At the time of this writing, I am preparing for a sermon that has to do with covenants.
Those are different from contracts. In a contract, each party is outcome-based: You do this, I do that, and we each gain in this way.
Covenants—among many other differences—are relationship-oriented. We both promise to do these things, but we’re committed through various breaches of that covenant because we are more concerned with the other party than what we can get out of it.
That’s part of why marriage is (or should be) called a covenant, instead of a contract. Can you imagine a relationship that’s designed around self-sacrifice and mutual edification dictated by lines on a page?
“Well, you see, honey, you did not clean the gutters this month, and that violates section 3.1.4. Based on the terms of this agreement, I am hereby obligated to…”
Nonsense. Utter nonsense.
Is it any surprise then that Paul refers to the relationship between Christ and the church as a marriage (Ephesians 5:22-33)? We serve God, absolutely, but we do so out of love and appreciation, not because we’re bound by an overt legal policy.
Someone might argue that that’s exactly what God dictates in the book of Deuteronomy, but I would disagree. Primarily because when these laws are closed in Deuteronomy 26, there is a mutual declaration of identity.
Israel has declared the Lord to be their God (Deuteronomy 26:17). God had declared Israel to be His people (Deuteronomy 26:18).
Was any of them held at gunpoint? No, in fact, the exchange was entirely mutual. God had led them out of Egypt with a mighty hand, brought them through the desert, destroyed their enemies, and will fight with them to conquer Canaan.
In return, Israel promises to “walk in His ways and keep His statutes.” Who in their right mind would say no to that?
That’s why it drives me crazy when people argue about obedience as being necessary or not necessary for salvation. Of course it’s necessary. When God has done so much for us, why would we not serve Him in response? Why would we abandon the One who sent His Son to die for us?
You can argue the semantics all you want, but the reality is that I serve God out of love and appreciation for what He has done for me, and what He will do for me. Call it whatever you want, but I’ll do whatever He asks of me.
Will you?