The Blood Covenant: by Mindena Spurling

The Blood Covenant
By Mindena Spurling
Mindena Spurling - The Blood Covenant
Copyright Reserved 2013, Mindena Spurling,

The Shepherds Fold, Winthrop Western Australia.
Refer www.theshepherdsfold.com.au
Acknowledgements
Unless otherwise stated Scriptures are from New International Version (NIV) is The
Zondervan Corporation
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Table of Contents
Preface ............................................................................................ 4
Introduction ................................................................................... 5
Blood covenant .............................................................................. 6
Origins of Blood Covenants .......................................................... 8
The Three Main Characteristics of a Covenant are: .......................... 9
Gods 9 Covenants.......................................................................... 10
1. The New (ultimate) Covenant of Jesus...................................... 21
The importance of Blood in the old covenant ................................ 25
The Blood of Jesus: ......................................................................... 26
Other Covenants ............................................................................ 27
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25 March 2011
The Blood Covenant

By Mindena Spurling
Preface
This article has been written in response to many pleas from a friend to teach her
about the Blood Covenant, that we all possess when we choose to accept Gods plan
for our salvation through the shed blood of His son, our Lord Jesus .
I make no claim for originality. The truths I am affirming here are not my own work
nor have they been exclusively revealed to me by the graciousness of God ! This
article, almost in its entirety, has been the re-wording of those great men and
women of faith from ages past. I am indebted to the works of E.W. Kenyon, The
Blood Covenant (published by Kenyons Gospel Publishing Society).
Also, Kenneth Copeland, the Blood Covenant series of talks.
Also, the best- selling book by Richard Booker, The miracle of the scarlet thread.
(Published 1981, by Sounds of the Trumpet, Inc.).
I also refer the reader to the work of Don Richardson Eternity in their hearts.
The Christian authors, Maxwell Whyte, Benny Hinn, and Andrew Murray, have all
written books entitled The power of the blood, which would be educational for
learning about the resurrection power of the blood of Jesus.
Lastly, I am indebted to all the bible school teachers at Riverview Church, in Perth,
Western Australia, whose faces are before me, but whose names I have forgotten! I
want to single out in particular, The Reverend Jane Lloyd, a gifted and anointed
teacher of the Word of God. If she is not a Reverend, she is certainly revered!
If I have inadvertently breached any copyright material, I offer my apologies. I direct

any readers of this article back to the original authors as mentioned above for
confirmation and clarification of points addressed in this article.
Obviously, personal observation, anecdotes, and experiences are my own.
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Introduction
In this article I hope to impart in a small, simple way, the POWER, and the
REALITY, of the blood covenant. I want to do this by re-iterating some of the books
and tapes as mentioned above, and underscoring those points by my own
experiences.
Firstly, we need to know and understand what a Blood Covenant is. Its obligations,
its rights, and mutual benefits. Who does what, and to whom? I will also offer a few
practical examples, as in the story of Dr. Livingston in Africa, and the story of the
modern day missionary in Melbourne, Australia.
We need to explore its historical roots and beginnings to grasp its significance.
We will also look at the spiritual elements, both under the old covenant, and the new
covenant that came into effect with Jesus death and resurrection.
A brief glance at the covenants of protection, healing, and prosperity.
Lastly, we will look at the covenant relationship that is called, marriage.
The question then remains, does it have any relevance today? My own experiences
lead me to deduce that ABSOLUTELY it does! I would like to back up those
experiences with scripture where relevant.
I do not expect any readers to share my views, nor necessarily to get converted,
(although obviously I hope it will!) I offer this teaching material to hopefully give the
modern un-tutored Christian lay-person (those who have not been to bible school or
seminaries) an inkling of what the Blood Covenant is about, and to encourage them
to study the Word, and any relevant publications for themselves.
Just a passing thought, maybe even ask God the Holy Spirit for divine revelation of
the Blood Covenant to you?! !
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Blood covenant
A brief explanation and overview of what a blood covenant actually is.
It is a binding agreement, usually between two parties, to help each other, share
common property, and support each other, through thick and thin. Even at the
expense of one-self, to give sacrificially, if necessary. It is saying, in effect, all that I
have is yours, and all you have is mine, ask of me and I will do it, I will take care of
you, support you, even if it costs me dearly, even I have to lay down my life for you.
To support the idea of sacrificial giving, readers may be interested in the story that
the Christian author, E.W.Kenyon, shares in his book about the blood covenant. It
concerns the missionary, Dr. Livingston, who in his travels to Africa, trying to
convert the native population to Christianity, encountered not only opposition, but
open hostility and setbacks in his work there. He was advised to cut the covenant
with the chieftain of that region. After deliberating for quite some time over this
matter, perhaps he considered himself a modern man, above all this nonsense! He
finally gave in, and proceeded with the lengthy ritual with the chief. We will look at
the steps of the ceremony in a minute.
Livingston possessed at the time a goat, whose milk he needed for medicinal
purposes. The chief took a fancy to the goat, and Livingston was obliged to give it to
him. In exchange, the chief gave Livingston his ceremonial staff (of office). Perhaps
Livingston was a bit put out by that? A ceremonial stick in exchange for a goat was
not, perhaps in Livingstons eyes, a good bargain? However, when he went out and
about on his travels, when the locals saw this staff, they could not do enough for him.
They welcomed him with open arms, every door was opened, and gave all they could
to assist him. Converting the locals after that was a breeze. They could all relate to a
God who was willing to cut the covenant with mankind, who was willing to give and
sacrifice His only Son, for the sake of the great love He had for them. Livingston
might not have been able to get them to see the finer points of denominational
Christianity, but he had their attention when it came to covenant rights!
The steps involved two young men from each group, representing the chief and
Livingstone, in front of everybody, cutting their arms until their blood ran. They then
rubbed their arms together until their blood nixed. In some cultures, blood is mixed
in a cup, then each representative would drink some of it.
The terms and conditions were read out, blessings pronounced, and curses
pronounced if the terms were broken. Oaths were sworn, that each person involved
in the covenant understood and would abide by the terms and conditions.
Gifts were also exchanged, Livingston got the staff, and the chief got the goat.
Commemorative stones, trees, or plaques, are also planted or set up. Lastly, everyone
was invited to a banquet.
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Remember in the scriptures God saying I will prepare a table for you in the midst of
your enemies? So that everyone can see that you are now in covenant partnership
with God!
Readers may also remember Jesus telling his disciples This is my blood of the new
covenant as the wine was poured and everybody drank of it.
Another story that illustrates the idea of everything you possess belongs to your
covenant partner, and vice versa, of course,( even at the expense of yourself),
concerns a story told to me by Pastor David Lloyd. His uncle was a missionary in the
early part of the 20thcentury, perhaps in the 1930-40s, in the islands of the South
Seas, in the land of the head hunters! Davids uncle, in order to help convert the
native population, had, like Dr. Livingston, cut a covenant with the local chief. In it,
they had sworn to help each other and their respective families. After a period of
time, when the uncles term of office in that region had expired, he went home to
Melbourne, the capitol city of the state of Victoria. Many years later, perhaps 20,
there was a knock at the front door. When he answered it, there stood the chiefs
daughter! She had come to study in Melbourne, and was expecting accommodation,
and for him to take care of her, as though she was his own daughter. Which of course
he did! He didnt want to get on the bad side of head hunters! Not only that, when
eventually he passed away, she apparently, inherited the house! (Not sure if there
were any other family members, perhaps a widow or children involved. It could
perhaps lead to a sticky situation). She could perhaps be still living there, for all we
know?!
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Origins of Blood Covenants

