TITLE:  Introduction to Covenant
TEXT:  Galatians 3:15-17
PROPOSITION:  Our relationship to God is one of covenant not contract.
QUESTION:  What?
KEY WORD:  Differences
SCRIPTURE READING:  Same

 INTRODUCTION:

1. There are some differences in Covenant and a legal contract.
2. We are not in a position to alter, change, add, subtract from the covenant.

 FAITH COMES BY HEARING AND OBEYING (COVENANT) – Romans 10:17

1. Word of God = the statements, promises, and commands He has given
2. These are all found in the New Covenant

 COVENANT – What the term means

1. Agreement, binding contract, promise, pledge
2. Today we use the word – contract
3. However, there are some differences

 DIFFERENCES BETWEEN CONTRACT AND COVENANT

BASCIS OF BLOOD COVENANT

1. Amos 3:3 – Can two walk together unless they are agreed?
2. Covenant is done when 2 parties agree to walk together – for life
3. African proverb – “Blood is thicker than milk” meaning blood covenant is more binding than a fleshly brother that shared the same mother’s milk.
4. Proverbs 18:24 – There is a friend that sticks closer than a brother.
5. Blood covenant binds in two ways:
   1. I will keep this agreement even if it kills me.
   2. If I break this covenant, you can kill me.

IF YOU ARE IN COVENANT WITH GOD: (Galatians 3:15-17)

1. God confirms it (15)
2. You can not make it void (set it aside, cancel, annul) (15)
3. You can not add to or renegotiate (take from, change terms) (15)
4. Even if God changes the law – Promises in the covenant remain (17)
5. Covenant with Noah – rainbow – remains (Patriarchal Age, Law of Moses, Christian Age – still in force)
6. Covenant with Abraham - remains