words?

15


Mt. 15:12-14 Then came His disciples, and said unto Him, Knowest thou that the Pharisees were offended after they heard this saying? But He answered and said, Every plant, which my heavenly Father hath not planted, shall be rooted up. Let them alone: they be blind leaders of the blind. And if the blind lead the blind, both shall fall into the ditch.

Acts 13:27 For they that dwell in Jerusalem, and their rulers, because they knew Him not, nor yet the voices of the prophets which are read every sabbath day, they have fulfilled them in condemning Him.

Read Gal. 4:21-30

1 Cor. 2:14 But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.

The New Covenant is the heir to the faithful of the Old Covenant times. As we said at the beginning of this Covenants course, the Old Testament saints were saved the same way as we are - through the blood of Jesus Christ. The only difference is that they, through faith, look forward to what would happen and we, in faith, look back to what did happen. It is faith in the work of Christ either way.

The Old Covenant saints were not saved by the blood of the old Covenant, but by the blood of the New Covenant.

Rom. 3:25 Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in His blood, to declare His righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God;

Heb. 9:15 And for this cause He is the mediator of the new testament that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance.

Heb. 11:9-10,13-16...he looked for a city...died in the faith not having received the promises,...they desire a better country...He hath prepared for them a city.

The Old Covenant saints were made perfect through the blood of the new Covenant. The following references deal with the thought of

16


perfection.

Heb. 7:19 For the law made nothing perfect, but the bringing in of a better hope did; by the which we draw nigh unto God.

Heb. 9:9 Which was a figure for the time then present, in which were offered both gifts and sacrifices, that could not make him that did the service perfect as pertaining to the conscience;

Heb. 10:1, 9-14 For the law having a shadow of good things to come, and not the very image of the things, can never with those sacrifices which they offered year by year continually make the comers thereunto perfect...Then said He, Lo, I come to do thy will, O God. He taketh away the first, that He may establish the second. By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all. And every priest standeth daily ministering and offering often times the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins: But this man, after He had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God; From henceforth expecting till His enemies be made His footstool. For by one offering He hath perfected forever them that are sanctified.

Heb. 11:13, 39-40 These all died in the faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth...And these all, having obtained a good report through faith, received not the promise: God having provided some better thing for us, that they without us should not be made perfect.

Heb. 12:22-24 But ye are come unto mount Sion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels, to the general assembly and church of the firstborn, which are written in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect, And to Jesus the mediator of the new Covenant and to the blood of sprinkling, that speaketh better things than that of Abel.

The New Covenant saints are heirs of the kingdom.

Mt. 21:43 Therefore say I unto you, The kingdom of God shall be taken from you, and

17


given to a nation bringing forth the fruits thereof.

Lk. 12:32 Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom.

Mt. 8:11-12 And I say unto you, That many shall come from the east and west, and shall sit down with Abraham, and Isaac and Jacob, in the kingdom of heaven. But the children of the kingdom shall be cast out into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

Heb. 12:28 Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear:

Read Gal. 4:22-30

Jas. 2:5 Hearken my beloved brethren, Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love Him?

1 The. 2:12 That ye would walk worthy of God, who hath called you unto His kingdom and glory.

Col. 1:13-14 Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of His dear Son: (14) In whom we have redemption through His blood, even the forgiveness of sins:

Mount Zion in Palestine was the capitol and throne of the Old Covenant Israel. The Israel after the flesh, but a type of the throne of God among His people.

2 Sam. 5:7 Nevertheless David took the stronghold of Zion: the same is the city of David.

1 Chron. 28:5 And of all my sons (for the Lord hath given me many sons,) He hath chosen Solomon my son to sit upon the throne of the kingdom of the Lord over Israel.

1 Chron. 29:23 Then Solomon sat on the throne of the Lord as king instead of David his

18


father, and prospered; and all Israel obeyed him.

Mount Zion was the earnest and type of the true kingdom of God, of the New Covenant.

Heb. 12:22-28 But ye are come unto mount Sion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels, to the general assembly and church of the firstborn, which are written in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect, And to Jesus the mediator of the new Covenant and to the blood of sprinkling, that speaketh better things than that of Abel. See that ye refuse not Him that speaketh. For if they escaped not who refused him that spake on earth, much more shall not we escape, if we turn away from Him that speaketh from heaven: Whose voice then shook the earth: but now He hath promised, saying, Yet once more I shake not the earth only, but also heaven. And his word, Yet once more, signifieth the removing of those things that are shaken, as of things that are made, that those things which cannot be shaken may remain. Therefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear:

Phil. 2:9-11 Wherefore God also hath highly exalted Him, and given Him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

The Jerusalem above is that of the New Covenant. Her children and HERS ALONE are the heirs. The natural Jerusalem, when God resided there, was a type or picture of the presence of God living among His people. In the New Covenant age we have the fulfillment of this. The real Jerusalem - the Jerusalem from above, the Kingdom of God - has come and He now dwells in the midst of His people. It is no longer a physical location, but a spiritual one as God lives wherever His people are.