A covenant seems to be a God ordained idea, (as most things are), and to have its
origins almost in pre-history, as it is mentioned almost at the beginning of scripture.
It is the basis of all primitive religions, and most modern day street gangs. Some
crime organisations also have covenants, e.g. The Cosa Nostra (Mafia). As the
shedding of blood is involved in a covenant agreement, it is also a requirement for
joining the Mafia. To become a made man, involves killing someone, perhaps a
purely innocent person, or possibly someone from a rival gang, as a mark and sign of
allegiance to the Mafia. This covenant also has dire consequences for breaking the
covenant, i.e. informing to the police. Informing is considered to be breaking that
covenant agreement, and will be punishable by instant death, if caught.
However, for the most part we will look at the religious aspect of covenants.
The Hebrew word for Covenant is to cut. It has the suggestion of blood flowing.
We find that Abraham cut the covenant with his neighbours before he entered into a
covenant with God.
There are 3 main reasons for cutting a covenant:
Preservation or protection
Security, especially in business contacts, and dealings, or a marriage alliance
between two powerful kingdoms
Love eg. David and Jonathon, Damon and Pythias
God is not only a covenant MAKING God, but also a covenant KEEPING God, and a
covenant ENABLING God.
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The Three Main Characteristics of a Covenant are:

1 It contains conditions and responsibilities, blessings, and curses if the terms and
conditions are broken .Lets be very clear about this one point, a covenant is not just
a solemn promise. Im sure people have every intention of keeping a solemn promise,
but life and circumstances get in the way, and they break the contract some years
down the track! (eg, a marriage contract or covenant). We will discuss aspects of this
fascinating subject of the marriage contract, and its ramifications at a later point).
Indeed, a covenant, or blood oath, is the most solemn and legally binding agreement
a person can make, it is not to be entered into lightly, and there are the most awful,
dire, and deadly consequences for breaking it, even down to the third and fourth
generation. Yes, if you break that covenant, the other parties involved in the covenant
have the right to hunt not only you down and kill you, but also your children and
your childrens children It is indeed life and death stuff, not to be entered into by the
faint-hearted! It can and does have significant and possibly wonderful benefits for
both parties involved. Most people, even non- Christians have heard of the term,
blood brother, this is the true meaning and implication of it all.
2 It involves the shedding of blood
3 As a visible reminder of the terms of the contract, there is a sign, a seal (perhaps
the Kings signet ring), or possibly some other token of the covenant
The terms of a covenant are eternal, IRREVOCABLE, and everlasting.
It is important to note that Gods ultimate purpose of a covenant was the redemption
of the human race from its fallen state.
God knew that men would break the covenant, and His purpose was to redeem men
from sin and to restore communion and fellowship with Him.
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Gods 9 Covenants
There are 9 covenants God made, with each covenant that God initiated He revealed
a little more about Himself.
1. The First Covenant Creation covenant
The Creation covenant was initiated by God before man existed. The purpose of
creation was to prepare the earth for man. Every act of creation was to make this
planet habitable for man.
Jer. 33: 20- 25
God had covenanted to create day and night this reflects the unchangeable
character of Gods nature and emphasises that God has an immutable bond with His
creation under His sovereign administration.
Gen. 8:22 this affirms Gods covenant with creation. He is a God of order.
Gen 8:22 "As long as the earth endures, seedtime and harvest, cold and heat,
summer and winter, day and night will never cease."
2. The Edenic covenant
The Garden of Eden reveals Gods original purpose for man in creation, which was to
fellowship intimately with Him.
Gen. 1: 26 27
Then God said Let Us make man in our own image.
Man is an eternal spiritual being, just like God. Man is also TRIPARTIED spirit,
soul, and body. He is also a moral being, with intelligence, perception, and self
determination.
Man also reflects God as a social, or community being. God is a Trinity, lives in a
community, and made man to live in a community.
Gen. 1: v 26 God delegated dominion and authority over His creation to man.
Gen 1:26 Then God said, "Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness,
so that they may rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky, over the
livestock and all the wild animals, and over all the creatures that move along
the ground."
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When Adam sinned, he gave this authority to Satan. Jesus took this authority back
from Satan, when at His crucifixion, He went down to Hell, defeated Satan, and
made a public spectacle of him and his cohorts.
When we accept Jesus as our Saviour, He gives us back our authority and dominion
over Satan.
Gen. 1 v28 the author and bible teacher, Marilyn Hickey suggests that man was to
subdue Satan.
Gen 1:28 God blessed them and said to them, "Be fruitful and increase in
number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish in the sea and the birds
in the sky and over every living creature that moves on the ground."
When God created creation and man, it was good. No pain, no tears, no want, no lack
of any good thing, no depression, no despair, it was a good place to be alive.
Gen. 2: v21 when God took one of Adams ribs to create Eve this was the
shedding of blood required under the Edenic covenant.
The spear that pierced Jesus side on the cross was the shedding of blood required for
the bride of Christ the church.
When a virgins hymen is broken on her wedding night is the shedding of blood
required to show that this is a covenant agreement.
More on this interesting topic a little later.
Gen. 2: v 16 the Tree of Life was a sign or seal of the Edenic covenant which
gave them eternal life.
When they sinned it was taken away from them.
