Before we begin this lesson, here are some thought-provoking questions to consider:
•
How important is a person’s promise to you?
•
Have you ever felt deceived (or harmed) because someone failed to live up to their promise?
•
To what degree of caution and skepticism do you enter into an agreement with someone?
•
Have you ever made a promise and failed to live up to it?
Every
one
of
us
have
likely
suffered
the
consequences
of
a
clandestine
lie
embedded
within
a
promise,
or
have
experienced
the
frustrations
associated
with
a
change
in
the
heart
of
the
promisor.
Promises
are
often
broken
because
of
man’s
self-centered
sinful
nature;
and
our
confidence
in
humans
is
greatly
reduced
each
time
we
suffer
the
consequences of a broken promise.
From
an
earthly
perspective,
it
is
prudent
to
not
place
your
trust
in
man’s
word,
and
to
approach
promises
with
skepticism
until
proven
otherwise.
However,
from
a
spiritual
perspective,
God’s
promises
(or
covenants)
are
absolute
and
trustworthy.
In
addition,
the
fulfillment
of
His
covenant
promises
has
occurred—and
will
occur—as
He
declared.
This lesson is based upon the past and present covenants made by God so that we may more clearly see:
•
How the last days will fulfill all His promises to the nation of Israel.
•
Into His heart and His desires for us.
Covenant Defined
A
covenant
(or
promise)
may
be
simply
defined
as
an
agreement
between
two
entities
to
do
something
specified.
It
may
be
a
one-way
covenant
to
another
entity,
or
both
entities
enter
equally
enter
into
the
covenant.
However,
God’s
covenants are one-way. In addition, there are two types of covenants God has made: conditional and unconditional.
•
A
conditional
covenant
contains
stipulations
(or
conditions)
to
be
fulfilled
by
Himself
and
to
whom
He
made
the
promise.
This
type
of
covenant
includes
benefits
for
compliance,
and
consequences
for
failure
to
abide
by
the
agreement.
For
example,
if
you
do
“X”
I
will
do
“Y.”
If
you
fail
to
do
“X”
I
will
not
do
“Y,”
plus
the
consequences
for
not doing “X” is defined.
•
Whereas,
an
unconditional
covenant
is
comprised
of
what
God
will
do
for
whom
He
made
the
promise.
The
recipient
of
the
promise
is
not
required
to
fulfill
(or
do)
anything
to
receive
the
benefits,
and
there
are
no
consequences
for
failing
to
comply
(because
there
are
no
defined
requirements
for
the
recipient).
For
example,
I
will do “Y” regardless of what you do.
God has entered into 8 covenants. 2 are conditional, and 6 are unconditional covenants.
The graphic below depicts the approximate time when each of the 8 covenants were made by God.
The
Edenic
and
Mosaic
conditional
covenants
were
broken.
Adam
and
Eve
broke
the
Edenic
covenant,
and
God
replaced
it
with
an
unconditional
covenant:
the
Adamic
Covenant.
The
Israelites
broke
the
Mosaic
covenant,
and
God
replaced
it
with
an
unconditional
covenant:
the
New
Covenant
(His
Son,
Jesus
Christ).
The
six
remaining
unconditional
covenants
made
by
God
are
still
in
effect
today.
All
covenants
will
end
(or
will
be
fulfilled)
when
Jesus
Christ
begins
His
millennial reign (after the Tribulation).
Take
a
moment
and
think
about
the
two
types
of
covenants
defined
above.
Most
of
us
have
experienced
a
conditional
covenant.
However,
many
have
never
encountered
an
unconditional
covenant
(excluding
parents
or
family
members).
Who
on
earth
is
willing
to
promise
you
something
regardless
of
who
you
are
or
what
you
have
done.
However,
if
you
are
reading
this
lesson…you
are
living
under
one
of
God’s
remaining
unconditional
covenants
(the
New
Covenant)—which is comprised of God’s grace to all of mankind—to those who are willing to receive His free gift.
Important
Note:
Evolutionists
believe
man
was
created
much
earlier
than
the
timeline
depicted
above.
The
following
website
provides
an
extensive
list
of
documented
evidence,
biblically-based
explanations,
and
sound
reasons
to
refute
this claim.
https://answersingenesis.org/adam-and-eve/when-was-adam-created/
We will now explore each of the covenants in greater detail.
Edenic Covenant
The
Edenic
Covenant
is
the
first
covenant
God
made.
It
was
a
very
simple
conditional
covenant,
and
one
you
would
think should be very easy to follow.
“Then the Lord God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to tend and keep it. And the Lord God commanded
the
man,
saying,
‘Of
every
tree
of
the
garden
you
may
freely
eat;
but
of
the
tree
of
the
knowledge
of
good
and
evil
you
shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die.” Genesis 2:15-16
God
asked
Adam
to
tend
the
garden.
What’s
more,
God
told
Adam
he
can
eat
from
any
tree
in
the
garden
except
one.
However, if he disobeys and eats from this one tree, he will die.
Adam
and
Eve
had
a
perfect
existence
in
the
presence
of
God.
They
had
everything
they
needed.
However,
Eve
believed
the
lies
of
Satan,
ate
fruit
from
the
forbidden
tree,
gave
some
to
Adam
to
eat…and
they
both
broke
God’s
Covenant.
It
is
important
to
note
that
Adam
and
Eve
did
not
physically
die
after
disobeying
God,
because
they
later
raised
children.
However, Adam and Eve died spiritually. They were disconnected from God and lost their relationship with Him.
The consequences of Adam and Eve breaking the conditional covenant were severe:
•
They lost their relationship with God.
•
They lost their experience of being pure and sinless.
•
They were banished from their garden home.
•
God created a new and unconditional covenant that replaced the Edenic Covenant: The Adamic Covenant.
Adamic Covenant
The
Adamic
Covenant
is
unconditional,
a
punishment,
and
given
to
all
of
Adam
and
Eve’s
decedents
(including
you
and
me). The consequences of Adam and Eve’s sin will continue until Jesus Christ returns and begins His millennial reign.
“To
the
woman
He
said:
‘I
will
greatly
multiply
your
sorrow
and
your
conception;
in
pain
you
shall
bring
forth
children;
your
desire
shall
be
for
your
husband,
and
he
shall
rule
over
you.’
Then
to
Adam
He
said,
‘Because
you
have
heeded
the
voice
of
your
wife,
and
have
eaten
from
the
tree
of
which
I
commanded
you,
saying,
‘You
shall
not
eat
of
it’:
‘Cursed
is
the
ground
for
your
sake;
in
toil
you
shall
eat
of
it
all
the
days
of
your
life.
Both
thorns
and
thistles
it
shall
bring
forth
for
you,
and
you
shall
eat
the
herb
of
the
field.
In
the
sweat
of
your
face
you
shall
eat
bread
till
you
return
to
the
ground,
for out of it you were taken; for dust you are, and to dust you shall return.’” Genesis 3:16-19
“Therefore
the
Lord
God
sent
him
out
of
the
garden
of
Eden
to
till
the
ground
from
which
he
was
taken.
So
He
drove
out
the
man;
and
He
placed
cherubim
at
the
east
of
the
garden
of
Eden,
and
a
flaming
sword
which
turned
every
way,
to
guard the way to the tree of life.” Genesis 3:23-24
The punishment for Eve (and all women) is they shall experience:
•
Pain
during
childbirth.
It
is
important
to
note
the
excruciating
pain
experienced
by
women
during
childbirth
is
not
experienced by other living organisms.
•
The
woman’s
desire
shall
be
for
her
husband,
and
he
shall
rule
over
her.
Throughout
time
women
have
been
treated
as
lowly
second-class
persons—similar
to
slavery.
These
inappropriate
relationships
between
a
man
and
his
wife
continues
today
in
various
forms.