Read Gal. 4:22-31

19. Only those who come to Christ can enter the New Covenant

and truly become the ______________ of God.

19


20. If there is any other way to God other than Jesus Christ, then the

death of Jesus on the cross was __________________ and God could have answered His plea in the Garden.

21. The Old Covenant was never intended to be ______________.

22. The Old Covenant saints were not saved by the ___________ of the old Covenant, but by the blood of the New Covenant.

23. The New Covenant saints are heirs of the _______________.

24. ________________ was the earnest and type of the true kingdom of God, of the New Covenant.

25. It is no longer a physical _______________, but a spiritual one as God lives wherever His people are.

Review 11. Write out from memory Rom. 6:14: ________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

2. The ________ Covenant is built on the Old Covenant.

3. The New Covenant is the true fulfillment of all the types and shadows and that which was not type and shadow [i.e. the

moral law] is _______________ into the New Covenant and is a vital part of it.

4. Jesus fulfilled all of the Old Covenant, it's righteousness, and it's

______________ types.

5. Now God dwells with His people world wide and the spiritual

_________________, from above, is the joy of all who belong to her, i.e. Christians.

6. For the Christian the Law of God is no longer an external _____

20


but an internal delight.

7. Now the division is between ______________ [spiritual Jew] and non-Christian [spiritual Gentile].

8. The moral Law is re-established as the Christian’s ____________ [NOT his righteousness] and, of course, continues to be the perfect standard by which the ungodly will be judged by.

9. Because of Jesus the __________ considers me dead - it no longer condemns me.

10. Now the ___________ is to be my lifestyle but never again can it be my judge.

11. No longer do I labour under the __________ in order to please God, but because I live in God’s smile I want to keep the Law.

12. When we stumble or fall we run to __________ for forgiveness knowing that our “right standing” before God does not depend on our works.

13. All the promises of the __________ are to and in Christ.

14. All the types of the of the Old Covenant were created for the

_________________.

15. The writings of the prophets are to and for the heirs of the

______________.

16. Only those who come to _______________ can enter the New Covenant and truly become the people of God.

17. The ________ Covenant was never intended to be permanent.

18. The _________ Covenant saints were not saved by the blood of the Old Covenant, but by the blood of the New Covenant.

19. The __________ Covenant saints are heirs of the kingdom.

20. It is no longer a physical location, but a spiritual one as God

21


___________ wherever His people are.

Score: _____________ [5 points each]

6. SUMMARY

Since all of the Old Testament testifies of Christ coming as Redeemer, its meaning is centered in Him.

Acts 3:24 Yea and all the prophets from Samuel and those that follow after, as many as have spoken, have likewise foretold of these days.

Acts 10:43 To Him give all the prophets witness, that through His name whosoever believeth in Him shall receive remission of sins.

Those who pretend to abide by the Old Covenant and still reject Christ show that they do not know its meaning, nor can they keep that which they profess.

The New Covenant was confirmed with the remnant of Israel who accepted Christ. The physical Jews had the Covenant confirmed to them first. They had the first opportunity of entering this new and final era. As a nation they rejected the opportunity, but the remnant did accept the Covenant and became the first Christians paving the way for the rest of us. After the the Covenant had been confirmed - till approximately the stoning of Stephen - then it went world-wide and so it shall remain until the end of time.

We Gentiles were then grafted in among them. We have become partakers with them of the New Covenant and all of its blessings. This new body is the Israel of God, and Heir to all the scriptures.

The New Covenant is the blossom and fruitage of the Old Covenant. It unfolds the Old Covenant’s ultimate and only true meaning. The meaning was revealed through the visions of the prophets and was projected in language and images of type forms. God had prepared to forecast the riches of the New Covenant age and kingdom.

While the veil of the Old remained intact the Old had a temporary purpose, besides its vastly greater intent. The temporary purpose was expressed in Gal. 3 until the seed should come. The purpose of the Old came to an actual end when Jesus rose from the dead. Then there was a

22


transition period - no change this dramatic can be practically accomplished over night. The transition period was 40 years and then the Old with its forms was forever swept away when the temple was destroyed in AD 70.

Peter expressed the ultimate purpose of the Old order in its prophetic ministry.

1 Pet. 1:9-12 Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls. Of which salvation the prophets have inquired and searched diligently, who prophesied of the grace that should come unto you: searching what, or what manner of time the Spirit of Christ which was in them did signify, when it testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ, and the glory that should follow. Unto whom it was revealed, that not unto themselves, but unto us they did minister the things, which are now reported unto you by them that have preached the gospel unto you with the Holy Ghost sent down from heaven; which things the angels desire to look into.

