Which Covenants Have You Broken?

“If you make a vow to the Lord your God, you shall not delay fulfilling it, for the Lord your God will surely require it of you, and you will be guilty of sin. But if you refrain from vowing, you will not be guilty of sin. You shall be careful to do what has passed your lips, for you have voluntarily vowed to the Lord your God what you have promised with your mouth. Deuteronomy 23:21-23

A covenant is a sacred agreement (or testament) with God. There are many covenants in the Bible. For example because of Noah’s faithfulness, God reestablished the earth through Him and made a covenant signaled by the rainbow that he would never destroy the earth again. Because of Abraham’s faithfulness, God also made a covenant with him, promising that Abraham's descendants would be more numerous than the stars.

As regards salvation to mankind, there are two covenants. The old covenant revolved around salvation through the Laws of Moses. God promised that he would be with the people of Israel if they kept his commands. However they were unable to keep up with the laws.  The new covenant promises salvation through belief in Jesus Christ as Savior. Through this covenant the letter of the law was done away with and the heart of the law written into people's minds through the Holy Spirit.

The death of Jesus on the cross established the New Covenant which Christians mark by taking the Holy Communion. Before he ascended into heaven, Jesus gave Christians the Great Commission. He said “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Matthew 28:18-20). This is why Christians get baptized, and confirmed and go through a process of various other vows (such as  ordination and marriage) according to the way they are called to serve God. In these vows Christians promise to renounce Satan and all his evil works, and promise to serve God and others faithfully. In turn God promises us eternal life with Him in Heaven.  Some people do not take their vows seriously. They do not seem to understand that it is a grave thing to lie to God. If you do dot intend to keep your vows do not make them.

Think back on all the vows you have made to God and examine whether you are compliant with all you promised. Let us have a clear conscience so as not to invite the wrath of God.

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A promise made is a debt unpaid.

Robert Service

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