For
example,
abuse
ranges
from
verbal
harassment,
emotional
abuse,
physical abuse, sexual abuse, and even femicide: the murder of a woman.
o
Source: World Health Organization
https://apps.who.int/iris/bitstream/handle/10665/77421/WHO_RHR_12.38_eng.pdf
o
It
is
only
by
the
grace
of
God
and
the
transforming
power
of
the
Holy
Spirit
is
the
attitude
of
man
spiritually
changed towards his wife (and women).
The
punishment
for
Adam
(and
all
men)
is
they
shall
experience
toil
(drudgery,
hard
work),
and
thorns
and
thistles
throughout their life; as they put forth effort to obtain the basic necessities of life: food, clothing a
nd shelter.
However,
the
thorns
and
thistles
(which
grow
out
of
the
ground
and
make
it
difficult
for
one
to
plant and harvest) is analogous and relevant to today’s non-agricultural workers.
Thorns
and
thistles
continuously
occur
in
the
workplace
in
various
forms.
Consider
the
various
occupational
and
business
“thorns
and
thistles”
such
as
supply
line
issues,
quality
problems,
customer
dissatisfaction,
financial
challenges,
labor
difficulties,
competition,
economic
downturns,
inflation,
and
so
forth.
For
every
one
of
us
who
work
in
a
business
environment
can
relate
to
the
fact
that
every
day
presents
new
challenges
and
obstacles
(thorns
and
thistles).
In
addition,
there
does
not
seem
to
be
any
relief
in
sight
because
every
day
seems
to
create
new
thorns
and
thistles—all
because
of
the
consequences
of
the
Adamic
Covenant
which
has
been
pass
down
throughout
the
ages.
As
such,
God’s
word
is
true
and everlasting.
The
Adamic
Covenant
will
end
when
Jesus
Christ
returns
and
begins
His
Millennial
reign.
The
“thorns
and
thistles”
will
no
longer
exist.
People
will
raise
families,
build
their
own
homes,
plant
their
own
food
and
enjoy
the
work
of
their
hands.
In addition, people will not create work for other’s use or consumption, and their labor will be fruitful.
“They
shall
build
houses
and
inhabit
them;
they
shall
plant
vineyards
and
eat
their
fruit.
They
shall
not
build
and
another
inhabit;
they
shall
not
plant
and
another
eat;
for
as
the
days
of
a
tree,
so
shall
be
the
days
of
My
people,
and
My
elect
shall
long
enjoy
the
work
of
their
hands.
They
shall
not
labor
in
vain,
nor
bring
forth
children
for
trouble;
for
they
shall
be
the descendants of the blessed of the Lord, and their offspring with them.” Isaiah 65:21-23
Here
is
another
interesting
point
to
consider.
God’s
word
regarding
where
He
sourced
the
components
to
make
man
(dust,
or
earth),
can
be
validated
today
by
modern
technology.
Here
are
the
common
earthly
elements
that
are
found
within humans.
Additional
trace
elements
within
the
human
body
include
fluorine,
zinc,
copper,
iodine,
manganese,
molybdenum,
selenium, chromium, and cobalt. Each of these elements are found within the earth.
Sources:
https://study.com/academy/lesson/comparing-elements-on-earth-to-those-in-the-human-body.html
https://www.visualcapitalist.com/the-elemental-composition-of-the-human-body/
As
an
additional
consequence
of
Adam
and
Eve’s
sin,
God
also
banished
them
(and
all
humans)
from
the
garden.
God
made
it
impossible
for
anyone
to
enter
into
the
garden
via
a
protective
Cherubim
(a
type
of
angel);
and
also
made
sure
no one had access to the tree of life.
However,
God’s
New
Covenant,
Jesus
Christ,
declared
those
who
overcome
will
enter
into
the
garden
and
eat
from
the
tree of life.
Jesus
said,
“He
who
has
an
ear,
let
him
hear
what
the
Spirit
says
to
the
churches.
To
him
who
overcomes
I
will
give
to
eat from the tree of life, which is in the midst of the Paradise of God.” Revelation 2:7
God
gave
us
insight
into
this
miraculous
part
of
Heaven
when
He
allowed
John
to
spiritually
see
what
is
on
the
“other
side.”
“And
he
showed
me
a
pure
river
of
water
of
life,
clear
as
crystal,
proceeding
from
the
throne
of
God
and
of
the
Lamb.
In
the
middle
of
its
street,
and
on
either
side
of
the
river,
was
the
tree
of
life,
which
bore
twelve
fruits,
each
tree
yielding
its
fruit
every
month.
The
leaves
of
the
tree
were
for
the
healing
of
the
nations.
And
there
shall
be
no
more
curse,
but
the
throne
of
God
and
of
the
Lamb
shall
be
in
it,
and
His
servants
shall
serve
Him.
They
shall
see
His
face,
and
His
name
shall
be
on
their
foreheads.
There
shall
be
no
night
there:
they
need
no
lamp
nor
light
of
the
sun,
for
the
Lord
God
gives
them light. And they shall reign forever and ever.” Revelation 22:1-5
Noahic Covenant
Between
the
time
of
Adam
and
Eve,
and
Noah,
the
sinful
nature
of
man
continued
to
get
worse
to
the
point
where
God
began
to
have
remorse
for
creating
humans.
As
such,
He
decided
to
drown
all
living
beings
by
flooding
the
earth
with
water.
“Then
the
Lord
saw
that
the
wickedness
of
man
was
great
in
the
earth,
and
that
every
intent
of
the
thoughts
of
his
heart
was only evil continually.” Genesis 6:5
“The
earth
also
was
corrupt
before
God,
and
the
earth
was
filled
with
violence.
So
God
looked
upon
the
earth,
and
indeed it was corrupt; for all flesh had corrupted their way on the earth.” Genesis 6:11-12
“And
the
Lord
was
sorry
that
He
had
made
man
on
the
earth,
and
He
was
grieved
in
His
heart.
So
the
Lord
said,
‘I
will
destroy
man
whom
I
have
created
from
the
face
of
the
earth,
both
man
and
beast,
creeping
thing
and
birds
of
the
air,
for
I am sorry that I have made them.’” Genesis 6:6-7
The
emotions
of
God
are
revealed
in
the
above
scripture.
God
grieved
because
humans
became
continually
wicked
and
evil;
and
He
was
willing
to
destroy
all
that
He
once
declared
good.
But
God—who
searches
the
heart
of
man—identified
one
person
whose
heart
sought
to
fellowship
with
Him.
“But
Noah
found
grace
in
the
eyes
of
the
Lord.”
Genesis 6:8
God
decided
to
drown
all
living
organisms
on
earth—but
save
a
remnant
to
repopulate
the
earth.
God
instructed
Noah
to
build
a
boat
(the
ark)
that
can
withstand
the
pending
flood;
that
can
hold
two
of
every
“kind”
of
animal;
and
he
obeyed.
(Genesis 6:13-22)
The
biblical
concept
of
“kind”
corresponds
to
the
family
level
in
current
taxonomy.
From
a
simple
perspective,
if
two
animals
can
breed
and
have
an
offspring,
they
are
the
same
kind.
Within
a
kind
there
may
be
significant
variations.
For
example,
consider
the
numerous
types
of
dogs—which
has
occurred
over
time
due
to
breeding
within
the
kind.
As
such,
Noah
did
not
bring
every
species:
two
wolves,
two
coyotes,
two
jackals,
two
domestic
dogs,
and
so
forth.
But
rather,
he
took
a
male
and
female animal from every kind (or taxonomy family).
Source:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taxonomic_rank
God
then
fulfilled
His
promise
by
flooding
the
earth
with
water,
and
all
life
that
was
not
in
the
boat
died.
(Genesis
chapter 7)
After
the
flood
receded
and
the
waters
dried
up,
God
instructed
Noah
to
bring
his
family
and
all
living
things
out
from
the
ark and repopulate the earth. (Genesis chapter 8)
“Then
God
spoke
to
Noah
and
to
his
sons
with
him,
saying:
‘And
as
for
Me,
behold,
I
establish
My
covenant
with
you
and
with
your
descendants
after
you,
and
with
every
living
creature
that
is
with
you:
the
birds,
the
cattle,
and
every
beast
of
the
earth
with
you,
of
all
that
go
out
of
the
ark,
every
beast
of
the
earth.