This inspired statement refers to Moses and all the prophets. Their ministry was and is to us who have received the gospel. They are ministered to us through Spirit-filled preachers and teachers. Those of the New Covenant are the true heirs of their writings. Peter says specifically that it was not for those of the Old but for those of the New. Paul confirms that the New Covenant saints are heirs exclusively.

Read Gal. 4:22-30

Some people are veiled in heart and mind.

2 Cor. 3:14-16 But their minds were blinded: for until this day remaineth the same veil untaken away in the reading of the old testament; which veil is done away in Christ. But even unto this day, when Moses is read, the veil is upon their heart. Nevertheless when it shall turn to the Lord, the veil shall be taken away.

The veiled in heart read the Old Testament in the letter not in the Spirit. They assign the Old Covenant to those who reject the New Covenant and cling to the Old and its letter. Sometimes in ignorance and sometimes deliberately, they give the Old Testament to those who reject Jesus because they prefer Moses.

Those who distinguish with clear sight know that the Old in its letter kills.

23


2 Cor. 3:6 Who also hath made us able ministers of the new testament; not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life.

Gal. 3:10 For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse: for it is written, Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them.

Ministers of the New Covenant, who have clear sight, assign these prophetic ministrations, that is those of the old Covenant, to the rightful heirs. They belong to the church of Jesus Christ, not in letter but in the Spirit. They are ministering life according to their true ultimate intent and purpose. We have shown many times in this study that while the promises of the Old Covenant had a temporary natural fulfillment [i.e. the land, the blessing, etc.] it’s real and ultimate fulfillment was spiritual in Christ Jesus in the New Covenant era.

2 Cor. 3:6, 18 Who also hath made us able ministers of the new testament; not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life...But we all with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.

1. Since all of the Old Testament testifies of Christ coming as

______________, its meaning is centered in Him.

2. The New Covenant was _______________ with the remnant of Israel who accepted Christ.

3. ___________ the the Covenant had been confirmed - till approximately the stoning of Stephen - then it went world-wide and so it shall remain until the end of time.

4. The New Covenant unfolds the Old Covenant’s ultimate and only

true _________________.

5. The transition period was _______ years and then the Old with its forms was forever swept away when the temple was destroyed in AD 70.

24


6. Paul confirms that the New Covenant saints are ___________ exclusively.

7. While the promises of the Old Covenant had a temporary natural fulfillment [i.e. the land, the blessing, etc.] it’s real and ultimate

fulfillment was ______________ in Christ Jesus in the New Covenant era.

The New Covenant replaces the Old Covenant. The Old was nailed to the cross with Christ. There it died and was finished and buried. Christ rose from the dead with the same body, yet changed, glorified and spiritual. So the Old Covenant has risen as a New Body in spirit to those who are spiritual.

1 Cor. 15:44 It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body. There is a natural body and there is a spiritual body.

The new body is not of the letter nor dust of the old types, where the wicked often intruded.

Read Isa. 52:1-15, 60:1-22.

It is the hope of Abraham and the true hope of Israel that is attained in Christ.

Heb. 11:8-10 By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing wither he went. By faith he sojourned in the land of promise, as in a strange country, dwelling in tabernacles with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise: For he looked for a city which hath foundations whose builder and maker is God.

Heb. 12:22-28 But ye are come unto mount Sion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels, to the general assembly and church of the firstborn, which are written in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect, And to Jesus the mediator of the new Covenant and to the blood of sprinkling, that speaketh better things than that of Abel. See that ye refuse not Him that speaketh. For if they escaped not who refused him that spake on earth, much more shall not we

25


escape, if we turn away from Him that speaketh from heaven: Whose voice then shook the earth: but now He hath promised, saying, Yet once more I shake not the earth only, but also heaven. And his word, Yet once more, signifieth the removing of those things that are shaken, as of things that are made, that those things which cannot be shaken may remain. Therefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear:

The things of heaven in the spirit are what is in view here. It speaks of the Mount Zion above, the heavenly Jerusalem and her children, the true Israel.

Read Gal. 4:24-28.

Isa. 54:1 Sing O barren thou that didst not bear; break forth into singing, and cry aloud, thou that didst not travail with child: for more are the children of the desolate than the children of the married wife, saith the Lord.

Our warfare is not in the flesh, but against rulers of darkness of this world in the heavenlies. The rest of this Covenant is not earthly Canaan but heavenly for which Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob hoped.

Heb. 11:13-16 These all died in the faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. For they that say such things declare plainly that they seek a country. And truly, if they had been mindful of that country from whence they came out, they might have had opportunity to have returned. But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not shamed to be called their God: for He hath prepared for them a city.

Our riches in Christ were first pictured in forms worked out in the flesh. The forms or types were not intended to be forever for then they would be possessed by carnal man. To be fulfilled they must die in order that they might appear risen and transformed into their greater glory in the New Covenant. Having done that, they now become the possession of the promised Heir, Christ and the joint-heirs. “In thy seed shall all the families of the earth be blessed.”

