Emphasis Preaching Journal

Delbert R. Hillers, professor at The Johns Hopkins University, wrote a book, Covenant, in which he traces the concept of covenant throughout the Bible. He shows that, similar to other covenants in contemporary Old Testament societies, biblical covenants had a number of distinctive elements. There was a preamble; a review of the history leading up to the covenant; the stipulations; provisions for where it was to be stored and when it was to be read; a list of witnesses; and resulting blessings and curses. Other than the unilateral covenants God made with Noah and with Abraham, where there were no obligations laid upon the people, the covenant God made through Moses at Sinai provides much of the background and structure of the Old Testament message. It is the covenant to which the prophets call the people to return, for they have neglected their obligations. It is the covenant to which the people of Israel recommit themselves in the days of King Josiah. However, they broke it again, and although the Essenes revived it for a while, for the Israelites it was the last time. Jeremiah, knowing this, foretells that God will establish an entirely new covenant, one without obligations, one that offers forgiveness of sins.

The writer to the Hebrews announces that this new covenant is now in effect through Jesus Christ. It is so new that the meaning of the word has changed. It is no longer like a covenant with stipulations to be observed, but it is like a last will and testament, simply offering to the recipients the benefits intended by the benefactor. In this case, the benefits are forgiveness of sins offered by God through Jesus Christ. It is Christ's death that puts it into effect for us all.