2 Tim. 2:15; Jeremiah 31:31-34
RECAP
In our previous Lesson, we tried ed to… Define Covenant, differentiate between a covenant and a promise, as well as examined the two types of covenants.
THE PEOPLE OF GOD
The term “the people of God” was first used by God in the book of Exodus (Exd. 6:6-7), and it refers to the Israelites!
Throughout the Old Testament, the Israelites are referred to as “the people of God.” Look up Judges 20:2, 2Chr. 7:14; Ezk. 11:20; 14:11; 20:5; 37:23; Jer. 31:33; Ps. 50:7. See also Heb. 11:24-25
In all these texts, the Bible speaks of Israel as God’s Covenant people. It is a matter of divine elation. Check Rom. 9:4, 9-15.
In the New Testament, “the people of God” is no longer referring to the earthly nation of Israel or any particular nation for that matter, but consists of the universal body of believers. Look up Rom. 9:25-26. Compare Hos.1:10; 2:23. See also 2Cor. 6:16 and compare Ezk. 37:27.
The New Testament dispensation presents “the people of God” based upon the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. As many as believes on Him have received mercy and become members of God’s elect (the church), irrespective of their earthly nationality. See 1Pt. 2:9-10.
BIBLICAL COVENANTS AND WHAT THEY MEAN TO US
There are several covenants in the Bible but we shall limit ourselves to the seven that many Bible Scholars consider to be the major ones.
1. The Covenant of Adam (Adamic Covenant)
Made between God and Adam, its major concern was the need to subdue the earth.
(i) Before the fall – Gen 1:28-30
▪Man was commanded not to eat of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, the penalty of which was death (Gen. 2:17).
▪Obediene would earn Adam the right to eat from the tree of life and merit eternal life.
▪Adam did not keep his own part of the covenant and earned death for himself and all his descendants. (Gen. 3:6-7, 17-19).
(ii) After the fall
God promised that a Saviour would come who would crush the head of the serpent (satan) and destroy his works (Gen. 3:15, 1Jn. 3:8.
Meaning
Because all humans come from Adam, they are all under this same covenant and guilty of failing to keep it -Rom 5:12, 3:23.
▪Because of this Adamic nature, man continue to commit sin and earn more guilt, being helpless in trying to obey God’s Commands.
▪Through faith in Christ alone, you are declared righteous in God’s sight, forgiven of your sins, have peace with your Creator, and have been gifted with eternal life – Rom 6:23; 5:1; Eph. 2:8-9.
3. The Covenant of Noah (Noahic Covenant)
God made a promise to Noah to never again bring a flood to destroy the earth – Gen. 9:9-16.
God instituted this Covenant to preserve the earth so that humans would not destroy each other, in order that the Savior, Jesus Christ, could come at the appointed time in God’s redemptive plan. Gen. 9:1-7
Meaning
Since Christ has come and done His Saving work, God is patient toward men, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance- 2 Pt. 3:9.