Things of the Old Covenant are spoken of as eternal but the

26


question is: How are they eternal? A type is a prophecy, if it is true prophecy it must be fulfilled and it cannot remain a type forever. It is to be fulfilled in the New Creation and so it becomes eternal in the spirit. It is not the type that is eternal, but its fulfillment.

8. The Old Covenant has risen as a ________________ in spirit to those who are spiritual.

9. Our _______________ is not in the flesh, but against rulers of darkness of this world in the heavenlies.

10. A ____________ is a prophecy, if it is true prophecy it must be fulfilled and it cannot remain a type forever.

11. It is not the type that is _____________, but its fulfillment.

Now we will look at how the apostles, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, interpreted the Old Testament Scriptures in relation to the New Covenant.

7. APOSTOLIC INTERPRETATION OF THE PROPHETS

Rom. 9:22-26 shows that Hosea foretold the rejection of carnal [physical] Israel. Hosea, in fact, not only foretold the rejection of the carnal but the inclusion of the Gentiles in the plan of God.

Hos. 1:9-10 Then said God, Call his name Lo-ammi: for ye are not my people, and I will not be your God. Yet the number of the children of Israel shall be as the sand of the sea, which cannot be measured nor numbered; and it shall come to pass, that in the place where it was said unto them, Ye are not my people, there it shall be said unto them, Ye are the sons of the living God.

Hos. 2:23 And I will sow here unto me in the earth; and I will have mercy upon her that had not obtained mercy; and I will say to them which were not my people, Thou are my people; and they shall say, Thou art my God.

In looking at these Old Testament Scriptures we see they are promising that people who were not considered the people of God [i.e. Gentiles] would, in the future, become the new people of God. In the New Covenant nationality is no longer an issue - only relationship with Jesus Christ.

27


Romans 9:27-29 [read it now] refers to Isa. 10:22-23 and 1:9. Isaiah refers to the mass of Israel and the elect among them called a remnant, and a seed.

Isa. 10:22-23 For though thy people Israel be as the sand of the sea, yet a remnant of them shall return: the consumption decreed shall overflow with righteousness. for the Lord God of hosts shall make a consumption, even determined, in the midst of all the land.

The word “consumption” in Is. 10 means “full, complete destruction.” The just and righteous judgment of God was coming on the nation of Israel but the remnant would be spared and brought through to victory.

Isa. 1:9 Except the Lord of hosts had left unto us a very small remnant, we should have been as Sodom and we should have been like Gomorrah.

The remnant are those who have accepted Christ and are saved.

Paul in Rom. 10:20-21 quotes from Isa. 65:1-2 which is a prophetic chapter.

Isa. 65:1-2 I am sought of them that asked not for me; I am found of them that sought me not: I said, Behold me, behold me, unto a nation that was not called by my name. I have spread out my hands all the day unto a rebellious people, which walketh in a way that was not good, after their own thoughts;

Rom. 10:20-21 But Esaias was very bold, and saith, I was found of them that sought me not; I was made manifest unto them that asked not after me. But to Israel he saith, All day long I have stretched forth my hands unto a disobedient and gainsaying people.

Both Isaiah and Paul deal with the acceptance of the Gentiles into the fold of God together with the remnant of Israel. They also show a rejection of the physical nation as such. The redeemed continue to be called “Jerusalem” and “My people.” The titles of the type and the symbol are applied to the true. This has caused confusion among those who refuse to look to the true spiritual fulfillment and insisted and maintaining only a natural, carnal fulfillment.

Isa. 65:18-19 But be ye glad and rejoice for ever in that which I create: for, behold, I

28


created Jerusalem a rejoicing, and her people a joy. And I will rejoice in Jerusalem, and joy in my people: and the voice of weeping shall be no more heard in her, nor the voice of crying.

Paul sees saved Gentiles and a nation of lost Jews - except for the remnant. Paul was guided by the general context in the prophets and the fact they were looking forward to the New Covenant days.

There was the rejection of the then nation of Israel, but there was still the promise to Abraham to be fulfilled. His seed would be as the sand of the sea. How could this be? Hosea answers the "problem" by stating those not God's people would become His people. The Gentiles by grace would become the people of God.

Hos. 1:9-10 Then said God, Call his name Lo-ammi: for ye are not my people, and I will not be your God. Yet the number of the children of Israel shall be as the sand of the sea, which cannot be measured nor numbered; and it shall come to pass, that in the place where it was said unto them, Ye are not my people, there is shall be said unto them, Ye are the sons of the living God.

Hos. 2:23 And I will sow her unto me in the earth; and I will have mercy upon her that had not obtained mercy; and I will say to them which were not my people, Thou are my people; and they shall say, Thou art my God.

Peter interprets the same was as Paul.

