GOD and HIS relationship to man) are based on the idea that the rudiments and commandments of this “old” covenant are still in effect and binding upon GOD’s people today in one form or another. Yet it seems abundantly clear in the scripture that GOD has now (i.e.; in these last days)[note: the scripture speaks, of but two ages in the earth, the former times and the latter days; the former times being before the manifestation of CHRIST in the flesh and the latter being since] manifested HIS relationship to HIS people not in the type and foreshadow of the past but as it truly is, “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.” (John 10:27-28) The only nation on the earth which is GOD’s “chosen people” are those whose citizenship is in heaven who are not appointed to wrath.
Those who are the recipients of HIS grace have been given the privilege of partaking of the benefits of this everlasting covenant which is built upon better promises than the first. (see Heb.8:6). None of the promises nor benefits of this “covenant” are conditional but are bestowed on GOD’s people without merit either realized or forseen. This covenant which has now been revealed in JESUS CHRIST is not new in the sense that it is an improvement on the old nor even that it is a replacement for it Rather it is the true covenant of grace (see Eph.2:11-22) which actually predates that which is called “old”. It is new because the clarity of GOD’s purpose has now been revealed in the exaltation of HIS SON as the REDEEMER of HIS elect bride. (see Heb.1:1,2) This everlasting (i.e.; eternal) covenant has not been made with men but rather with CHRIST himself (see Gal.3:16-18), with sinners such as us as the beneficiaries. (see Heb.13:20,21) The evidences and blessings of this everlasting covenant are seen in:
GOD giving HIS people true repentance.
“Then thou shalt remember thy ways, and be ashamed”. The LORD JESUS said that the work of HIS SPIRIT would be to convince men of sin, righteousness, and judgment. (see John 16:8) Repentance, like faith, is an action of man but the gift of GOD. When the LORD quickens a man HE will bring him to a place of sorrow and shame over his sin. As we look at most modern “conversions” we see little evidence of repentance as multitudes are taught “how to be saved” by an easy three or four step formula. Where is the broken heartedness spoken of in the scripture?
GOD giving HIS people a glimpse of HIS glory.
“and thou shalt know that I am the LORD”. Unregenerate men can see everything about JESUS CHRIST; that the re-born sons of GOD can see, except they cannot see HIS glory. Many believe HIM to be a prophet, yet they do not hang on HIS every word. Many believe HIM to be the savior yet they do not mourn that their sins caused HIS pain. Many believe HIM to be a king yet they ascribe to HIM no kingdom. They do not know that HE is high and lifted up exalted above all the earth, which vision the true sons of GOD are given, leading them to worship HIM.
GOD taking away the sin and sorrow of HIS people.
“and never open thy mouth any more because of thy shame, when I am pacified toward thee for all that thou hast done.” Though our weeping may endure for a night, joy comes in the morning. Just as surely as the LORD gives HIS people repentance, HE also grants to them the glorious relief of forgiveness. We no longer bear our sin and shame when HE grants us faith to believe HIS promise to take away our sins as far as the east is from the west. “Surely HE hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem HIM stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. But HE was wounded for our transgressions, HE was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon HIM; and with his stripes we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on HIM the iniquity of us all.” (Isaiah 53:4-6).
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