Lord, I Lift Your Name on High is a worship song that I like very much.  I like the melody, but I am really touched by the lyrics that especially inspire me to worship Jesus.  The words to which I am referring are:  “You came from heaven to earth to show the way; from the earth to the cross my debt to pay; from the cross to the grave, from the grave to the sky; Lord I lift Your Name on High.”  They describe the victory of the Resurrection holiday that we will celebrate this month.  Jesus came to establish a new and better covenant for us through His death, burial, and resurrection.  Hebrews 8:6 says to us, “But now He has obtained a more excellent ministry, in as much as He is also Mediator of a better covenant, which was established on better promises.”  Resurrection Day commemorates the establishment of the new covenant and the better promises. The object of the new covenant was eternal redemption for many. Hebrews 9:15 says, “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.” Eternal redemption brings with it an inheritance that is guaranteed by the presence of the Holy Spirit in the lives of those who are believers.

     The New Covenant was made for the purpose of the establishment of the new inward man.  Under the Old Covenant the inward man or the spirit of man was not provided for.  Therefore, the new birth represents one of the better promises.  Actually, under the New Covenant the cause of sin was dealt with.  Provision was made under the New Covenant to change the very heart of man allowing the Holy Spirit to reside there. Ezekiel 36:26-27 reveals, “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 walk in My statutes, and you will keep my judgments and do them.” This is a prophecy of the better covenant and its better promises.   What are these new promises and how do they affect our lives?

     Under the New Covenant, a believer becomes a child of God.  Our adoption as sons gives us the privileges of God’s family. 1 John 3:1-2 says, “Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called the children of God!”  It goes on to say, “Beloved, now we are the children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is.”  John 16:23 tells what these privileges are, “And in that day (the day of sonship) you will ask Me nothing.  Most assuredly I say to you, whatever you ask the Father in My name He will give you.”  What a promise!  What a guarantee!  I want to walk in these privileges to the fullest extent.

      Under the New Covenant, a believer becomes a new creation.  2 Corinthians 5:17, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.” The exegesis of the Greek reveals that the new creation is really a new species of man.  Actually, your past is eliminated and in God’s mind no longer exists. You have a new beginning with God and the promise of His presence always with you.  The new creation has standing and place with the Lord.  He wants us take advantage of our place in Him.

     Under the New Covenant, a believer is one with the Father.   Becoming one with the Father is an awesome concept.  It truly means that what He is we are.  We definitely have to renew our mind as to our new identity.  1 Corinthians 6:17 tells us, “He who is joined to the Lord is one spirit with Him.”  Just think about the ramifications of this truth.  You have access to Him all the time.  Really His presence goes with you wherever you go.  It helps us to understand why our prayers are heard and answered. 

    Under the New Covenant, all things are possible to the believer.  Mark 9:23 says, “Jesus said to him, ‘If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes.’”  It is easy to believe that scripture when we realize the better promises of the New Covenant.  We need to become conscious of the indwelling presence of God.  His presence brings His power to our lives making all things possible. 

     These are just a few of the privileges of the New Covenant.  There are so many more revealed to us as we study the Word.  This Resurrection Sunday we will take communion utilizing the symbols that signify the New Covenant.  Jesus instituted communion at the Last Supper.  The bread symbolizes His Body broken for our physical well being and the cup symbolizes His Blood shed for the remission of sin giving us spiritual well being. I believe a greater reality of your privileges in Christ will prevail in your life as you meditate on these truths.  I believe you will be healed, strengthened and delivered from all weakness and fear as we honor our New Covenant and Better Promises. God bless.