Write out and memorize 1 Pet. 2:9-10: _______________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

In Hosea 1:10 the term “Israel” is the church, the new Covenant Israel. In Isaiah 1:9; 10:22 ,23 “Israel” is obviously used in referring to a

29


sinful nation's tragic loss. Only the remnant would be saved. The context guided the apostle, both in referring to the coming of Christ as Saviour and the results upon the nation that rejected Him. We must know the context and not read into it our own ideas or theories.

12. In the New Covenant ______________ is no longer an issue - only relationship with Jesus Christ.

13. The just and righteous __________________ of God was coming on the nation of Israel but the remnant would be spared and brought through to victory.

14. Both Isaiah and Paul deal with the __________________ of the Gentiles into the fold of God together with the remnant of Israel.

15. The ________ of the type and the symbol are applied to the true.

16. The Gentiles by __________ would become the people of God.

17, We must know the ________________ and not read into it our own ideas or theories.

The prophets make much of the salvation of the Gentiles, but never allow it apart from the remnant of Israel. It was the nation of Israel, because of its rebellion, which was rejected. There was always a “remnant” of Israelites, as individuals, who remained faithful and were the true inheritors of the promises. They were the beginning the New Testament Church and introduced this great salvation to the Gentiles.

The prophets retain the name “Israel” for all those saved by grace in the era of the cross and the new Covenant. As we have said before, the prophets used the same terms to refer to both the natural and the spiritual. The natural pictured the spiritual and was the only thing the Old Testament people could understand. We must carefully examine context to see if a] it is speaking of the natural only, b] it is speaking of the spiritual only, or c] it is speaking of the natural but looking forward to the spiritual. Much error creeps into the Church became people automatically interpret these prophecies according to preconceived ideas rather than by studying context and overall purpose.

Joel 2:28-32 is quoted in Acts 2. Joel 2:32 speaks of the salvation which the Christians enjoy. Paul in Romans and Peter in Acts tell us this is so.

30


Joel. 2:28-32 And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions: And also upon the servants and upon the handmaids in those days will I pour out my spirit. And I will shew wonders in the heavens and in the earth, blood, and fire, and pillars of smoke. The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon unto blood, before the great and terrible day of the Lord come. And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be delivered: for in Mount Zion and in Jerusalem shall be deliverance, as the Lord hath said, and in the remnant whom the Lord shall call.

Rom. 10:13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.

Acts 2:21 And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved.

Salvation is for the whosoever will, that is the Gentiles. Yet it is not a Gentile church but Jerusalem, Zion, and it is in the remnant. In the New Covenant gospel age, whosoever calls and is called by God is still Israel - they are considered the true and only Israel.

The apostolic interpretation of these things in the prophets is that they refer, not to earthly Zion, Jerusalem, and Israel as being in the realm of the elect who are saved, but to the heavenly Jerusalem, and the new Covenant people of God.

Read Gal. 4:22-31.

Heb. 12:22-28 But ye are come unto mount Sion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels, to the general assembly and church of the firstborn, which are written in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect, And to Jesus the mediator of the new Covenant and to the blood of sprinkling, that speaketh better things than that of Abel. See that ye refuse not Him that speaketh. For if they escaped not who refused him that spake on earth, much more shall not we escape, if we turn away from Him that speaketh from heaven: Whose voice then shook the earth: but now He hath promised, saying, Yet once more I shake not the earth only, but also heaven. And his word, Yet once more, signifieth the removing of those things that are shaken, as of things that are made, that those things which cannot be shaken may remain. Therefore we receiving a

31


kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear:

The promise of Isaiah is that the foundation and corner stone is in Zion. Psalms tells us He sets His king on the holy hill of Zion.

Isa. 28:16 Therefore thus saith the Lord God, Behold I lay in Zion for a foundation a stone, a tried stone, a precious corner stone, a sure foundation: he that believeth shall not make haste.

Psa. 2:6 Yet have I set my king upon my holy hill of Zion.

Both writers refer to Christ in Zion. It is declared by the apostles to have been fulfilled in the present exaltation of Christ, at the right hand of God in heaven.

In Heb. 12:22-28, the heavenly Zion is the church of the firstborn. It is clearly the Israel of the prophets. It is certainly not the carnal nation of Israel.

Peter pictures the church - with Christ as its head and foundation - as the spiritual Zion.

1 Pet. 2:6 Wherefore also it is contained in the Scripture, Behold, I lay in Sion a chief corner stone, elect, precious: and he that believeth on Him shall not be confounded.

Paul quotes Psa. 2:7 as fulfilled in Christ's resurrection. It tells of Christ's inauguration, the day of resurrection.

Acts 13:32-33 And we declare unto you glad tidings, how that the promise which was made unto the fathers, God hath fulfilled the same unto us their children, in that He raised up Jesus again; as it is also written in the second psalm, thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee.

Psa. 2:6-7 Yet have I set my king upon my holy hill of Zion. I will declare the decree: the Lord hath said unto me, Thou art my Son; this day have I begotten thee.

