Big Points in the New Covenant

Let us first understand what is the kingdom of God. We have heard Matt. 6:33 many times over which says, Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and ALL these things (food, shelter and clothing) shall be added unto us. But do you know that the kingdom of God itself is not in meat and drink, but RIGHTEOUSNESS and PEACE and JOY in the Holy Spirit (Ron. 14: 17).

Put these verses together and you know that the central theme is His righteousness. 

Now it is expedient for me to say that this righteousness is not cultivated by social upbringing or attained by doing the right things (works of law) , but is simply received as a GIFT (Ron. 3:22 and Rom. 5:17). Once we have believed in Jesus, we have the right to receive this free gift as children of God. Why? Because Jesus is our High Priest. 

Beloved, this is the foundation of New Covenant living. He. 8:1 says that this is the Main point of whatever has been said in the previous 7 chapters: Jesus our High priest forever. He became sin and died, now ascended to the Father and seated at the right hand. As we reach out to receive what our High Priest offers, we become the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus. 

God has sworn and will not relent... Jesus our high priest FOREVER according to the order of Melchizedek (and not Levi). The author of Hebrews says that this is like double confirmation: one, it is impossible for God to lie and two, He has sworn with an oath and therefore Jesus is our surety for righteousness (Heb. 7:20-22 and 1 Cor. 1:30,31).

Remember, when Jesus spoke of His ascension and the coming of the Holy Spirit in John 16:8-11? In this passage is mentioned three different group category - 1. the world that does not believe: 2. Believers and 3. Ruler of this (unbelieving) world-renowned devil. And the work of the Holy Spirit is different for these categories or groups: 1. to convict the world of sin (of unbelief) 2. to convince the believers of their righteousness in Christ and 3. Judge the ruler of this world. 

Jesus is our righteousness. That is His name - 'THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS" (Jer. 23:6)- unchanging, sure, because He is undefiled, harmless and holy. That is why the New Covenant is SO MUCH better than the Old one based on our works, which is now made obsolete and is passing away. 

Hold on to His righteousness... That is the kingdom of God for you. And I have not even come to peace and joy part of the kingdom. 

But let me tell you this in closing. If the swearing of God is double confirmation, go ahead and find out for yourself what and all God has sworn for us in the New Covenant. See Isaiah 54:9,10 for instance. 

Stay blessed in Jesus. Amen.