The New Covenant

I have known from previous bible classes that Jesus came to form a new covenant with man. I heard it taught, preached, and have read it. But before today I had not grasped or worked through it myself. God made me the type of person that takes nothing at face value. I am critical, and work through things before agreement or acceptance. Today I worked through a couple things in my head and now agree with and accept the covenant that Jesus renewed with man. This is something realized long ago, but it was awe-inspiring to work through it on my own without a load of biblical knowledge in my head.

Seven is an important number in both Judaism and Christianity. There were seven days of creation, seven days of mourning, and seven churches in the Book of Revelation, just to name a few. Seven is a number that is holy and complete. This was first taught to me by my New Testament professor in college.

There are 5 major covenants between god and his people. The first four are the Noahic Cov., the Abrahamic Cov., the Mosaic Cov., and the Davidic Cov. Each either renewing or expanding on the previous covenant. Then Jesus came and renewed, expanded, and in essence replaced these covenants.

This was made known to me in the Gospel of John. Jesus' first miracle is performed at the wedding at Cana in Galilee, once part of Canaan. Where the Abrahamic and Mosaic Covenants were made true. At this wedding Jesus turns six barrels of water into wine for the guests. Six is one short of the complete number, seven. Where is the seventh barrel.

John 2:6 "6 Standing nearby were six stone water jars, used for Jewish ceremonial washing. Each could hold twenty to thirty gallons."

The seventh barrel is found at his crucifixion.

John 19:29 "29 A jar of sour wine was sitting there, so they soaked a sponge in it, put it on a hyssop branch, and held it up to his lips."

Jesus began his covenant at Cana, the promised land, where the Abrahamic and Mosaic covenants were made true. He finished his covenant with his crucifixion. He replaced the other covenants with his sacrifice.

This is why in John 14:6 "6 Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me. " it is so important. Way, truth, and life were words used for the Torah. The law given to man in the Pentateuch and the Mosaic Covenant.

Jesus is replacing the law with himself. To follow God we are to follow him. This is the new covenant with man. We will live eternally with God if we follow the teachings of his son.

It's nothing new to biblical scholars, but it made it real for me to come to it myself.

Thank you Lord for making me the way I am. Thank you for my analytical mind and thank you for giving me this message today. The way, the truth, and the life are your son Jesus Christ. Through him we are brought closer to you. Thank you Lord for letting me come to this. I ask that you use what you gave me to help others and to serve in this world. Amen!