The place of this Zion, must be the place of the cornerstone and the

32


place mentioned in Hebrews.

Heb. 1:3 Who being the brightness of His glory, and the express image of His person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when He had by Himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high.

Heb. 12:22-28 (see above).

This Zion holds the throne of the head of the Church and the Mediator of the new Covenant, Jesus Christ.

Earthly things pass away but this Zion and its people are the saved of all ages - the Israel of God. They are cleansed by the blood of the new Covenant. These shall never pass away. This is the glorious vision of the prophets.

The prophets use the term “Israel” to describe both the earthly Israel and the Spirit- born Church of God. They show the rejection of Christ, Who then rejects the nation. The “born again” new Covenant “Israel” is eternal.

The statement of Peter shows the ministry of the prophets is for the gospel believers. It clearly shows that apostolic practice was to preach from the prophets. Peter's first sermon in Acts 2 and Paul's first recorded sermon in Acts 13, which are bare outlines, are examples of the apostolic practice. Peter's epistles flow with the language of the prophets. The book of Hebrews is a vital stream of new Covenant truth flowing from the prophets. Romans breathes of the prophets.

These are materials of the old for the use of those who now preach the gospel, with the Holy Spirit sent down from heaven.

1 Pet. 1:12 Unto whom it was revealed, that not unto themselves, but unto us they did minister the things, which are now reported unto you by them that have preached the gospel unto you with the Holy Ghost sent down from heaven; which things the angels desire to look into.

There is an old joke about the a church building committee which passed the following 3 motions:

1. We will build a new building,2. We will use the materials of the old building in making the new

one, and3. We will continue using the old building unto the new one is

33


completed.

In the natural this is impossible, but essentially this is what God did in the spiritual. His goal was the new building [the Church], He used the materials [types and symbols] of the old to reveal the new, and He continued using the old unto the new was ready to be revealed.

Everything in this section shows the apostles interpreted the Old Testament prophecies to the Church. Never once did they apply them to the natural nation of Israel. We should follow their example for they are the foundation on which the church is built. Anything else is another gospel - which should be rejected.

18. The prophets make much of the _________________ of the Gentiles, but never allow it apart from the remnant of Israel.

19. In the New Covenant _______________ age, whosoever calls and is called by God is still Israel - they are considered the true and only Israel.

20. Both writers refer to Christ in ___________.

21. Peter pictures the _____________ - with Christ as its head and foundation - as the spiritual Zion.

22. This Zion holds the _____________ of the head of the Church and the Mediator of the new Covenant, Jesus Christ.

23. Earthly things pass away but this ____________ and its people are the saved of all ages - the Israel of God.

24. The apostles interpreted the Old Testament prophecies to the

______________.

TESTATORGod, as in all other Covenants, is the Ultimate moving force. He

initiates and provides the New Covenant. The New Testament scriptures make it clear it God was IN Christ reconciling the world to Himself.

The New Testament Scriptures name the Testator as Christ specifically. Where there is no death of a Testator there is no testament in force.

34


Heb. 9:16-17 For where a testament [is], there must also of necessity be the death of the testator. For a testament [is] of force after men are dead: otherwise it is of no strength at all while the testator liveth.

The Testator shed the blood of the New Testament and thus brought it into effect. The shedding of blood was required for the forgiveness of sins and is a necessary step in a Blood Covenant [see The Making Of A Blood Covenant].

Mt. 26:28 For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.

1 Cor. 11:25 After the same manner also [he took] the cup, when he had supped, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink [it], in remembrance of me.

Christ is also the Mediator of the New Testament.

Heb. 9:15 And for this cause he is the mediator of the new testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions [that were] under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance.

A mediator is one who goes between and arranges important matters. He works to settle differences and bring about reconciliation. Christ is the Mediator of a better testament with better promises.

Heb. 8:6 But now hath he obtained a more excellent ministry, by how much also he is the mediator of a better Covenant, which was established upon better promises.

Moses, the mediator of the Old Covenant, was a type of Christ the great Mediator of the New Covenant.

Heb. 12:24 And to Jesus the mediator of the new Covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling, that speaketh better things than [that of] Abel.

Jesus is the ONLY Mediator between God and man. He stands in the presence of God on behalf of all the members of the Covenant. He

35


pleads their cause. He satisfies the demands of God's justice on their behalf. He also presents the words and demands of God to them.

The error of the Jews of Jesus’ day and all legalists [Christian and non-Christian] is that they try to make the Law the mediator between God and man. The Law has its role in life but it is NOT as mediator. Jesus Christ is the only Mediator between God and man.

The need for a mediator suggests enmity - two parties that need to be reconciled. In this case it is God in Christ reconciling us to Himself. He is the offended party. He has been offended by our willful, stubborn rebellion and He is angry at our evil. Separation was the result of our offense. Judgment was pronounced. A great gulf exists between God and man. The only answer is a mediator. There can be no reconciliation without the paying the penalty of the broken law. The God-man became our Mediator. He offered perfect obedience to the law. Then He took our sins and bore the just penalty of the law those sins deserved.