Thus
I
establish
My
covenant
with
you:
never
again
shall
all
flesh
be
cut
off
by
the
waters
of
the
flood;
never
again
shall
there
be
a
flood
to
destroy
the
earth.’
And
God
said:
‘This
is
the
sign
of
the
covenant
which
I
make
between
Me
and
you,
and
every
living
creature
that
is
with
you,
for
perpetual
generations:
I
set
My
rainbow
in
the
cloud,
and
it
shall
be
for
the
sign
of
the
covenant
between
Me
and
the
earth.
It
shall
be,
when
I
bring
a
cloud
over
the
earth,
that
the
rainbow
shall
be
seen
in
the
cloud;
and
I
will
remember
My
covenant
which
is
between
Me
and
you
and
every
living
creature
of
all
flesh;
the
waters
shall
never
again
become
a
flood
to
destroy
all
flesh.
The
rainbow
shall
be
in
the
cloud,
and
I
will
look
on
it
to
remember
the
everlasting
covenant
between
God
and
every
living
creature
of
all
flesh
that
is
on
the
earth.’
And
God
said
to
Noah,
‘This
is
the
sign
of the covenant which I have established between Me and all flesh that is on the earth.’” G
enesis 9:8-17
God
unconditionally
promised
He
will
never
again
flood
the
earth
to
destroy
all
living
things.
The
Noahic
Covenant
was
made
to
Noah,
all
of
his
descendants
(including
us),
and
every
living
creature
on
earth.
God
also
created
a
sign
as
a
reminder
of
His
covenant
in
the
form
of
a
rainbow—which
occurs
after
it
rains.
Each
time
we
see
a
rainbow we stand in awe and amazement of His remarkable sign and promise.
Abrahamic Covenant
As
the
population
on
earth
grew,
God
saw
something
in
Abram,
and
He
selected
him
to
be
the
father
of
the
nation
of
Israel.
The
reason
why
God
choose
Abram
is
not
specified
in
the
Bible.
However,
it
was
likely
because
of
Abram’s
heart
and
his
ability
to
believe
and
obey
God—which
he
demonstrated
at
different
times
during
his
life.
God
decided
to
make
an
unconditional
covenant
with
Abram;
it
is
still
in
effect
today;
and
will
be
completely
fulfilled
when
Jesus
returns
and sits on His throne during His millennial reign (after the Tribulation).
God spoke to Abram and told him to leave his country and travel to a new land.
“Now
the
Lord
had
said
to
Abram:
‘Get
out
of
your
country,
from
your
family
and
from
your
father’s
house,
to
a
land
that
I
will
show
you.
I
will
make
you
a
great
nation;
I
will
bless
you
and
make
your
name
great;
and
you
shall
be
a
blessing.
I
will
bless
those
who
bless
you,
and
I
will
curse
him
who
curses
you;
and
in
you
all
the
families
of
the
earth
shall
be
blessed.” Genesis 12:1-3
“When
Abram
was
ninety-nine
years
old,
the
Lord
appeared
to
Abram
and
said
to
him,
‘I
am
Almighty
God;
walk
before
Me
and
be
blameless.
And
I
will
make
My
covenant
between
Me
and
you,
and
will
multiply
you
exceedingly.’
Then
Abram
fell
on
his
face,
and
God
talked
with
him,
saying:
‘As
for
Me,
behold,
My
covenant
is
with
you,
and
you
shall
be
a
father
of
many
nations.
No
longer
shall
your
name
be
called
Abram,
but
your
name
shall
be
Abraham;
for
I
have
made
you
a
father
of
many
nations.
I
will
make
you
exceedingly
fruitful;
and
I
will
make
nations
of
you,
and
kings
shall
come
from
you.
And
I
will
establish
My
covenant
between
Me
and
you
and
your
descendants
after
you
in
their
generations,
for
an
everlasting
covenant,
to
be
God
to
you
and
your
descendants
after
you.
Also
I
give
to
you
and
your
descendants
after
you
the
land
in
which
you
are
a
stranger,
all
the
land
of
Canaan,
as
an
everlasting
possession;
and
I
will
be
their
God.’” Genesis 17:1-8
“And
God
said
to
Abraham:
‘As
for
you,
you
shall
keep
My
covenant,
you
and
your
descendants
after
you
throughout
their
generations.
This
is
My
covenant
which
you
shall
keep,
between
Me
and
you
and
your
descendants
after
you:
every
male
child
among
you
shall
be
circumcised;
and
you
shall
be
circumcised
in
the
flesh
of
your
foreskins,
and
it
shall
be
a
sign
of
the
covenant
between
Me
and
you.
He
who
is
eight
days
old
among
you
shall
be
circumcised,
every
male
child
in
your
generations,
he
who
is
born
in
your
house
or
bought
with
money
from
any
foreigner
who
is
not
your
descendant.
He
who
is
born
in
your
house
and
he
who
is
bought
with
your
money
must
be
circumcised,
and
My
covenant
shall
be
in
your
flesh
for
an
everlasting
covenant.
And
the
uncircumcised
male
child,
who
is
not
circumcised
in
the flesh of his foreskin, that person shall be cut off from his people; he has broken My covenant.’” Genesis 17:9-14
God
initiated
the
beginning
of
His
chosen
people
based
upon
His
promises
to
Abraham—who
is
considered
today
by
Jews
as
the
founder
and
father
of
Judaism—and
they
are
descendants
of
Abraham
through
his
son
Isaac
and
his
grandson Jacob (aka the Patriarchs).
God also defined the land that will be unconditionally given to Abraham’s descendants.
“To
your
descendants
I
have
given
this
land,
from
the
river
of
Egypt
to
the
great
river,
the
River
Euphrates—the
Kenites,
the
Kenezzites,
the
Kadmonites,
the
Hittites,
the
Perizzites,
the
Rephaim,
the
Amorites,
the
Canaanites,
the
Girgashites,
and the Jebusites.” Genesis 15:18-20
The
left
graphic
below
depicts
Israel’s
present
territory.
Because
the
above
scripture
is
not
absolutely
specific,
the
middle
and
right
graphic
depicts
areas
of
land
that
are
believed
(by
different
Israeli
groups)
to
align
with
God’s
promise.
The
center
graphic
depicts
the
river
of
Egypt
via
the
left
red
line,
and
the
Euphrates
River
via
the
right
left
line.
The
right
graphic depicts an expanded promised land.
It is important to note that Israel presently does not extend into the promised lands.
On
May
14,
1948,
the
State
of
Israel
was
created.
However,
throughout
the
years
tensions,
skirmishes
and
wars
have
occurred
over
the
land.
Ongoing
tensions
will
continue—and
will
most
likely
increase
as
we
enter
into
the
last
days—as
Israel’s enemies (who surround Israel and in different parts of the world) will join together to defeat Israel.
However,
it
does
not
matter
what
darkened
lies
the
enemies
of
Israel
delusionally
believe—for
God’s
promise
to
Abraham
will
be
fulfilled.
The
Book
of
Revelation
clearly
describes
the
return
of
Jesus
Christ
who
will
destroy
Israel’s
enemies
and
take
His
global
reign
for
1,000
years
after
the
end
of
the
Tribulation.
This
is
when
Jews
will
realize
Jesus
Christ
is
the
Messiah;
this
is
when
God
will
fulfill
His
Covenant
with
Abraham;
this
is
when
the
Israelis
will
occupy
the
land God promised them; and this is when Jews will finally live in peace.
Mosaic Covenant
Before
we
discuss
the
Mosaic
Covenant,
it
is
beneficial
to
gain
a
broader
and
historical
understanding
of
man’s
attempts to minimize interpersonal conflict and social chaos through the implementation of laws.
Anarchy
is
commonly
defined
as
a
society
without
a
government
and
without
laws—resulting
in
lawlessness
and
social
disorder.
