Understanding the New Covenant and Its Meaning for Us
If you’ve ever wondered how you can truly come close to God, the Bible has wonderful news. God has provided a way for us! Long ago, God gave the people of Israel many rules and rituals to follow. These were like temporary steps, or scaffolding, to help people see what it meant to be part of His family. But those rules couldn’t change people on the inside—they only guide them from the outside. Reflecting on this, I’m deeply encouraged. I know that coming close to God isn’t about obeying a checklist of rules. It’s about opening my heart to let His love and grace shape who I am from the inside out.
A New Covenant Written on Our Hearts
God promised that one day, He would do something brand new. The book of Hebrews explains this (Hebrews 8:10 -13). God said He would make a new deal. It would be a covenant with His people. Instead of writing His laws only on stone or paper, He would write them deep in our minds and hearts. He would be our God, and we would truly be His people. Everyone, from the least to the greatest, would know Him personally. And best of all, God promised to forgive all our mistakes and not remember our wrongs anymore.
This new relationship with God doesn’t depend on obeying a bunch of outer rules. Instead, God changes us from the inside out. Just like a chick knows how to scratch the ground instinctively. A pig acts like a pig because it’s in its nature. God gives those who trust Him a new “inside.” This new nature wants to do what is right.
From Rituals to Relationship: Jesus Opens the Way
The old way of relating to God, with all its sacrifices and rituals, was good for its time. Still, it was only a temporary solution. When Jesus came, He fulfilled everything the old system pointed to. Now, we can focus on Jesus instead of focusing on rules. His life, death, and resurrection open the way for us to come directly into God’s presence.
Paving the way into God’s presence means letting go of trying to earn God’s love by obeying rules. Instead, it means accepting the new promise He offers through Jesus. When you trust Jesus, God gives you new desires. He helps you live the way He always wanted. This means loving Him and loving others from the heart.
- God promised to create something completely new for His people.
- Hebrews 8:10-13 describes this promise as a new covenant—a fresh agreement between God and humanity.
- Instead of laws written only on stone tablets or paper, God vowed to inscribe His teachings deep within our minds. He promised to write them on our hearts.
- This covenant means God would be our God, and we would truly belong to Him as His people.
- Everyone, regardless of status or background, would have the opportunity to know God personally.
- The promise includes total forgiveness: God would forgive our mistakes and erase our wrongs from memory.
Step Into a New Relationship
That’s the beauty of the new covenant. God isn’t just telling us what to do. He’s making us new from the inside out. He is inviting us into a genuine, life-changing friendship with Him. If you feel a stirring in your heart, take a moment today. If there’s a longing for something more, explore your relationship with God. Talk to Him honestly, ask questions, or simply spend time in quiet reflection. You don’t need special words or rituals—just an open heart. The invitation is for everyone, no matter where you’re starting from. Will you take the next step and discover what it truly means to know Him personally?
Minister A Francine Green
September 2025
afrancinegreen.com 