The Tree of the knowledge of good and evil was a curse because if they ate of it they
would surely die.
Adam and Eve in Gods perfect creation were clothed in Gods glory, but after they
sinned the old Edenic covenant was broken, He had to initiate a new covenant.
3 The Adamic covenant
Gen. 3 v 14-19 lists the curses God pronounced on the serpent for deceiving Eve, on
Eve for listening to the serpent instead of God, thereby disobeying God, and finally
on Adam, for listening to his wife, instead of to Gods instructions.
Gen 3:14 So the LORD God said to the serpent, "Because you have done this,
"Cursed are you above all livestock and all wild animals! You will crawl on
your belly and you will eat dust all the days of your life.
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Gen 3:15 And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your
offspring and hers; he will crush your head, and you will strike his heel."
Gen 3:16 To the woman he said, "I will make your pains in childbearing very severe;
with painful labor you will give birth to children. Your desire will be for your
husband, and he will rule over you."
Gen 3:17 To Adam he said, "Because you listened to your wife and ate fruit from the
tree about which I commanded you, 'You must not eat from it,' "Cursed is the
ground because of you; through painful toil you will eat food from it all the days
of your life.
Gen 3:18 It will produce thorns and thistles for you, and you will eat the plants of
the field.
Gen 3:19 By the sweat of your brow you will eat your food until you return to the
ground, since from it you were taken; for dust you are and to dust you will
return."
In v 15 we have the first Messianic prophesy (the Messiah is coming!) in the Old
Testament.
And we have Gods word (Gen.3 v15 - He will crush your head), that Jesus would
come (in popular terms) to smash Satans head in for what Satan did to us!!
Col. 2 v 15
Col 2:15 And having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle
of them, triumphing over them by the cross.
The first messianic prophesy is called the PROTOEVANGELION.
Gen. 3: 21
Gen 3:21 The LORD God made garments of skin for Adam and his wife and clothed
them.
After Adam and his wife were forced to leave the Garden of Eden, God made clothes
of the skins of animals for them. This was a covering of their sin and shame, which
they had tried to cover up themselves with fig leaves, but their own efforts were
totally inadequate. God had to make a temporary covering for them until the perfect
offering (Jesus) came along. It involved the shedding of blood, and it involved an
innocent animal being slaughtered (Jesus was also that innocent lamb that was
slaughtered, His blood was shed for us this is all covenant stuff the shedding of
blood).
The bible reminds us that without the shedding of blood there is no remission for
sin.
Incidentally, the skin covering that God had provided was always a constant
reminder of the emotional pain Adam and Eve would have experienced as all the
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animals in the Garden of Eden were friends. Adam and Eve would have known each
animal by name.
The skins were a sign, or token, of the covenant. It was a sign of the promised
covering of sin that Jesus would provide. If God had not protected and preserved
them they would have been lost.
Gen. 3:7
Gen 3:7 Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they realized they were
naked; so they sewed fig leaves together and made coverings for themselves.
4; The Noahic covenant
Sin had now been unleashed into the world, and struck through their children.
Gen. 4:2
Gen 4:2 Later she gave birth to his brother Abel. Now Abel kept flocks, and Cain
worked the soil.
Abel was a keeper of sheep
Cain was a tiller of the ground
Abel offered a blood sacrifice a lamb, which was the first fruit, or tithe.
Cain only offered the fruit of the ground, he did not bring an animal as a blood
sacrifice.
(Authors note: They both offered of what they had, and did, as a profession. What
would have made Cains offering more acceptable to God? Did Cain not ask God I
only have the fruit of the ground, what can I bring You as an offering? Did God see
into Cains heart, and see it was full of arrogance and self- righteousness?)
They both understood Gods nature and covenant obligations. Cains refusal to obey
Gods revealed command surely was rebellion.
Cain was very angry when God rejected his offering.
Gen 4:6 Then the LORD said to Cain, "Why are you angry? Why is your face
downcast?
Gen 4:7 If you do what is right, will you not be accepted? But if you do not do what is
right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must rule over it."
Gen 4:10 The LORD said, "What have you done? Listen! Your brother's blood cries
out to me from the ground.
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4: v 6 & 7 Shows that Cain knew that he was doing the wrong thing.
Abel was in covenant relationship with God, and his blood called out to God from the
ground, when Cain killed his brother and shed Abels blood.
4: v 10 The voice of your brothers blood cries out to Me from the ground.
To be in right relationship with God is a matter of life or death (then, as now).
Gen.8 v 20 The shedding of blood was the covering for sin, v 21 tells us that the smell
of blood was the soothing aroma to God, not the smell of the roasting meat of the
slain animals.
Gen 8:20 Then Noah built an altar to the LORD and, taking some of all the clean
animals and clean birds, he sacrificed burnt offerings on it.
Gen 8:21 The LORD smelled the pleasing aroma and said in his heart: "Never again
will I curse the ground because of humans, even though every inclination of the
human heart is evil from childhood. And never again will I destroy all living
creatures, as I have done.
V21 God did not add to the curses already in existence.
Gen 5: v 5 Adam lived to be 930 years old
Gen 5:5 Altogether, Adam lived a total of 930 years, and then he died.
The bible seems to indicate that as more and more sin by succeeding generations
polluted the atmosphere and earth, mans lifespan gradually decreased.
Gen.6: v 5-8 Wickedness was great on earth, God was sorry He had made man. The
only one who found favour with God was Noah, however, Noah and his family were
not free from sin.
Gen. 6 v 14 God instructed Noah to build a boat an ark. According to one