Because
of
man’s
sinful
nature,
inappropriate
behavior
occurs
by
humans
and
between
humans—some
detrimental
and
some
unimaginable.
Examples
may
be
found
in
each
day’s
news,
in
our
jails,
and
in
our
courts.
As
such,
multiple
attempts
have
been
made
throughout
history
by
kings
and
rulers
to
set
social
laws
(or
“codes”)
of
inappropriate behavior—including consequences when someone breaks a code.
Listed
below
are
linked
examples
of
man’s
attempt
to
manage
and
control
human
behavior—starting
with
the
oldest
known codes to the latest (all were implemented prior to the Mosaic Covenant).
•
Code of Urukagina:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Urukagina
•
Code of Ur-Nammu:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Code_of_Ur-Nammu
•
Code of Eshnunna:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Laws_of_Eshnunna
•
Code of King Lipit-Ishtar:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lipit-Ishtar
•
Code of Hammurabi:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Code_of_Hammurabi
•
Code of Nesilim or Hittite laws:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hittite_laws
It
is
important
to
note
that
human-defined
laws
are
based
upon
the
physical
realm,
and
not
the
spiritual
realm.
The
historical codes listed above, and our laws today are intended to minimize interpersonal conflict by defining:
•
Inappropriate behavior.
•
Consequences when inappropriate behavior occurs.
•
A
means
to
overcome
any
wrong/harm
via
some
form
of
punishment
for
the
guilty
and/or
compensation
for
the
one
who was harmed.
Human
laws
require
some
type
of
proof
the
law
was
broken
in
order
to
execute
judgment
and
consequences.
This
means
it
is
possible
to
break
a
law
if
there
is
no
direct
proof,
no
witnesses,
or
weak
evidence
(which
could
result
in
the
dismissal of an accusation if charged).
As
such,
here
is
an
interesting
aspect
of
our
sinful
nature—what
I
refer
to
as
a
disregard
for
the
legal
boundaries
or
“pushing
the
limit.”
We
will
often
push
our
behavior
to
the
“edge”
of
a
known
law,
sometimes
just
beyond
the
edge
of
legality,
and
other
times
will
illegally
break
a
law
based
upon
the
probability
we
will
not
get
caught.
For
example,
how
often
do
you
exceed
the
speed
limit?
Have
you
ever
deliberately
failed
to
pay
your
full
taxes?
Have
you
ever
thrown
trash
on
the
side
of
a
road?
These
are
law-breaking
activities
performed
by
most
persons.
However,
when
you
take
time
to
reflect
upon
your
past…you
may
identify
one
or
more
times
when
you
knowingly
broke
a
more
serious
human-
defined
law—because
of
your
rationalized
justification
and
a
perception
no
one
will
know,
and/or
the
chance
of
being
caught
and
prosecuted
was
minimal.
The
decision
to
break
the
law
is
based
upon
the
physical
realm.
However,
we
will
find God’s laws are on a completely different level: the spiritual realm.
More
than
400
years
had
passed
between
the
Abrahamic
Covenant
and
when
Moses
received
God’s
conditional
covenant
for
His
chosen
people
at
Mount
Sinai
(Exodus
chapters
19-24).
The
Mosaic
Covenant
(also
known
as
the
Mosaic
Law
and
Torah)
is
only
between
God
and
His
chosen
people:
the
nation
of
Israel.
It
included
rules
of
behavior,
consequences for disobedience, and much more.
•
Exodus 20: 10 Commandments
•
Exodus 21: servants, violence, animals
•
Exodus 22: property, moral and ceremonial principles
•
Exodus 23: justice, sabbaths, annual feasts
•
Exodus 25-39: Tabernacle, priests, offerings (including Leviticus)
God conditionally promised Israel (Deuteronomy 28: 1-16):
•
If obedient, He will bless; if disobedient, He will punish.
•
To make the Israelites his treasured possession among all people.
•
A kingdom of priests and a holy nation.
•
To do wonders never before done in any nation in all the world.
The people agreed to the covenant and said,
“All that the Lord has spoken we will do.” Exodus 19:8
Within
the
Mosaic
Covenant,
God
also
expressed
His
grace
by
providing
His
chosen
with
a
means
to
be
forgiven
when
they
transgressed
His
law
(or
sinned).
Forgiveness
would
occur
through
the
sacrificial
death
of
a
living
animal
for
one’s
sins—via
the
blood
that
was
shed—which
would
“pay
the
price”
for
disobedience.
God’s
forgiveness—extended
through
animal
sacrifice—is
intended
to
change
the
heart,
soul
and
mind
of
the
one
forgiven.
Thereby
motivating
them
to seek a closer walk with God—while magnifying their love for Him—because of His grace.
God’s Laws are Spiritual
God’s
laws
within
the
Mosaic
Covenant
and
in
the
Bible
are
different
from
man’s
laws—because
they
not
only
address
interpersonal
human
behavior
on
an
“earthly”
level—they
also
define
spiritual
transgressions
against
Him.
But
what’s
more,
God
knows
what
we
think,
the
intent
of
our
heart,
and
what
we
do.
So
if
we
break
one
of
His
commandments
(laws),
it
does
not
matter
if
it
was
done
where
no
one
saw
it,
and
it
does
not
matter
if
it
is
not
prosecutable—for
God
sees it and holds us accountable.
“O
Lord,
You
have
searched
me
and
known
me.
You
know
my
sitting
down
and
my
rising
up;
You
understand
my
thought
afar
off.
You
comprehend
my
path
and
my
lying
down,
and
are
acquainted
with
all
my
ways.
For
there
is
not
a
word on my tongue, but behold, O Lord, You know it altogether.” Psalm 139:1-4
“And
there
is
no
creature
hidden
from
His
sight,
but
all
things
are
naked
and
open
to
the
eyes
of
Him
to
whom
we
must
give account.” Hebrews 4:13
Many
are
spiritually
unaware
of
God’s
absolute
awareness.
Jesus
said,
“
The
very
hairs
of
your
head
are
all
numbered.”
Matthew 10:30
Here
is
an
example
of
the
earthly
and
spiritual
nature
of
God’s
laws.
The
8th
commandment
states
in
Exodus
20:15:
“You
shall
not
steal.”
Therefore,
if
a
person
steals,
not
only
did
the
thief
physically
harm
another
person,
they
also
spiritually
sinned
(transgressed)
against
God.
But
what’s
more
important,
from
an
earthly
perspective,
the
theft
occurred
during
a
finite
period
of
time.
If
caught,
it
is
possible
for
the
thief
to
be
punished
in
some
manner,
and
the
one
harmed
compensated.
However,
with
regards
to
God,
if
the
thief
does
not
additionally
seek
and
receive
forgiveness
for
their
transgression,
the
consequences
of
their
sin
is
eternal.
Plus,
as
part
of
the
process
of
forgiveness,
healing
and
transformation—and
to
break
free
from
the
constricting
shackles
of
guilt
and
shame—the
Holy
Spirit
will
likely
influence
the
thief
to
willingly
return
what
was
stolen
(or
make
them
whole),
and
may
possibly
require
asking
the
one
who
was
harmed
for
their
forgiveness.
This
is
the
spiritual
power
of
God’s
grace
in
that
it
can
change
who
we
are
in
the
inside—so that we reflect His truth and His righteousness—for nothing else in life is more worthy.
It
is
important
to
understand
the
most
important
aspect
of
God’s
laws
is
that
they
operate
within
the
spiritual
realm;
they
are
based
upon
logical
and
appropriate
behavior;
and
compliance
is
beneficial
to
our
heart,
and
our
mind,
and
our
soul.
God desires for us to obediently live within His will, and He desires our love.
However,
over
time,
the
hearts
of
the
Israelites
turned
away
from
God.
As
a
nation
they
fell
deep
into
sin
and
darkness
as
they
began
to
worship
idols,
embrace
pagan
religions,
and
even
sacrificed
their
childr
en
to
Molech
(a
god
of
the
Ammonites and Canaanites).
