38 - The Blood of the Covenant

What is a covenant?

• A solemn promise enforced by a curse one invokes on oneself. Obedience is also encouraged by promised blessings.

When did the Old Covenant begin?

• Previous covenants: Adam, Noah, Abraham
• But when we speak of the New Covenant this is the covenant which has been replaced.
• The nation of Israel entered into a covenant with God.
• “All that the Lord has spoke we will do and we will be obedient.”

What did the blood mean?

• Covenant:  “May this happen to me if I should break this covenant” (Jer 34:18-20)
• Sacrifice: “This should have happened to me but God has mercifully allowed this animal to take my place.”

Was mercy available to those who broke the Old Covenant?

• Yes, for most sins but not for blasphemy, murder, adultery, kidnapping