authority it took 100 years to build. When Noah built the ark there would be fresh
hope on earth, that hope was REDEMPTION.
Gen. 6: v 18 First reference to the word Covenant- in the bible, God says I will
establish My covenant with you.
Gen.7: v 12 Noah had never seen rain before, he received that word from God with
FAITH in Gods ability to make this happen. It was apparently the first time it had
rained on earth, before that Gen:2 v6 says a mist went up on the earth and watered
the whole face of the ground, ( to give it a good soaking, I suppose?).
Gen.7: v 9 The animals went in two by two towards Noah. At this stage animals had
no fear of humans.
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After the flood, v11 tells us that never again would God flood the earth, and v13 says
that the rainbow (which appears after a rain-shower) would be a constant reminder
of Gods promise.
(Rev.4 v 3 mentions a rainbow around the throne of God, and Rev.10 v 1, around the
head of a mighty Angel).
Gen,9: v2 God says that now animals would live in fear of humans and that man now
has permission to eat flesh from the beasts of the earth, birds of the air, and fish from
the sea. In fact, everything that moves will be food for man, v 4 (except for animals
that still have their lifeblood in them, although I am not sure that this last point
applies to us who live under a new and better covenant?).
V4 Blood was only to be used as a sin offering, a sin propitiation.
Authors note: Does this mean that even under the terms of the New (and better)
Covenant established by the blood of the Lamb of God, we are still only to eat Jewish
Kosher , or Islamic Halal meat?
V5 says if you kill a man, you are answerable to God. Man is made in Gods own
image, if you kill a man (shed his blood needlessly), are you in a way killing God? You
are at least treating God, and His potential punishment, very lightly. God says, Be
very sure of one thing, I am going to DEMAND an accounting. V6 would perhaps
indicate a case for capitol punishment. Man is to act as Gods agent in the
punishment of murder.
Is. 11: v 6-9 This symbolic picture stems from the earth being full with the knowledge
of God in the Messianic age. The wolf shall lie down with the lamb,,,, and mans
fellowship with the animals shall be restored.
Hosea 2: v 18 A covenant will be made with animals, birds, etc., they would no
longer threaten human safety. The bow, sword, and battle, would also be abolished,
so that all may lie down in safety.
The hidden factor between every covenant God makes is Redemption. He always
makes provision for mans inability to honour his part of the covenant. (How sweet of
God is that!).
The Noahic covenant has all the 3 hallmarks of a covenant,
1 The words and promises, blessings and curses.
2 The shedding of blood, (v20)
3 Signs, seals, tokens, (i.e. the rainbow).
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5; The Abrahamic Covenant.
Abraham was a descendant of Shem, from Ur, who was living in Horan.
Gen.18 v9 tells us that God choose Abraham because he could command his family
and household (he was firmly in charge of them).
Gen.12 v.1 Abraham was separated from his idolatrous household. God wanted to
recreate a new line of man from which Jesus would come, and who was the
culmination and consummation of the Abrahamic covenant.
Gen. 17 God has set a precedent and that this is His covenant. It was the first time
God said I am ALMIGHTY God, El Shaddai, or the great breasted one (THE one
providing all the nourishment and sustenance required for life).
God changed Abrams name to Abra-H-am. The name Abram means Patriarch, or
{High Father, but Abraham, means Fathering a multitude, or many nations. Every
time Abraham said or used his name he was confessing his faith in Gods promise.
Covenant partners would often change, or make additions, to their name. Even now,
professional ladies who marry often add their husbands name to their own.
When we are born again, when we become Christians, we change our name to
Christian (little Christs).
Gen.17 v10 talks about the sign, or seal, of the Abraham-ic covenant, which was the
rite of circumcision. Two significant factors in this, are the cutting away of the
foreskin, spoke of cutting away the fleshly dependence, and depending on Gods
provision. The foreskin touched on the very point of propagation. In the East, a
mans prosperity rested in his sons. So, a mans future welfare lay with his sons, but
by cutting away the flesh, God was in effect saying, dont rely on your own efforts to
provide for your future, but rely on Me.
Gen,22, v. 81 Speaks of Yashid, the only son, which was a correlation between Jesus
and Isaac.
In Hebrews 11, we find that Abraham was willing to sacrifice Isaac, because he
believed that God could and would raise him from the dead. Abraham had just gone
through the most awe inspiring profound experience with the living God , where God
had spoken to him and declared His allegiance to Abraham, and then proceeded to
go through a mind boggling covenant ceremony with him. There was smoke and fire,
there was the smell of the roasting meat, there was the glory of God, probably a host
of angels, as well. Abraham was quite overcome, he collapsed at the momentousness
of it all. No wonder Abraham believed God was capable of anything, even raising
Abrahams son! God enlarged the covenant because of Abrahams great faith in
God. Incidentally, according to local tradition, Mount Moriah, the place where
Abraham was willing to sacrifice his only son, was also the site of Calvary, where God
offered up His only son.
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We find a lot of coincidences, or types of, or shadows of things, in the bible, and in
the world of faith, Again, according to local traditions,, and just digressing a little bit
here, when the late dictator, Saddam Hussein, died, the news casters reported that
he was born and died in the area that was reputed to be the site of the original
Garden of Eden. It is of great interest to me personally, because of an interesting
experience I had whilst watching the news, and doing some domestic chores, namely,
the ironing!
The same newscast also featured Hussein, shortly before his death, speaking in his
native tongue. His voice contained such a savage and menacingly deep growl, almost
like the devil himself speaking, if voices by themselves could kill that would
definitely have done it! I instinctively glanced up in time to see the written
translation of his words on the t v screen. It contained such a blasphemous and
vitriolic hatred of Jesus and Christianity, it really seemed to me at the time to be the
voice of the devil himself and using Saddam Hussein as his tool. Do I think that
Saddam Hussein was the Antichrist, or the devil himself? The answer is, No, to both
questions. But, as God uses us as His agents here on earth, I think its highly likely
the devil has his agents, too. The correlation between the reputed site of the Garden
of Eden and the voice of possibly, the devil, is very interesting.
In Gen. 22 v16 God swore by Himself to keep the covenant, this was unbreakable.
The strength of the Abrahamic covenant makes it special, until Jesus came, of course.
In Ex 32 v11, Moses pleads with God for the lives of the Israelites.
In Ex 2 v 23 God remembers His covenant.
Gen.18 v 25 Abraham pleads with God for the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah.
When we pray and intercede with God for a particular situations, or people, we must
always intercede in line with Gods character and covenant.
After the Abrahamic covenant, God sought to give the Israelites a divine standard of
righteousness.
He then initiated and gave them the Mosaic covenant, its purpose was to show the
Israelites their inability to obey Him, apart from His grace. Gal.3 v 23 says that the
Law (Mosaic law) was a guard, and a tutor (a schoolmaster).
6. The Mosaic covenant
The Mosaic covenant consists of;
Moral law
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Civil law, dealing with daily living and social structure, eg., washing, cleaning.
Ceremonial law, governing their relationship with God, and other people.
Under ceremonial law there were 7 feasts, and 5 offerings, all involved
multiple blood sacrifices.
The 7 feasts were;
1. Passover
2. Unleavened bread
3. 1st Fruits
4. Weeks (Pentecost) or Harvest
5. Trumpets
6. Day of Atonement
7. Tabernacles (or Booths)
5 offerings were;
1. Burnt Offerings for personal consecration, see Lev. 6, v22

