Contract with God

The new covenant God established for humanity’s restoration, made possible by Jesus Christ’s crucifixion, occurred between AD 30 and AD 36. What brings me the greatest comfort is knowing that this divine plan was in place long before the world was created, as mentioned in Revelation 13:8.

Blood covenants were binding contracts between two individuals in ancient times, commonly practiced in the Middle East. A typical blood covenant compromises nine steps:

"For this reason he is the mediator of a new covenant, since a death has occurred for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first covenant, that those who have been called may receive the promise of the eternal inheritance." (Heb 9:15 WEB)

Let’s examine the new covenant in Christ.

1. Exchange of Coats or Robes: The two individuals exchange coats or robes; offering a robe signifies offering one’s life. God caused Jesus, the innocent, to carry our sins, allowing us to attain God’s righteousness in Him.
2. Exchange of Belts: They exchange belts as a symbol of protection, signifying, “Your battles are my battles.” We are urged to don the whole armor of God to resist evil, which consists of the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, the gospel of peace, the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit.
3. Cutting the Covenant: In this ritual, an animal is sacrificed and cut in half, with both parties walking between the halves, declaring, “May God do to me if I break this covenant.” Jesus “cuts off” the filth of our sins through His sacrifice.
4. The mingling of Blood: They mingle their blood by cutting their palms and clasping hands, signifying their unity. May they be united as you, Father, are in me and I in you. May they also be united in us. 
5. Exchange of Names: They exchange names by incorporating parts of each other’s names. Jesus refers to Himself as the “Son of Man,” and Revelation 2:17 says, “To those who prevail… I will grant a new name.“
6. Creation of a Scar: They create a scar as a visible sign of the covenant, indicating that both individuals are bound together. Nails pierced Jesus’ hands and feet, securing Him to the cross.
7. Outlining Covenant Terms: They outline the covenant terms and share their assets, stating, “Everything I have is yours and vice versa.” By walking in Jesus’s will and adhering to His teachings, we can request anything according to His purpose, which will be granted.
8. Sharing a Memorial Meal: They share a memorial meal, breaking bread and sharing wine as symbols of His body and blood. Jesus takes the bread, offers thanks, breaks it, and shares it, saying, “This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me.” He then takes the cup, saying, “This cup represents the new covenant in my blood, poured out for you.”
9. Planting a Memorial Tree: They plant a memorial tree sprinkled with the blood of the sacrificed animal to serve as a lasting reminder of the covenant. The cross on which Jesus was crucified was made from a tree.

"I have been crucified with Christ, and it is no longer I that live, but Christ lives in me. That life which I now live in the flesh, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself up for me." (Gal 2:20 WEB)

Song “Blood for a Rose”

You came down from Heaven,

came down from your throne.

You climbed up Golgotha.

Climbed it all alone.

You offered your present.

You came to propose.

To a backslidden maiden.

your blood for a rose.

You won my heart.

Oh, Jesus, mend our love

that was torn apart.

You courted your true love

when the whip came down.

You gave to her flowers

in a thorny crown.

You sang her a sweet love song,

as a good suitor should.

To the sound of a hammer

and a spike to the wood.

Lyrics by Kurt Daniels

The profound understanding that God envelops each person who decides to commit to Him through the covenant of Jesus, even prior to their very first breath, brings an immense sense of comfort and peace. This powerful truth, beautifully articulated in Ephesians 1:3-5, serves to elevate our sense of self-worth and belonging in the eyes of our Creator. It reassures us with the remarkable promise that we are not only accepted but deeply loved and cherished by our Heavenly Father. As His adopted children, we are granted a future filled with spiritual blessings, waiting to be unveiled in due time. This assurance creates a rich tapestry of hope and belonging that envelops us in our journey of faith.

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ; even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we would be holy and without defect before him in love; having predestined us for adoption as children through Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his desire,” (Eph 1:3-5 WEB)