After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, This cup is
the new testament in my blood: this do you, as oft as you drink it, in remembrance of
me (1 Corinthians 11:25).
A covenant is a far-reaching agreement between two parties. In the Bible a covenant is an
agreement between God and his people, in which God makes promises to his people and,
usually, requires certain conduct from them. In the Old Testament, God made agreements
with Noah, Abraham, and Moses. We see in the Old Testament the record of the nation of
Israel struggling - and failing - to keep its covenant with God. The New Testament shows
Jesus Christ keeping the covenant for his people; doing what they cannot do. The covenant
with Moses, made at Sinai, was a conditional covenant which was broken through the
unfaithful behaviour of the Jews towards their God. This was the Mosaic Covenant, replaced
by the New Covenant instituted by Jesus. Our Lord Jesus points to this when He said, during
His last supper with the disciples: This cup is the new testament in my blood, which is shed
for you (Luke 22:20).
Jesus is the mediator of the New Covenant and His Blood shed at His crucifixion is the
required blood of the covenant. The events at Easter bring to our remembrance the New
Covenant. And in focusing on the new covenant, as well as the covenant keeping God, it is
our hope we shall better appreciate our privileged and special position in Christ. It is also
with prayers that the Lord will help us to share in his nature of being people who keep our
promises and vows.
Welcome and Happy Easter greetings
Pastors Marcus and Norah Chilaka