Now Jesus mediates on the basis of His blood. He appears in the presence of God on our behalf, as our Advocate and Mediator. God now accepts us as justified because of Christ. Christ's relationship as testator is unique. He is the testator and works the testament’s completion and perfection.

In every Covenant we have studied, God is the offended party. We should come to Him seeking forgiveness but in every case God came seeking us. Our sinful, hard hearts would never seek God unless He was calling us.

C.S.Lewis illustrates this point in his children’s book, The Silver Chair. In it one of the main characters [Jill] is speaking to the Christ figure [Aslan, the Lion]: “...Because nobody called me and Scrubb, you know. It was we who asked to come here. Scrubb said we were to called to - to Somebody...and perhaps the Somebody would let us in. And we did, and then we found the door open.”

“You would not have called to me unless I had been calling to you,” said the Lion.

Sin is so evil and malignant it has disastrous consequences. It necessitates separation from God. Reconciliation can only be accomplished on the principles that are consistent with God's character and government. God is love. But to only represent Him as love is to give an erroneous view of His dealings with us. He is moral and righteous;

36


therefore, He has hatred of sin and punishes it.

Representing God only as love is extremely partial and an erroneous view of His relations to us. He is love and that is the underlying force of all the blessings of the Covenant. However, He is also a moral governor. He is a righteous King. His character is reflected in His government. He manifests a holy hatred of sin and justly punishes it. Therefore, for sinners to return to Him there must be mediation in a way that vindicates His perfection and magnifies His law.

Sinners need a mediator. They are enemies of God, transgressors, obstinate, rebellious, and love darkness rather than light. They have not just wandered away from God and still carry a love for Him. It is not that they would return to Him if they only knew how. They are settled transgressors from the heart. When they are confronted with the truth, they regard God as their worst enemy, committed to their punishment. They love the evil and hate the good, doing everything possible to dismiss God from their minds. They need someone to bring them to a state of subjection and obedience. Someone is needed to take care of our interests, bare with our infirmities. Our helplessness is painfully felt when we see our sinful condition. We shrink from His purity and need a mediator.

Christ is glorified in the ministry of mediation. Sin had entered. God permitted sin for His own wise reasons. Sin has provided an opportunity for God to show His incomparable wisdom. Sin has been overruled to the magnifying of Christ. Christ's position if there had been no sin is mere speculation and therefore can be ignored.

Rev. 19:12 His eyes were as a flame of fire, and on His head were many crowns; and He had a new name written, that no man knew, but He Himself.

25. The New Testament scriptures make it clear it God was ______ Christ reconciling the world to Himself.

26. The New Testament Scriptures name the Testator as _________ specifically.

27. The Testator shed the ____________ of the New Testament and thus brought it into effect.

28. Christ is also the _______________ of the New Testament.

37


29. Jesus is the ____________ Mediator between God and man.

30. The error of the Jews of Jesus’ day and all legalists [Christian

and non-Christian] is that they try to make the Law the _______ between God and man.

31. There can be no reconciliation without the paying the ________ of the broken law.

32. Now Jesus mediates on the basis of His ____________.

33. In every Covenant we have studied, God is the ____________ party.

34. We should come to Him seeking __________________ but in every case God came seeking us.

35. ________________ can only be accomplished on the principles that are consistent with God's character and government.

36. For sinners to return to Him there must be _________________ in a way that vindicates His perfection and magnifies His law.

37. Our helplessness is painfully felt when we see our __________ condition.

38. Sin has provided an opportunity for God to show His

incomparable ________________.

Review 21. Write out from memory 1 Pet. 2:9-10: ______________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

38


__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

2. Since all of the Old Testament testifies of Christ coming as

Redeemer, its meaning is _________________ in Him.

3. The New Covenant was confirmed with the ______________ of Israel who accepted Christ.

4. After the the Covenant had been confirmed - till approximately the

stoning of _______________ - then it went world-wide and so it shall remain until the end of time.

5. The transition period was 40 years and then the Old with its forms was forever swept away when the temple was destroyed in

_____________.

6. Paul confirms that the New Covenant saints are heirs _________.

7. While the promises of the Old Covenant had a ______________ natural fulfillment [i.e. the land, the blessing, etc.] it’s real and ultimate fulfillment was spiritual in Christ Jesus in the New Covenant era.

8. Our warfare is not in the ______________, but against rulers of darkness of this world in the heavenlies.

9. A type is a _______________, if it is true prophecy it must be fulfilled and it cannot remain a type forever.

10. In the New Covenant nationality is no longer an issue - only

________________ with Jesus Christ.

11. The just and ________________ judgment of God was coming on the nation of Israel but the remnant would be spared and brought through to victory.