Because
they
turned
away
from
God,
He
experienced
and
expressed
His
deep
emotions
as
a
husband
would
respond
to
his
harlot
wife
(see
Ezekiel
16:3-43
and
Isaiah
1:11-20).
To
learn
more
about
the
heart
of
God
read
“The
Mystery
of
God’s
Heart”
on
UniqueBibleStudies.com.
Remember,
we
are
made
in
the
image
of
God
(Genesis
1:27).
As
such,
God’s
response
to
His
adulterous
wife
(the
nation
of
Israel)
is
understandable
and
relatable—because
we
would
respond
the
same
way
to
a
spouse
who
willingly
slept
with other lovers.
Like
Adam
and
Eve,
the
Jews
had
a
relationship
with
God,
who
would
meet
all
of
their
needs
if
they
simply
obeyed—but
did not. Because the Israelites broke His conditional covenant and did not repent, God:
1
.
Punished
the
Israelites
as
He
promised.
In
addition,
He
removed
them
from
the
promised
land
by
scattering
them
into other lands. (Leviticus 26:33; Deuteronomy 4:27, 28:64, 29:25-28)
2
.
Declared He would make a new covenant that would write His laws on hearts and minds.
“‘Behold,
the
days
are
coming,’
says
the
Lord,
‘when
I
will
make
a
new
covenant
with
the
house
of
Israel
and
with
the
house
of
Judah—not
according
to
the
covenant
that
I
made
with
their
fathers
in
the
day
that
I
took
them
by
the
hand
to
lead
them
out
of
the
land
of
Egypt,
My
covenant
which
they
broke,
though
I
was
a
husband
to
them,
says
the
Lord.
But
this
is
the
covenant
that
I
will
make
with
the
house
of
Israel
after
those
days,
says
the
Lord:
I
will
put
My
law
in
their
minds,
and
write
it
on
their
hearts;
and
I
will
be
their
God,
and
they
shall
be
My
people.
No
more
shall
every
man
teach
his
neighbor,
and
every
man
his
brother,
saying,
‘Know
the
Lord,’
for
they
all
shall
know
Me,
from
the
least
of
them
to
the
greatest
of
them,
says
the
Lord.
For
I
will
forgive
their
iniquity,
and
their
sin
I
will
remember
no
more.’”
Jeremiah
31:31-34
However, before God implemented His New Covenant, He made the Land and Davidic Covenant
Land (“Palestinian”) Covenant
The
Land
Covenant
(Deuteronomy
29:1–29,
and
Deut
30:1-10)
was
made
between
God
and
Israel
before
Moses
died,
and before Israel entered into the Promised Land. Here are some important aspects of the Land Covenant.
•
It is closely related to the Mosaic Covenant, and is an extension of the Abrahamic Covenant.
•
It is unconditional.
•
It is also known as the Palestinian Covenant because the land is located in Palestine.
Here are the key promises in the Land Covenant. God will:
•
Return the Israelites from all over the world to the land He promised their ancestors.
•
Circumcise their hearts.
•
Judge Israel’s enemies.
•
Provide guidance and they will obey.
•
Cause them to prosper.
Jews are returning to Israel.
“The
Lord
your
God
will
bring
you
back
from
captivity,
and
have
compassion
on
you,
and
gather
you
again
from
all
the
nations
where
the
Lord
your
God
has
scattered
you.
If
any
of
you
are
driven
out
to
the
farthest
parts
under
heaven,
from
there
the
Lord
your
God
will
gather
you,
and
from
there
He
will
bring
you.
Then
the
Lord
your
God
will
bring
you
to
the
land
which
your
fathers
possessed,
and
you
shall
possess
it.
He
will
prosper
you
and
multiply
you
more
than
your
fathers.” Deuteronomy 30:3-5
The graphs below depict the ongoing fulfillment of Jews returning to the land promised by God.
Sources:
https://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/jewish-population-of-israel-relative-to-world-jewish-population
http://worldpopulationreview.com/countries/israel-population/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jewish_population_by_country
God will cause the hearts of the Israelites to love Him.
“And
the
Lord
your
God
will
circumcise
your
heart
and
the
heart
of
your
descendants,
to
love
the
Lord
your
God
with
all
your heart and with all your soul, that you may live.” Deuteronomy 30:6
God will judge Israel’s enemies.
“Also
the
Lord
your
God
will
put
all
these
curses
on
your
enemies
and
on
those
who
hate
you,
who
persecuted
you.”
Deuteronomy 30:7
The Israelites will obey God’s guidance.
“And
you
will
again
obey
the
voice
of
the
Lord
and
do
all
His
commandments
which
I
command
you
today.”
Deuteronomy 30:8
The Israelites will prosper.
“The
Lord
your
God
will
make
you
abound
in
all
the
work
of
your
hand,
in
the
fruit
of
your
body,
in
the
increase
of
your
livestock,
and
in
the
produce
of
your
land
for
good.
For
the
Lord
will
again
rejoice
over
you
for
good
as
He
rejoiced
over
your fathers.” Deuteronomy 30:9
Source:
https://www.macrotrends.net/countries/ISR/israel/exports
The
Nation
of
Israel
is
referred
to
as
the
“fig
tree”
in
the
Bible:
Jeremiah
24:1-10;
Hosea
9:10;
Luke
13:6-9.
Jesus
also
referred to Israel as a budding fig tree—as one of the many signs of the last days.
“Look
at
the
fig
tree,
and
all
the
trees.
When
they
are
already
budding,
you
see
and
know
for
yourselves
that
summer
is
now
near.
So
you
also,
when
you
see
these
things
happening,
know
that
the
kingdom
of
God
is
near.
Assuredly,
I
say
to
you,
this
generation
will
by
no
means
pass
away
till
all
things
take
place.
Heaven
and
earth
will
pass
away,
but
My
words will by no means pass away.” Luke 21:29-33
To
learn
more
about
the
additional
signs
Jesus
Christ
declared
would
occur
during
the last days, read “21 Signs of the Last days” on
UniqueBibleStudies.com
.
Davidic Covenant
David
is
the
one
who
killed
the
giant
Goliath;
the
one
who
became
king
at
a
young
age;
and
the
one
who
wrote
at
least
73
Psalms.
Although
David
was
not
perfect
and
had
flaws
(like
us),
God
favored
David
because
he
was
a
man
after
His
own heart (1 Samuel 13:14; Acts 13:22).
Like
Noah,
like
Abraham,
and
like
Moses—God
blessed
David—because
of
the
desires
of
David’s
heart
and
mind.
“I,
the
Lord,
search
the
heart,
I
test
the
mind,
even
to
give
every
man
according
to
his
ways,
according
to
the
fruit
of
his
doings.” Jeremiah 17:10
God
declared
to
David,
“Thus
says
the
Lord
of
hosts:
I
took
you
from
the
sheepfold,
from
following
the
sheep,
to
be
ruler
over
My
people,
over
Israel.
And
I
have
been
with
you
wherever
you
have
gone,
and
have
cut
off
all
your
enemies
from
before you, and have made you a great name, like the name of the great men who are on the earth.” 2 Samuel 7:8-9
God reaffirmed in His unconditional covenant with David:
•
The
promise
of
the
land
He
made
in
the
Abrahamic
Covenant,
the
land
He
revealed
to
Moses,
and
the
promise
of
the land He made in Land Covenant.
•
Israelites will live in peace.
•
His unwavering and enduring love for the Israelites.
“Moreover,
I
will
appoint
a
place
for
My
people
Israel,
and
will
plant
them,
that
they
may
dwell
in
a
place
of
their
own
and
move
no
more;
nor
shall
the
sons
of
wickedness
oppress
them
anymore,
as
previously,
since
the
time
that
I
commanded judges to be over My people Israel, and have caused you to rest from all your enemies.” 2 Samuel 7:10-11
God
also
revealed
His
Son,
Jesus
Christ—whose
kingdom
and
throne
will
last
for
eternity—would
come
from
David’s
lineage.