2. Peace Offering, which celebrated peace meal eaten by the priests and the
people, Deut.12, v18, and Deut. 16, v11.
3. Sin Offering, which was for restitution of offences against God, eg, Num.15
v30.
4. Trespass offering, for the restitution of offences against God and man,
Lev.5 v15.
5. Meal or meat offering, as a consecration and praise for God provision,
Lev.2
All these involved multiple blood sacrifices, but when Jesus came, He offered up only
one blood sacrifice for the total remission of all sins, His blood, Himself.
Seals of the Mosaic law were;
Keeping of the Sabbaths , Ex31 v13, where we are told to rest.
Exo 31:13 "Say to the Israelites, 'You must observe my Sabbaths. This will be a sign
between me and you for the generations to come, so you may know that I am the
LORD, who makes you holy.
Our rest is in the grace of God, and is of the Holy Spirit Heb 4 v1.
Heb 4:1 Therefore, since the promise of entering his rest still stands, let us be careful
that none of you be found to have fallen short of it.
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Jer 31, v31, tells us there are 2 factors to a covenant, it reminds God of His
obligations, and it gives us the right to intercession, to plead with God for people, or
situations, which could change the course of history.
Jer 31:31 "The days are coming," declares the LORD, "when I will make a new
covenant with the people of Israel and with the people of Judah.
7. The Palestinian covenant
Deuteronomy covers the subject of The Promised Land extensively. It relates to a

land grant specifically given to Abrahams descendants.
As Christians, we are Abrahams spiritual descendants only, we have no claim to the

land of Israel itself. In verse 35, Moses exhorts the children of Israel to take the land,
and expands on the statutes and commands of God as given in the covenant. Indeed,
they are commanded to obey. Obedience equates to life, blessing, health, and
prosperity. Disobedience brings death, disease, curses and poverty. Deut 30 v19 says
that God has called heaven and earth as witnesses to what He has been saying. Deut
28 v15 goes into the specifics of the curses for disobedience, but, good news, Gal 3,
tells us that by Jesus death, we have been redeemed from the curses of the old Law.
We now have a newer and better covenant, based on better promises.
Deut 29 v12 goes on to describe the establishment of the covenant that the Israelites
agreed to.
The signs and seals of the covenant and blessings were represented by Mount
Gerizshin, the curses were represented by Mount Ebal.
Lev.25 describes a Sabbath on the land itself, let it lie fallow (rest) on the 7th year,
not on the people. It also talks about the Year of Jubilee, held every 50 years. In this
year all debts were cancelled and all slaves were freed. When Jesus paid the ultimate
penalty for sin, all debts between God and man were cancelled and we are no longer
in slavery or servitude to sin. The Jubilee was a seal of the Palestinian covenant. The
sign of the covenant was the setting up of the pile of stones by the banks of the River
Jordan. This was instigated by Joshua, the leader of the Israelites, he also ordered all
the men to be circumcised as another sign of the covenant.
8. The Davidic covenant
Although God considered Himself their King, the Israelites were murmuring and
complaining (again!) about their lack of a visible, earthly king, like all the other
nations around them. In v11 God warns them about the dangers of having a mere
mortal king. Deut 3 v22 God reminds them that He, himself will fight for them.
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God had warned the Israelites about the dangers of an earthly king, who is only
mortal, after all. King Saul disobeyed Gods instructions to kill all the Amalikite tribe
when they were defeated in battle, with long-term consequences for the Israelites.
King Saul sadly failed to live up to the high standards expected of him. The bible
reminds us that to whom much is given, much is expected. King Saul certainly
looked the part of a mighty and noble king, tall and handsome, but it appears that on
the inside he was only a small and rather ordinary man, with the same failings as the
rest of us. I have always felt rather sorry for Saul, his failings caused him to not only
lose his kingship, but, in the end, his sanity.
God decided to appoint a king after His own heart, and He would establish His
throne forever. God was talking not only about the coming earthly kingdom of David,
but also about Jesus, who was a descendant of David.
A sign and seal of the Davidic covenant is the sun and moon.
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9. The New (ultimate) Covenant of Jesus

Jesus used the occasion of the Passover meal to inaugurate the New Covenant. In
Matt.26 v28 Jesus talked about My blood of the New Covenant.
Mat 26:28 This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the
forgiveness of sins.
The bread represents the body, broken or given. The cup symbolises the blood, shed
for the forgiveness of sins The requirements of a just and holy God under the old
covenants, were fully and forever satisfied by the 2 symbols of both the old and the
new, namely the lamb and the blood. 1Peter 1 v18 says that Jesus was the Lamb
without stain or blemish.
The new covenant covers not only redemption - the buying or purchasing with a
ransom, but also propitiation, an appeasement of wrath, an expiation, of sins. The
new covenant is a covenant of faith, under which God presented Jesus as a sacrifice
to reconcile God and man. 1Peter 1 v23 says we are born of the Word of God, (or
Jesus). Rom.3 v5 says Jesus was set forth as a propitiation of sins, through FAITH,
to demonstrate His righteousness (to cover, remit, and redeem our sins).
(Note; According to Websters Online Dictionary, Propitiation means