12. Both Isaiah and Paul deal with the acceptance of the _________ into the fold of God together with the remnant of Israel.

39


13, We must know the context and not read into it our own ______ or theories.

14. The _____________ make much of the salvation of the Gentiles, but never allow it apart from the remnant of Israel.

15. In the new Covenant gospel age, whosoever calls and is called

by God is still ____________ - they are considered the true and only Israel.

16. Peter pictures the church - with _____________ as its head and foundation - as the spiritual Zion.

17. This ____________ holds the throne of the head of the Church and the Mediator of the new Covenant, Jesus Christ.

18. ______________ things pass away but this Zion and its people are the saved of all ages - the Israel of God.

19. The ______________ interpreted the Old Testament prophecies to the Church.

20. The New Testament scriptures make it clear it God was IN Christ

reconciling the ___________ to Himself.

21. The New Testament Scriptures name the _______________ as Christ specifically.

22. The ________________ shed the blood of the New Testament and thus brought it into effect.

23. ______________ is also the Mediator of the New Testament.

24. ____________ is the ONLY Mediator between God and man.

25. The error of the Jews of Jesus’ day and all ______________ [Christian and non-Christian] is that they try to make the Law the mediator between God and man.

26. There can be no ___________________ without the paying the penalty of the broken law.

40


27. Now Jesus ______________ on the basis of His blood.

28. In every Covenant we have studied, __________ is the offended party.

29. We should come to Him ________________ forgiveness but in every case God came seeking us.

30. Reconciliation can only be accomplished on the ____________ that are consistent with God's character and government.

31. For ______________ to return to Him there must be mediation in a way that vindicates His perfection and magnifies His law.

32. Our ___________________ is painfully felt when we see our sinful condition.

33. __________ has provided an opportunity for God to show His incomparable wisdom.


Pre-Test1. Write out from memory Rom. 6:14: ________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

2. Write out from memory 1 Pet. 2:9-10: ______________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

41


__________________________________________________________

3. The New Covenant is built on the ___________________.

4. Jesus fulfilled _________ of the Old Covenant, it's righteousness, and it's prophetic types.

5. Now God _____________ with His people world wide and the spiritual Jerusalem, from above, is the joy of all who belong to her, i.e. Christians.

6. For the ________________ the Law of God is no longer an external burden but an internal delight.

7. Because of Jesus the law considers me ______________ - it no longer condemns me.

8. No longer do I labour under the law in order to _____________ God, but because I live in God’s smile I want to keep the Law.

9. When we stumble or fall we run _________ God for forgiveness knowing that our “right standing” before God does not depend on our works.

10. All the _____________ of the of the Old Covenant were created for the New Covenant.

11. Only those who come to _______________ can enter the New Covenant and truly become the people of God.

12. The _________ Covenant was never intended to be permanent.

13. The Old Covenant saints were not ________________ by the blood of the Old Covenant, but by the blood of the New Covenant.

14. The New Covenant was confirmed with the _____________ of Israel who accepted Christ.

15. The ________________ period was 40 years and then the Old with its forms was forever swept away when the temple was destroyed in AD 70.

16. While the promises of the Old Covenant had a temporary

42


natural fulfillment [i.e. the land, the blessing, etc.] it’s real and

ultimate fulfillment was spiritual in Christ Jesus in the ________

______________ era.

17. A type is a prophecy, if it is ___________ prophecy it must be fulfilled and it cannot remain a type forever.

18. The just and righteous ________________ of God was coming on the nation of Israel but the remnant would be spared and brought through to victory.

19, We must know the ____________ and not read into it our own ideas or theories.

20. In the new Covenant gospel age, whosoever calls and is called by God is still Israel - they are considered the true and only

_______________.

21. Peter pictures the _____________ - with Christ as its head and foundation - as the spiritual Zion.

22. Earthly things pass away but this ____________ and its people are the saved of all ages - the Israel of God.

23. The apostles interpreted the __________ Testament prophecies to the Church.

24. The New Testament scriptures make it clear it _________ was IN Christ reconciling the world to Himself.

25. The New Testament Scriptures name the Testator as ________ specifically.

26. The Testator shed the blood of the New Testament and thus

brought it into _____________.

27. Jesus is the ONLY _____________ between God and man.

28. There can be no reconciliation without the paying the ________ of the broken law.

43


29. Now Jesus mediates on the basis of His _____________.

30. We should come to Him seeking ___________________ but in every case God came seeking us.

31. Reconciliation can only be accomplished on the principles that

are consistent with God's _______________ and government.

32. For sinners to return to Him there must be mediation in a way

that vindicates His perfection and magnifies His ___________.

33. Our helplessness is painfully felt when we see our __________ condition.


44


Covenants Of Love - Joshua Club · 2007-08-04 · understanding of the exciting and essential subject of God’s Covenants of love. ... Score all questions before taking the related

Documents