“When
your
days
are
fulfilled
and
you
rest
with
your
fathers,
I
will
set
up
your
seed
after
you,
who
will
come
from
your
body,
and
I
will
establish
his
kingdom.
He
shall
build
a
house
for
My
name,
and
I
will
establish
the
throne
of
his
kingdom
forever.” 2 Samuel 7:12-13
God
also
reinforced
His
promise
to
David
when
the
archangel
Gabriel—whom
was
sent
by
God
to
reveal
Mary’s
spiritual conception—declared her Son (Jesus) would be given the throne of David, and will reign for eternity.
“And
behold,
you
will
conceive
in
your
womb
and
bring
forth
a
Son,
and
shall
call
His
name
Jesus.
He
will
be
great,
and
will
be
called
the
Son
of
the
Highest;
and
the
Lord
God
will
give
Him
the
throne
of
His
father
David.
And
He
will
reign
over the house of Jacob forever, and of His kingdom there will be no end.” Luke 1:31-32
New Covenant
Man’s
existence
without
the
constraints
of
behavioral
laws
results
in
anarchy
(i.e.
pre-flood).
In
addition,
man’s
existence
with
behavioral
laws—including
a
means
for
forgiveness
via
sacrificed
animals
when
the
laws
are
broken—does
not
adequately
change
the
heart
and
mind
(i.e.
the
turning
away
of
Israel
from
God
which
broke
God’s
Mosaic Covenant). Therefore, God introduced a New Covenant.
“‘Behold,
the
days
are
coming,’
says
the
Lord,
‘when
I
will
make
a
new
covenant
with
the
house
of
Israel
and
with
the
house
of
Judah—not
according
to
the
covenant
that
I
made
with
their
fathers
in
the
day
that
I
took
them
by
the
hand
to
lead
them
out
of
the
land
of
Egypt,
My
covenant
which
they
broke,
though
I
was
a
husband
to
them,
says
the
Lord.
But
this
is
the
covenant
that
I
will
make
with
the
house
of
Israel
after
those
days,
says
the
Lord:
I
will
put
My
law
in
their
minds,
and
write
it
on
their
hearts;
and
I
will
be
their
God,
and
they
shall
be
My
people.
No
more
shall
every
man
teach
his
neighbor,
and
every
man
his
brother,
saying,
‘Know
the
Lord,’
for
they
all
shall
know
Me,
from
the
least
of
them
to
the
greatest
of
them,
says
the
Lord.
For
I
will
forgive
their
iniquity,
and
their
sin
I
will
remember
no
more.’”
Jeremiah
31:31-34
Here are the key attributes of God’s New Covenant:
•
God
said
He
would
write
His
laws
in
the
minds
and
upon
the
hearts
(and
not
upon
stone
tablets
and
propagation
via
human
teaching).
This
is
accomplished
by
the
Holy
Spirit—who
facilitates
our
teaching,
spiritual
transformation
and
sanctification.
o
“I
will
give
you
a
new
heart
and
put
a
new
spirit
within
you;
I
will
take
the
heart
of
stone
out
of
your
flesh
and
give
you
a
heart
of
flesh.
I
will
put
My
Spirit
within
you
and
cause
you
to
walk
in
My
statutes,
and
you
will
keep
My
judgments and do them.” Ezekiel 36:26-27
o
Jesus said:
▪
“But
the
Helper,
the
Holy
Spirit,
whom
the
Father
will
send
in
My
name,
He
will
teach
you
all
things,
and
bring
to your remembrance all things that I said to you.” John 14:26
▪
“He
will
guide
you
into
all
truth;
for
He
will
not
speak
on
His
own
authority,
but
whatever
He
hears
He
will
speak;
and
He
will
tell
you
things
to
come.
He
will
glorify
Me,
for
He
will
take
of
what
is
Mine
and
declare
it
to
you.” John 16:13-14
▪
“He
will
convict
the
world
of
sin,
and
of
righteousness,
and
of
judgment:
of
sin,
because
they
do
not
believe
in
Me;
of
righteousness,
because
I
go
to
My
Father
and
you
see
Me
no
more;
of
judgment,
because
the
ruler
of
this world is judged.” John 16:8-11
•
God replaced animal sacrifices from the Mosaic Covenant with the sacrificial death of His Son.
o
Jesus said,
“This cup is the new covenant in My blood, which is shed for you.” Luke 22:20
o
“Not
with
the
blood
of
goats
and
calves,
but
with
His
own
blood
He
entered
the
Most
Holy
Place
once
for
all,
having
obtained
eternal
redemption.
For
if
the
blood
of
bulls
and
goats
and
the
ashes
of
a
heifer,
sprinkling
the
unclean,
sanctifies
for
the
purifying
of
the
flesh,
how
much
more
shall
the
blood
of
Christ,
who
through
the
eternal
Spirit
offered
Himself
without
spot
to
God,
cleanse
your
conscience
from
dead
works
to
serve
the
living
God?
And
for
this
reason
He
is
the
Mediator
of
the
new
covenant,
by
means
of
death,
for
the
redemption
of
the
transgressions
under
the
first
covenant,
that
those
who
are
called
may
receive
the
promise
of
the
eternal
inheritance.” Hebrews 9:12-15
•
God
said
He
would
not
only
forgive;
He
will
also
forget
sin—for
those
who
believe.
Jesus
said
“For
God
so
loved
the
world
that
He
gave
His
only
begotten
Son,
that
whoever
believes
in
Him
should
not
perish
but
have
everlasting
life.” John 3:16
Another
very
important
attribute
of
the
New
Covenant
is
that
God
extended
His
grace
to
both
Jews
and
Gentiles
(all
non-Jews).
Paul—a
Jew
who
fully
adhered
to
Old
Testament
laws
and
prosecuted
Christians—was
selected
by
Jesus
Christ
to
declare
the
New
Covenant
salvation
to
the
Gentiles.
As
such,
Paul
wrote
many
of
the
books
in
the
New
Testament.
Jesus
said
regarding
Paul,
“He
is
a
chosen
vessel
of
Mine
to
bear
My
name
before
Gentiles,
kings,
and
the
children
of
Israel.” Acts 9:15
Paul wrote:
•
“But
when
it
pleased
God,
who
separated
me
from
my
mother’s
womb
and
called
me
through
His
grace,
to
reveal
His Son in me, that I might preach Him among the Gentiles.” Galatians 1:15-16
•
“It
has
now
been
revealed
by
the
Spirit
to
His
holy
apostles
and
prophets:
that
the
Gentiles
should
be
fellow
heirs,
of
the same body, and partakers of His promise in Christ through the gospel.” Ephesians 3:5-6
•
“To
me,
who
am
less
than
the
least
of
all
the
saints,
this
grace
was
given,
that
I
should
preach
among
the
Gentiles
the
unsearchable
riches
of
Christ,
and
to
make
all
see
what
is
the
fellowship
of
the
mystery,
which
from
the
beginning of the ages has been hidden in God who created all things through Jesus Christ.” Ephesians 3:8-9
•
“Christ
has
redeemed
us
from
the
curse
of
the
law,
having
become
a
curse
for
us
(for
it
is
written,
‘Cursed
is
everyone
who
hangs
on
a
tree’),
that
the
blessing
of
Abraham
might
come
upon
the
Gentiles
in
Christ
Jesus,
that
we
might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.” Galatians 3:13-14
•
“For
you
are
all
sons
of
God
through
faith
in
Christ
Jesus.
For
as
many
of
you
as
were
baptized
into
Christ
have
put
on
Christ.
There
is
neither
Jew
nor
Greek,
there
is
neither
slave
nor
free,
there
is
neither
male
nor
female;
for
you
are
all
one
in
Christ
Jesus.
And
if
you
are
Christ’s,
then
you
are
Abraham’s
seed,
and
heirs
according
to
the
promise.” Galatians 3:26-29
•
“Glory,
honor,
and
peace
to
everyone
who
works
what
is
good,
to
the
Jew
first
and
also
to
the
Greek.