That which propitiates; atonement or atoning sacrifice; specifically, the influence or
effects of the death of Christ inappeasing the divine justice, and conciliating the divin
e favor.)
God is a righteous, holy, just, Judge. The wages of sin are death, only a blood
sacrifice can atone for sin. 1 John1 v7 His blood washes us from ALL sin, and Rev.1
v5 He washed our sins in His blood. Rev.7 v14 they have washed their robes and
made them white in the Blood of the Lamb.
The blood of Jesus has 9 main elements.
8. It provides for the remission of sin, Matt.26 v25. Remission means release
from bondage or imprisonment, dismissal, sending away, forgiveness.
9. Also, a cancelling out of judgement, cancelling out of punishment, cancelling
out of any debt or obligation.
10. It redeems us, Eph.1 v7 in Him we have redemption through His blood, the
word redemption implies a ransoming of a slave or prisoner.
11. It also justifies us, acquits and declares us righteous. Rom. 5 v 8-11 says we are
justified by His blood.
12. It sanctifies us, sets us apart, dedicates us and hallows us.
13. It reconciles us to God, but Col.1 v20 says only if we abide in Him, if we
continue and stand fast in Him.
14. It also consecrates us.
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15. It separates us from the things of the world, and separates us to God.
We have a sense of God calling us and saying in effect you are designed for much
better things than this shallow, cruel , world can offer you, leave those futile things
which only leave you feeling empty, discouraged and ultimately depressed, I want
you to come to be with Me, I will look after you, and show you a much better life.
Scripture tells us that God whistles for us, it must be a loud, piercing whistle, to get
our attention. We have the impression of someone trying to get our attention when
we are some way off, and we turn to see a figure waving to us and saying I am over
here, come and talk to me. Lastly, it provides salvation, with its all-encompassing
power to make things right between God and man. It changes our old sin nature, and
exchanges it for Gods nature. 1Peter 1 v23, tells us that we are now born of
incorruptible Seed. 2 Peter 1 v3 says we are now partakers of the divine nature. It
removes enmity between God and man, it restores and re-establishes relationship.
Not only that, but God promises to rescue us, to deliver us from evil. He provides
safety, liberation and release from the power of sin to ensnare us once again. He
restores things as they once were. He preserves us. He provides the biggies of the
forgiveness of sins, healing of body, soul, and relationships, and abundance or
prosperity.
The new covenant is essentially a covenant of Peace, peace between God and man.
Eph.2 v13 says that we have been brought near by the blood of Christ. There is also
now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus. It is also the covenant of the
Holy Spirit, because the Holy Spirit was only given to all in the new covenant.
Previous to that, under the terms of the old covenant, the Holy Spirit only came on a
prophet, priest, or king on special occasions, or for specific purposes only. 1Peter1 v
2 says, we are sanctified by the Holy Spirit:. Scripture also tells us that we are
sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise. The Holy Spirit is a seal or token of the new
covenant.
To illustrate more clearly, the main points have been summarised and set out side by
side.
Old covenant New covenant

Law and works Grace and faith
Blood of animals Removal of sin
Covering of sin Blood of Jesus
Continual sacrifices Once and for all Heb.10 v10

Blessings and curses Redeemed from the curse of the law
Plus, the blessing of Abraham
Foreshadow of things to come Fulfilment
Only for Jews, as children of God All of mankind

External symbol of circumcision Internal circumcision of the heart
Signs, seals, tokens Seal of new covenant is the Holy Spirit
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Priests as mediators Jesus is our mediator
Access to God was only through the We all have direct access
priests
Gulf between God and man Peace and reconciliation
Animal substitutes for our sin Lamb of God
Blemished substitutes Perfect sacrifice
Numerous covenants Final covenant

Spiritual death Spiritual life
Placing of blood (physical act) Praying of blood (spiritual act)
Incomplete sanctification Sanctified by the Holy Spirit

Justification for the few All are justified
Dominion and authority over earth was Dominion regained

lost
Incomplete victory over Satan Complete victory
Holy Spirit only came upon priests, We are the temples of the .
prophets & kings Holy Spirit, He Indwells us
Limited anointing on priests, prophets, All can be anointed by Holy Spirit

kings
Prophesy for the future Prophesy fulfilled
Fear of God Awe
No personal relationship (remote God- Intimate relationship Aramaic word =

Yahweh) Abba (Daddy)
Promised Land Heaven and Gods presence forever
Old race Jews New race Christian
Physical seed of Abraham Spiritual seed of Abraham
Involuntary sacrifices Voluntary
Numerous laws, commands, rituals Only 2 laws Love your God, and your
neighbour as yourself
Animal sacrifices Obedient and willing heart
Old covenant annulled, made obsolete New covenant completed

(Heb8,13)
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Our obligations under the new covenant are as follows:
To love the Lord Our God with all our hearts, minds, and strength
To love others
To love ourselves
To serve only Him
To live by faith, so that we please God
To do the works of Jesus
To look after widows and orphans
To preach the Good News
To pray for people and situations
It is important to remember that, as the scriptures tells us, we now have a new and
better covenant based on better promises. Our rights under the new covenant are as
follows:
Eternal life with God

Sons and daughters of God
Joint heirs with Jesus
Permission to use the name of Jesus, to pray for certain outcomes in the name
of Jesus
The forgiveness of sins
To become the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus
To have Jesus as our advocate
To be filled and baptised with the Holy Spirit of God, so that we can operate in
His power, love, and gifts
To have the right to come boldly to the throne of God
To have our needs met
To receive healing, protection, deliverance, and salvation
To know that all the promises of God are, Yes, and Amen!!
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The importance of Blood in the old covenant

The word blood appears 366 times in the Old Testament alone. Heb 9 v22 tells us
that according to Jewish laws almost all things are purified by blood , and without
the shedding of blood there is no remission of sin. It is the only way to ensure a new
beginning and eternal life. The word remission means to send away, release, forgive,
cancel out. Lev.17 v11 It is blood that makes atonement. The Hebrew word is Karpar
(Katifar) cover over, propitiate, pacify, purge, expiate, reconcile, cleanse.
Lev 16 talks about the Day of Atonement, in the Hebrew it is called Yom Kippur,
which is a type, or shadow, or forerunner, of what Jesus did. Numbers 35 v 33 tells
us that the land is defiled by blood spilled, e g, when someone is murdered.
The British comedian and actor, Michael Bentine, (of The Goon Show fame), tells of
his experiences just after the Second World War, when he and his unit were one of
the first to liberate, and eventually were stationed in one of the Nazi concentration
camps, overseeing the burial of corpses, and the feeding and eventual evacuation of
the unfortunate former prisoners. He mentions his dark and depressing impression
of the camps, where nothing ever grew, no flowers or plants, and no birds ever sang.
My colleague went to visit one of these camps only recently, (in 2008), she
mentioned that the birds still do not sing there, and this is nearly 60-70 years later!
In Gen 4 v10, we are told that blood actually has a voice of its own. It calls out to God,
but only if the person killed has a relationship with God, According to Pastor and
Bible Teacher, the Reverend Marilyn Hickey, that voice calls out mercy, mercy, for
your blood to be avenged by the mercy of God.
Gen 8 v 20-1 we are told blood has a smell, and in Ex12 v23 that God sees blood. The
first plagues in Egypt started with blood, and the last one ended with blood. The river
Nile was like a god to the ancient Egyptians, it provided them with life giving water,
fertilised their fields, and gave sustenance throughout the year. By turning the river
into blood God was in effect showing them that He was in control.
In Heb 10 v4 we see that animal sacrifices are insufficient, the blood of bulls and
other animals merely covered over sin. It does not take away and remove sin. Jesus
obtained eternal redemption for us by the shedding of His own blood, once and for
all time. We do not need to perform endless repetitive rituals in order to be cleansed
from sin. The word redemption means buying back someone from captivity,
liberate, redeem, re-purchase, ransom. Our ransom was the body and blood of Jesus.
Although the Jewish law required blood sacrifices, Heb10 v6, God was not really
pleased with blood sacrifice., He would much rather have the sacrifice of our will,
that we are willing to give of ourselves to Him and to be obedient to further His
kingdom. As Jesus himself said, Never the less, not my will be done, but thine. This
New Covenant that came into existence with Jesus death and resurrection was the
ultimate covenant, there are no more after this. It was created for OUR sake, for our
benefit and security. It personifies Gods agape love, it is the root of all He does.
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The Blood of Jesus:

