The Importance of Covenant

Pastor E. Keith Hassell

Foundation Scripture: Ephesians 2:11-13 (NKJV)

I. Covenant communicates agreement

A. When God wants to do a work in the earth, He begins by finding a person or people with whom He can agree on earth (Abraham, Isaac, Jacob)

II. Covenant consecrates commitment

A. Covenant requires that we live in dedicated devotion to the agreement

B. Circumcision: Put away fleshly desires that distract us from Him

1. Deuteronomy 10:16 (NKJV) “Therefore circumcise the foreskin of your heart, and be stiff-necked no longer.”

2. Deuteronomy 30:6 (NKJV) “And the Lord your God will circumcise your heart and the heart of your descendants, to love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul, that you may live.”

III. Covenant contains promises

A. The promises of God are contained in the covenant

B. The promises of God are based upon faith in the covenant

IV. Covenant carries hope

A. When God’s people began to cry out to Him, He responds according to His covenant

B. We must begin to make a demand upon our covenant with God through faith

V. Covenant confirms relationship

A. Without covenant, we are without God in this world

B. God is committed to His covenant. Therefore He is committed to us.

The New Covenant

1. Jeremiah prophesied it (Jeremiah 31:31-34)

2. Jesus instituted it (Matthew 26:26-30)

3. Paul confirmed it (1 Corinthians 11:23-27)

4. The Book of Hebrews interpreted it (Hebrews 8:6-13; 10:15-17)

How do we gain entrance into the New Covenant? Through faith in the blood of Jesus Christ