For
there
is
no
partiality with God.” Romans 2:10-11
However, the nation of Israel rejected Jesus Christ—which continues today—even though He is the Messiah.
“He
was
in
the
world,
and
the
world
was
made
through
Him,
and
the
world
did
not
know
Him.
He
came
to
His
own,
and
His
own
did
not
receive
Him.
But
as
many
as
received
Him,
to
them
He
gave
the
right
to
become
children
of
God,
to
those
who
believe
in
His
name:
who
were
born,
not
of
blood,
nor
of
the
will
of
the
flesh,
nor
of
the
will
of
man,
but
of
God.” John 1:10-13
Israelites
believe
the
Messiah
will
be
a
warrior
who
will
lead
them
in
defeating
their
enemies
and
bring
peace
to
their
nation.
They
were
unable
to
see
the
spiritual
truth
of
Jesus
because
their
perception
was
darkened
by
lies.
As
such
they
were
unable
to
accept
one
who
would
live
a
peaceful
humble
life;
one
who
would
teach
via
spiritually-revealing
parables;
one
who
would
perform
miracles
as
proof
of
His
divine
purpose;
one
who
would
confront
the
Jewish
religious
leaders
because
of
their
hypocrisy;
and
one
who
would
die
on
the
cross
for
the
sins
of
mankind.
Israel’s
perception
of
Jesus
is
tainted
because
it
is
based
upon
physical
and
not
spiritual.
For
there
are
far
worse
enemies
who
seek
to
separate
us
from
the
love
of
God—via
the
creation
of
lies—that
result
in
a
willful
bondage
to
sin
and
subsequent
spiritual death.
“For
we
do
not
wrestle
against
flesh
and
blood,
but
against
principalities,
against
powers,
against
the
rulers
of
the
darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.” Ephesians 6:12
Our
spiritual
enemies—and
our
sinful
flesh—can
only
be
overcome
by
the
power
of
God’s
grace,
the
forgiveness
of
our
sins
via
the
shed
blood
of
God’s
sacrificial
Lamb,
and
willful
obedience
to
the
Holy
Spirit
(who
draws
us
from
darkness
and into light as He reveals the depth and breadth of God’s love).
However,
it
is
important
to
note
that
it
is
by
God’s
design
Israel
did
not
comprehend
that
Jesus
was
(and
is)
the
Messiah.
“God
has
given
them
a
spirit
of
stupor,
eyes
that
they
should
not
see
and
ears
that
they
should
not
hear,
to
this
very
day.” Romans 11:8
When
Jesus
returns
and
defeats
Israel’s
enemies
(at
the
end
of
the
7-year
Tribulation),
the
eyes
and
ears
of
the
nation
of
Israel
will
finally
understand
who
Jesus
is—the
Messiah
and
chosen
one—and
they
will
have
great
remorse
because
they rejected Him.
“It
shall
be
in
that
day
that
I
will
seek
to
destroy
all
the
nations
that
come
against
Jerusalem.
And
I
will
pour
on
the
house
of
David
and
on
the
inhabitants
of
Jerusalem
the
Spirit
of
grace
and
supplication;
then
they
will
look
on
Me
whom
they
pierced.
Yes,
they
will
mourn
for
Him
as
one
mourns
for
his
only
son,
and
grieve
for
Him
as
one
grieves
for
a
firstborn.” Zechariah 12:9-10
Jesus
Christ
will
begin
His
reign
upon
earth
for
1,000
years,
and
He
will
fulfill
all
of
God’s
promises
to
His
chosen
people.
Israel’s
physical
enemies
will
no
longer
exist.
But
more
important,
man’s
nemesis
throughout
time
(Satan)
will
be
stripped
of
his
influential
power,
bound
in
chains,
and
held
in
a
spiritual
prison
(called
the
bottomless
pit
or
Abyss)
during Christ’s millennial reign.
“Then
I
saw
an
angel
coming
down
from
heaven,
having
the
key
to
the
bottomless
pit
and
a
great
chain
in
his
hand.
He
laid
hold
of
the
dragon,
that
serpent
of
old,
who
is
the
Devil
and
Satan,
and
bound
him
for
a
thousand
years;
and
he
cast
him
into
the
bottomless
pit,
and
shut
him
up,
and
set
a
seal
on
him,
so
that
he
should
deceive
the
nations
no
more
till the thousand years were finished.” Revelation 20:1-3
Take a moment and consider what life would be like on earth if:
•
Humans were not influenced by darkness and lies—but by absolute truth.
•
There are no wars.
•
We are able to produce what we need and be self-sustaining.
•
All government is managed by Jesus.
•
We fully recognize all that we own and are provided is holy unto God.
•
We are able to see Him as we worship Him.
•
We are able to live in a loving and peaceful relationship with God.
Although not Heaven, it will be as close as humans can get to “Heaven on earth.”
The Millennial Reign of Jesus Christ
Jesus
said,
“Do
not
think
that
I
came
to
destroy
the
Law
or
the
Prophets.
I
did
not
come
to
destroy
but
to
fulfill.”
Matthew 5:17
The Condition of the World Prior to the Return of Jesus Christ
Here are two indicators in the Bible that reveal what the world will be like when Jesus Christ returns.
1
.
Jesus
said,
“As
the
days
of
Noah
were,
so
also
will
the
coming
of
the
Son
of
Man
be.
For
as
in
the
days
before
the
flood,
they
were
eating
and
drinking,
marrying
and
giving
in
marriage,
until
the
day
that
Noah
entered
the
ark,
and
did
not
know
until
the
flood
came
and
took
them
all
away,
so
also
will
the
coming
of
the
Son
of
Man
be.”
Matthew
24:37-39
2
.
God
decided
to
destroy
all
because
of
the
depth
and
breadth
of
man’s
unrighteousness
prior
to
the
flood
(Genesis
6:6-7).
•
“Then
the
Lord
saw
that
the
wickedness
of
man
was
great
in
the
earth,
and
that
every
intent
of
the
thoughts
of
his heart was only evil continually.” Genesis 6:5
•
“The
earth
also
was
corrupt
before
God,
and
the
earth
was
filled
with
violence.
So
God
looked
upon
the
earth,
and indeed it was corrupt; for all flesh had corrupted their way on the earth.” Genesis 6:11-12
During the last days people will:
•
Be filled with wickedness, corruptness, and violence—and will be driven by evil thoughts.
•
Embrace darkness and declare it is light.
•
Believe lies and declare them as truth.
•
Despise those who attempt to save others from eternal torment—and call them haters.
•
Declare
God
is
nothing
more
than
a
figment
of
imagination
for
the
mindless,
and
His
word
is
nothing
more
than
a
fable.
•
Perceive they are correct, and anyone who disagrees lacks their intellectual prowess.
•
Be
unable
to
spiritually
see
the
ominous
last
day
signs,
and
will
continue
to
live
their
lives
as
if
nothing
is
about
to
occur.
This depraved mindset is because of:
•
A delusional and willing desire to reject truth because they prefer sin over righteousness.
•
The
deceptive
power
of
Satan—the
abomination
who
causes
desolation—who
will
be
given
enhanced
power
to
propagates his lies and darkness during the last days.
“For
the
mystery
of
lawlessness
is
already
at
work;
only
He
who
now
restrains
will
do
so
until
He
is
taken
out
of
the
way.
And
then
the
lawless
one
will
be
revealed,
whom
the
Lord
will
consume
with
the
breath
of
His
mouth
and
destroy
with
the
brightness
of
His
coming.
The
coming
of
the
lawless
one
is
according
to
the
working
of
Satan,
with
all
power,
signs,
and
lying
wonders,
and
with
all
unrighteous
deception
among
those
who
perish,
because
they
did
not
receive
the
love
of
the
truth,
that
they
might
be
saved.
And
for
this
reason
God
will
send
them
strong
delusion,
that
they
should
believe
the
lie,
that
they
all
may
be
condemned
who
did
not
believe
the
truth
but
had
pleasure
in
unrighteousness.”