Since the life of Jesus is in His blood, if we plead, honour, sprinkle, and sing about
the blood, (God inhabits the praises of His people), our prayers and requests
become charged with the life and power of Jesus. The Word, the Blood, the Name,
and authority, equals victory. Demons will not and cannot speak about the blood.
The scriptures in Revelations, tells us that we overcome by the blood of the Lamb,
and the words of our testimony. Some Christian authorities say we should on a
regular basis claim and plead the blood of Jesus over our health, families, finances,
circumstances. Ex 12 v24 seems to indicate that we should plead the blood in
conjunction with the command to Satan to lose his grip on that person or situation,
in Jesus name.
Heb 12 says that the blood of sprinkling that speaks of better things than the blood
of Abel.
Heb 12:24 to Jesus the mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood that
speaks a better word than the blood of Abel.
The blood of Abel cries out to God for vengeance, vengeance, whereas the blood of
Jesus cries out, mercy, mercy. It cries out for forgiveness and restoration.
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Other Covenants
The covenant of healing

In Gen.20v 17 We find that God healed Abimelech, the king. Exo15 v26 mentions
that the blessings of God, eg, healing were all conditional on the Israelites. They had
to listen and obey every instruction, and keep every single commandment.
Gen 20:17 Then Abraham prayed to God, and God healed Abimelek, his wife and his
female slaves so they could have children again,
Clearly, for most people this is well nigh impossible to keep up on a continual basis.
That is why a new and better covenant had to come in effect, one based on better
promises. However, the Lord did say I am the God who heals you. The term used is
rapha- means heal, cure, repair, and restore health (physical). Im not sure whether
that included mental health under the old covenant. It certainly does under the new
covenant. The scriptures mention that Jesus healed someone possessed by the devil,
but, the word healed used in this context is translated as, therapy. It implies
treatment or healing over a period of time, however short or long this treatment may
be. It is part of Gods character and attributes, to heal and restore.
Exo, 23 says of God I will take sickness away from you (talking about the
Israelites). Again, Deut.7 v15 the Lord will take away from you all sickness. We
should remember from the scriptures that when the Israelites (by all accounts,
approximately 2 million of them), had to wander in the wilderness, there was no sick
or feeble ones amongst them. The word feeble, in ancient Hebrew, the word is
kashal-, means to totter, waver, falter, stumble, faint, fall, fail, decay, or to be weak.
In addition, in Ps 91 v9-10 God promised that no plague or pestilence would come
near them. Not only that, but Deut 29 v5, says that even their clothes or shoes did not
wear out! The modern person might think that could be a disadvantage, no excuses
to go shopping for the latest trends!
Ps.103 v1-4 reminds us that the Lord is the one who heals ALL your diseases, and 2
Chron. V12 says we should seek the Lord for healing.
Heb 8 v6 says that He (Jesus) is the Mediator of a newer covenant established on

better promises.
Matt,8 v16 says that He (Jesus) healed ALL who were sick, and Isa53 v4&5, says that
by His (Jesus) stripes (the whip marks) we are healed, because He was wounded for
OUR transgressions. (He took our punishment). Incidentally, Matt8 v16, is the
fulfilment of the preceeding scripture reference in Isa53.
In Mark 16 v15-18, the church is given The Great Commission, that is, to preach the
Good News to all creation, and to lay hands on the sick, and they will recover.
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The covenant of protection

Salvation includes deliverance, rescue, and preservation of spirit, soul, and body. Ps
91 talks about the person who dwells in the shelter of the Most High, shall rest in the
shadow of the Almighty. The word, refuge, translated makhseh- means shelter,
place of refuge and trust. The word, dwelling place, maween- means, retreat, and
rest. It embodies health, as well as physical protection. 2 Peter 2 v9 assures us that
God preserves the committed believers in the midst of evil circumstances. 2Tim.4
v18 promises that the Lord will deliver me from every evil work .
The covenant of prosperity

In John10.10 Jesus tells us I have come to bring you life, and to bring it more
abundantly, Deut 8 v18 goes on to say that The Lord gives power to get wealth.
Wealth is given not just for our benefit and needs, but to establish and verify Gods
covenant.
In 3John v2, the man of God prays this prayer, Beloved, I pray that you may be in
health, and prosper. The word means, to help succeed in reaching, an ongoing
progressive state of well-being in every area of our lives, spirit, soul, body, and
materially. However, a balance is critical. Ps1 v3 talks about being blessed, blessed
being happy, and being empowered to succeed. God is happy when we prosper, Ps35
v27 The Lord has pleasure in the prosperity of His servants. I dont think it matters
to Him if we are in (paid) ministry, or just working for Him as a volunteer, however
menial the task or job. If we are working for Him, we are His servants. The word
prosperity encompasses safety, wellness, happiness, health, and peacefulness.
There is also a holistic relationship, as it were, between health, and wellbeing, in
other areas of our lives.
The everlasting Covenant

