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!