2
Thessalonians 2:7-12
This
is
the
perceptive
mindset
that
existed
prior
to
the
flood
and
of
those
who
drowned;
this
is
the
perceptive
mindset
of
those
who
will
perish
when
God’s
wrath
is
poured
out
upon
the
earth
during
the
last
days;
and
this
is
the
perceptive
mindset that has been continually expanding within nations, within countries, within cultures, and within persons today.
But
they
will
be
warned
of
God’s
pending
wrath;
and
they
will
knowingly
reject
the
truth;
and
they
will
seek
to
hide
from
the outpouring of God’s wrath.
“I
looked
when
He
opened
the
sixth
seal,
and
behold,
there
was
a
great
earthquake;
and
the
sun
became
black
as
sackcloth
of
hair,
and
the
moon
became
like
blood.
And
the
stars
of
heaven
fell
to
the
earth,
as
a
fig
tree
drops
its
late
figs
when
it
is
shaken
by
a
mighty
wind.
Then
the
sky
receded
as
a
scroll
when
it
is
rolled
up,
and
every
mountain
and
island
was
moved
out
of
its
place.
And
the
kings
of
the
earth,
the
great
men,
the
rich
men,
the
commanders,
the
mighty
men,
every
slave
and
every
free
man,
hid
themselves
in
the
caves
and
in
the
rocks
of
the
mountains,
and
said
to
the
mountains
and
rocks,
‘Fall
on
us
and
hide
us
from
the
face
of
Him
who
sits
on
the
throne
and
from
the
wrath
of
the
Lamb! For the great day of His wrath has come, and who is able to stand?’” Revelation 6:12-17
Jesus Christ is Lord!
“Therefore
God
also
has
highly
exalted
Him
and
given
Him
the
name
which
is
above
every
name,
that
at
the
name
of
Jesus
every
knee
should
bow,
of
those
in
heaven,
and
of
those
on
earth,
and
of
those
under
the
earth,
and
that
every
tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” Philippians 2:9-11
Whether
alive
or
after
death,
every
person
will
humbly
bow
and
declare
the
absolute
truth
regarding
Jesus
Christ:
He
is
Lord!
Those
who
are
physically
alive
and
realize
the
life,
purpose
and
divinity
of
Jesus
Christ—and
those
who
yield
their
life
to
Him
by
declaring
He
is
Lord—is
spiritually
blessed
because
their
transformation
has
occurred
by
the
workings of the Holy Spirit.
“Therefore
I
make
known
to
you
that
no
one
speaking
by
the
Spirit
of
God
calls
Jesus
accursed,
and
no
one
can
say
that Jesus is Lord except by the Holy Spirit.” 1 Corinthians 12:3
But
what’s
sad,
many
will
experience
the
horrific
global
consequences
of
the
tribulation—and
God’s
wrath—during
the
last
days.
They
will
continue
to
live
their
lives
as
if
everything
is
“normal,”
and
they
will
disregard
any
warnings
of
their
pending demise, and they will not be spiritually prepared.
For
more
information
on
what
will
occur
during
the
last
days
read
“The
Covenant,”
“The
Great
Tribulation
and
the
Sovereignty of Israel,” an
d “Revelation’s Blessings.” Each lesson is available for free on
UniqueBibleStudies.com
.
I
pray
this
lesson
greatly
expands
your
spiritual
understanding
of
God’s
truths,
His
covenants,
and
how
He
will
fulfill
all
of His promises. But what is more important, I pray you are spiritually ready for His return.
Jesus
said,
“He
who
has
My
commandments
and
keeps
them,
it
is
he
who
loves
Me.
And
he
who
loves
Me
will
be
loved
by
My
Father,
and
I
will
love
him
and
manifest
Myself
to
him.
If
anyone
loves
Me,
he
will
keep
My
word;
and
My
Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him.” John 14:21, 23
All for God’s Glory
Harold D. Thomas
Bible Study Thought-Provoking Questions
The
purpose
of
the
questions
is
to
facilitate
a
deeper
understanding
of
this
topic,
Jesus
Christ,
the
Bible,
and
ourselves.
The
questions
may
be
answered
by
each
reader,
or
used
by
a
Bible
study
group
leader
or
church
pastor.
The
following
questions should be answered or discussed after reading “God’s 8 Covenants.”
Each
question
is
designed
to
enhance
learning
via
the
determination
of
opinions
and/or
discovering
how
the
lesson
content illuminates our personal lives. Each person’s response will be different. As such, no answers are provided.
Questions
Have you ever:
•
Experienced a broken promise by someone? If yes, what were the consequences?
•
Broken your promise to someone? If yes, what were the consequences?
Why would God make a covenant promise?
What was the core reason why the Edenic and Mosaic conditional covenants were broken?
Why did God make unconditional covenants?
Why will God fulfill His promises?
Identify
at
least
3
different
“thorns
and
thistles”
(a
promise
from
the
Adamic
Covenant)
you
have
experienced
in
the
past
week.
Read Ephesians 5:22-23.
•
Does
this
scripture
conflict
with
the
Adamic
Covenant’s
declaration
of
the
relationship
between
a
man
and
his
wife:
“Your desire shall be for your husband, and he shall rule over you.”
•
What is the purpose of comparing the relationship between a man and his wife to Christ and His church?
•
Identify 3 prescribed marital behaviors that correlate to the relationship between Jesus and His church.
Read Genesis 6:5, 11-12.
•
What was the condition of humans prior to the flood?
•
How does this compare to today?
God chose Noah, Abraham, Moses, David, and Paul to execute His plan upon earth. Why did He select them?
Identify at least 3 different characteristics between man’s laws and God’s laws.
Why did God give the Mosaic Covenant to the Israelites?
What do you think the world would be like if the Israelites obeyed God and did not break the Mosaic Covenant?
Why did God declare His intent to write His laws upon the mind and heart?
What will cause the Israelites to realize Jesus Christ is the Messiah?
•
Will this realization occur if Israel is able to defeat their enemies with their own military (and without Jesus)?
•
How will the Israelites respond after Jesus destroys all the nations that come against Jerusalem?
Why will Jesus need to rule with a rod of iron during His millennial reign?
•
Although Satan will not have an influence upon earth during this time, will man’s sinful nature still exist?
•
How will Jesus manage control over the earth?
1 Corinthians 12:3 states
“No one can say that Jesus is Lord except by the Holy Spirit.”
Why?
Identify at least 3 things you learned from this lesson.
You may download a PDF version of the questions by clicking on this button.
Can you think of someone who may benefit from this lesson? If yes, PASS IT ON!
The words of Jesus Christ are in
red text.
Covenant
Type
Still in Existence Today
Edenic
Conditional
No. Broken by Adam and Eve. Replaced by the Adamic Covenant.
Adamic
Unconditional
Yes
Noahic
Unconditional
Yes
Abrahamic
Unconditional
Yes
Mosaic
Conditional
No. Broken by the Israelites. Replaced by the New Covenant.
Land
Unconditional
Yes
Davidic
Unconditional
Yes
New
Unconditional
Yes
Element
%
Additional Information
Oxygen
65%
Most of the oxygen is found in body water. Water accounts for 60%.
Carbon
18%
The body has many organic compounds and they all contain carbon.
Hydrogen
10%
Hydrogen is found in the water and in every organic compound.
Nitrogen
3%
Nitrogen enters into the body through food.
Calcium
1.4%
The majority of calcium is found in bones and teeth.
Phosphorus
1%
Phosphorus is also found in bones and teeth.
Potassium
.25%
Potassium plays a key role in the function of nerves and heartbeat.
Sulphur
.25%
Sulfur enables the body to produce proteins.
Sodium
.15%
The body uses sodium to keep the blood pumping and flowing.
Chlorine
.15%
Helps to maintain the body’s pH balance and in digestion.
Magnesium
.005%
Helps to build bones and teeth.
Iron
.0001
Helps to make hemoglobin, a protein in red blood cells.
Total
99.2051%
Total does not include trace elements.