Blood Covenants and the New Covenant Theology

Blood covenants held profound significance in ancient Middle Eastern cultures, serving as solemn agreements that transcended mere contracts to establish deep, binding relationships. These covenants were often sealed through the shedding of blood, symbolizing the seriousness and sacredness of the commitment. For example, kings would kill an animal and walk between its carcasses, signifying that breaking the covenant would result in a fate similar to that of the sacrificed animal. This practice illustrates that covenants were not casual promises but life-altering bonds, underscoring the principle that "there is no covenant without the shedding of blood" [01:20:16].

Covenants function as relationships of exchange, where both parties fully commit themselves to one another. This concept is exemplified in Christian marriage, which is fundamentally a covenant. Such a marriage involves a mutual giving of selves, reflecting the depth of commitment that also characterizes the relationship between God and humanity [01:18:58]. Understanding this exchange is essential to grasping the nature of divine covenants.

The New Covenant, established by Jesus Christ, represents the ultimate fulfillment of the blood covenant tradition. Unlike the Mosaic covenant, which was conditional and based on human performance, the New Covenant is unconditional and founded on grace. Jesus’ sacrifice was the definitive act that sealed this covenant, made between God the Father and Jesus the Son, independent of human effort or merit [01:29:18]. This covenant highlights the profound love and commitment inherent in God’s relationship with humanity.

The Bible outlines seven covenants, with particular emphasis on the Abrahamic, Mosaic, and New Covenants. The Abrahamic covenant was a gracious promise made to Abraham, while the Mosaic covenant was conditional and given to Israel. The New Covenant stands apart as a divine gift, reliant not on human obedience but on the perfect obedience and sacrifice of Jesus Christ [01:25:04].

Communion serves as a tangible reminder of the New Covenant, often referred to as a "covenant meal." This practice commemorates the exchange established through Jesus’ blood, reinforcing the covenantal relationship between God and believers. The words, "This is the cup of the new covenant in my blood," emphasize that communion is far more than a ritual; it is a profound act of remembrance and participation in the covenant sealed by Christ’s sacrifice [01:40:46].

The historical context of blood covenants enriches the understanding of God’s covenant with humanity, particularly through the sacrifice of Jesus. This perspective deepens appreciation for the significance of communion and the transformative power inherent in the New Covenant.

This article was written by an AI tool for churches, based on a sermon from Harmony Church, one of 60 churches in Boulder, CO