Covenant Relationship #3
As we continue our study about Covenant relationship with Jesus Christ we wonder why we would start in the Old Testament. Why do I need to know about the Old Testament? It actually is very simple. The events in the old testament led up to / set the stage for the New Testament. Throughout the Old Testament there were many prophecies concerning the New. There were many things that were types and shadow’s foretelling what was to come.
Moses went upon the mountain to receive the literal written covenant from God. For forty days and nights Moses spent time with God before he came down with the tables of stone. Deuteronomy 9:11. The words written on the tables of stones was a covenant. The covenant says the items listed here is the what you must do to be close/in covenant with me. God being without sin, perfect in every way had instructions for those that desired that closeness with him. However, over time the memory of the tablets faded and even the priests of that day faltered from the truth. So, God gave Moses the plans for the tabernacle. As we have already discussed the plans were orchestrated perfectly down to the last pin.
The tabernacle was placed in the center of the camp. It symbolized the very presence of God. It was strategically positioned in the middle with the priests camped around it closest. Beyond the priests, the 12 tribes of Israel were placed, 3 tribes on each of the 4 sides. They each had their designated spot and it did not change. God dwells in the center of His covenant people.
This lets us know the personality of God. Which is very important. As you read the scriptures you will see the He does things on purpose. Nothing is done by accident.
There was only one door and there was a specific process that had to be followed. You couldn’t skip the altar if you didn’t bring a sacrifice that day.
It started at the door of the tabernacle. You had to enter into the only door and there was first thing that you saw was the brazen altar of sacrifice. This was a place of death and bloodshed. Sin had to be atoned (covered) by blood before man could fellowship with a Holy God.
In the New Testament Jesus said “I am THE way, I am THE truth and THE life. No one cometh to the Father except by me. John 14:6. The indicates one way, one truth, one life and Jesus is that way. Jesus is the only door! Jesus died as a spotless lamb to cover our sins forever. At the tabernacle your sins were rolled ahead for a year. You had to go back every year to roll them ahead. Hebrews 8, God said there was fault with the old way of the tabernacle. It was harsh and the people slowly stopped coming. A new way was created that your sins would be remembered no more. Hebrews 9:12
The blood of Calvary completely washes away all of your sin and from the moment you repent (turn away from doing things that aren’t pleasing to God) you have a clean slate. The old you, the old sinful nature has been crucified and laid on the altar of sacrifice to become the new you.
The next step was the Brazen Laver. Here you washed your hands and feet before entering the temple. This symbolized the need for cleansing and purification before approaching a Holy God. You washed away all the death, bloodshed from the altar of sacrifice. Baptism today is that washing. The old man that you sacrificed at the altar of repentance now needs to be buried/washed away forever! There is a specific formula for baptism. All of you must go under the water and be buried just like Jesus did. As we already know, God does things exactly, on purpose. There are no accidents and He doesn’t change His mind. The word says: “Neither is there salvation in any other; for there is none other name under heaven whereby we must be saved” Acts 4:12. Nobody can wash away our sins but Jesus Christ. The “power” that cleanses us is found only in the name of Jesus Christ!
Let me chase a rabbit for a minute: Jesus came to earth and lived without sin to become the ultimate sacrifice for us! But while on the earth he set things in place for the new birth. He chose disciples and gave them specific instructions on what to do and what to say concerning the ministry of the gospel. He chose men on purpose and gave them a job to further the kingdom of God. Judas even had a purpose. Jesus showed such love and compassion not only for his closest friends but for everyone that would hear his message. He gave all who came in contact with him the choice to follow Him. Case in point:Matthew 19. The young man that sought Jesus out and asking the age old question, “What good thing shall I do to have eternal life?” Jesus said “Go sell all you have and feed the poor.” The young man turned away sorrowful because he was very rich and wasn’t willing to give up his great wealth. He had a choice.
Life is too short and eternity is infinite for us to miss heaven. We can be sincere but be sincerely wrong. We MUST study the Word of God and act on it with all of our hearts! Nothing on this earth should make us not choose Jesus. The song says take this whole world but give me Jesus! That’s how I feel!
We repent and die out to self, then are baptized in water to become a new creature in Christ. Now we enter the temple of God where the Golden candlestick that produces the light (signifying the Holy Spirit) is. Next is the table of shewbread representing the Holy Word of God and the Altar of incense where we offer a sweet fragrance of Praise and Worship to God.
After repentance. After baptism. You are a now clean vessel. Now you have put something in it. Some folks feel the touch of Jesus and repent, get baptized but think that’s all I need to do! I’m saved! Let me show you in the word that you need more.
When your sins are washed away there is a void in you that has to be filled. This is where the temple of the Holy of Holies comes in play. The light of the Holy Spirit will fill the void. You are dead in Christ but now you have to rise from the dead just like Jesus did. He was crucified and died, was buried and rose again. As a believer we must finish the process. You must come out of the tomb! The Holy temple in the Old Testament shows us that the Spirit fills you with the light (Golden candlestick) and the Word of God (Table of Shewbread) feeds you and keeps you alive.
I have known people that repented, was baptized and stopped there. They felt wonderful and came to church for a little while but after the newness wore off they were back to their old selves worse than ever. Jesus talked about it in Matthew 12:43-45.
If we follow the pattern designed by God we will do it right! This is the New Testament covenant!
Your prayer for today: Lord show me the truth of your word. I choose Christ but I want to know more. Show me what I need to do to be filled with the Light! I open my mind and my heart to you today!