Basically, the new and final covenant is essentially, an Abrahamic one. The blessings
of Abraham are ours as spiritual descendants of Abraham. Gen 12 v3 tells us that all
the families of the earth would be blessed, because of Abraham. Gen17 v7 God says
I will establish My covenant with you. This was an irrevocable pledge to be
Abrahams God forever. We also need to notice that it is never man who approaches
God with an offer to cut the covenant. It is always Gods idea. All the bible promises
are based on the Abrahamic promise. 2Sam.7 v24 the ancient Israelites are known as
Gods own people. 2Sam. 7.v13 says, King Davids throne would last forever (through
Jesus, a descendant of David). Ps103.v17 The mercy of God is from everlasting to
everlasting to those who fear God, and His righteousness. It would extend to their
children and their childrens children. 1Peter1 v20 says Christ was chosen and
foreordained before the creation of the world. Christ was the fulfilment of Gods plan
of eternal redemption Heb.9 v11, and Heb. 15 v20 talks about the blood of the
everlasting covenant. The terms are, through faith in Christ, and through love and
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obedience to His commands. Revelation tells us that our names are written in the
Lambs book of life. We need to make sure we are followers of Christ. We can be sure
we are, as the Holy Spirit is the sign and seal of the everlasting covenant, and Eph.1
v13 tells us that we are sealed by the Holy Spirit for the day of redemption.
Covenant nature of man

Man seems to have an innate desire to make covenants. One of the earliest recorded
covenants was between Abraham and Abimalech, the king of Gerah, Gen.21 v22, this
was for mutual security. Abraham was recognised as the stronger party, although he
was only a sojourner there. The town (oasis) of Beersheba was known as the well of
the oath, in commemoration of the cutting of the covenant. As usual, gifts were given,
and a tree planted as a memorial of the occasion. In Joshua 9, Joshua was deceived
into making a covenant with the Hittites.
God ensures that the covenant is kept because He swore on His own Name to do so.
(2Sam.21 v1).
A family covenant:
God usually extend the covenant to include our children and our descendants. In
Gen.22 v17 He says I will multiply your descendants. In you all nations will be
blessed.
In Gen.9 v9, God cut a covenant with Noah, and blessed Noahs descendants.
In Gen17 v9 Abraham is instructed to keep My (Gods) commandments. You, and

your descendants after you. God considers families to be of prime importance.
In Is.54, we have the promise that our sons would be taught of the Lord, and great
would be the peace of our children.
Acts 16 v30 instructs us to claim salvation for our families.
1Cor.7 v13 makes the point that we shouldnt just believe our families will be saved,
but pray in faith that it is manifest here and now.
We need to, as the scriptures remind us, call (speak) those things which are not, as
though they are. We need to speak things into existence.
Ex4 v20 talks about the importance of a covenant with God, if for no other reason
than the umbrella of protection for our families. In this story, Zipporah objected to
her sons early circumcision, God pointed out to Moses its importance by using
Zipporah vicariously. As Moses would be dealing with magicians, his children needed
to be circumcised or they would be unprotected, and potentially vunerable to attacks
by the dark side.
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The marriage covenant:

Gods original idea of marriage, is a relationship between equals in the sight of God.
Gal3 v 28 promise, that there is neither male nor female, you are all one in Christ
Jesus, and heirs of the promises, has been, until fairly recently, and then only in
some societies, been largely superimposed by the restrictive and at times barbarous
cultural traditions of men.
How wise, and true, God hit it on the head when He said that the Word of God had
been made null and void by the traditions of men! In these ancient, and not so
ancient, times, women were seen as the property of their menfolk, whether it was a
father, uncle, or husband. They literally had the right of life or death over their
womenfolk. Even in England, until the 1800s, women could apparently be bought
and sold in the markets! Women had no legal or voting status, all their personal
property became their husbands when they married. Women became the goods and
chattels of their husbands! Lord Chief Justice John Holt made that point very clear
when he stated that adultery is the highest invasion of property!!! Scripture
reminds us that men have totally ignored the word of God and made it to no effect.
What was to be a pleasant, mutually satisfying and symbiotic partnership became an
excuse for control, domination, and oppression. A man, unless he is born again, of
Gods nature, is naturally of the devil. Man has a dark, oppressive, suppressive, bitter
and jealous side to his nature. God did say when He kicked Adam and Eve, and the
devil, out of the Garden of Eden, that there would be enmity between the woman and
the devil. It makes sense in this context that there would be a battle for control and
domination between the sexes.
Marriage is essentially, or should be, a covenant of love. It is still a BLOOD covenant,

it has all the hallmarks of a blood covenant, namely, the shedding of blood when a
virgins hymen is broken. It involves signs, seals, and tokens, usually a wedding ring,
perhaps other jewellery, perhaps a tattoo for the more modern and progressive. It
involves an exchange of names (the wife taking the husbands name) also gifts. In the
old days it was called the morning gift, the morning after the night before! It has
witnesses. It has feasting, in a public place, so that the townspeople were made aware
that a contract had been made and sworn. Scripture tells us that I (God) will prepare
a table before you, in the midst of your enemies(Psalms 23). We get the idea that a
covenant had taken place, and even your enemies would see, from the feasting taking
place, that you now had an agreement with perhaps a stronger and politically more
powerful person and they (your enemies) had better look out, because there are now
the two of you that they have to contend with! In this scripture God is saying its
actually you and God, they have to contend with! A marriage feast is now showing
the world that you are in serious relationship. Marriage is like the relationship of
Christ with His church, he gave Himself sacrificially. Ep5 v22 makes the point that
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the word submit does not constitute any loss or inferior position (perhaps it was just
that Adam was here first, so its only fair he has first go!), v23 places the
responsibility for the success or failure of the marriage almost solely with the man.
He is to be the leader and give his love sacrificially. (If we want to play leader, we
have to take the responsibility that comes with it!). He is the redeemer of his wife and
the marriage, just as Christ is the Redeemer of the church. Marriage was initiated at
the very start of the bible, in the 2nd chapter of Genesis. God realized that it was not
good for Adam to be by himself (apart from God, of course) so He made a woman
from Adams rib to be a helper, or helpmeet, to Adam. The taking out of the rib must
have caused some blood to be shed, although Adam was in a deep coma, so he would
not have felt it. Adam and Eve were now in covenant, as blood had been shed
between them. Incidentally, the rib is there to protect the heart. Some teachers give
the opinion that women are to guard, and nurture, the things that are in a mans
heart, his hopes, dreams, and aspirations. The word helpmeet is an interesting
choice. In spite of what some old fuddy-duddies might think, it would indicate to me
that biblically speaking it is giving married women license to be in the paid
workforce. We are there to help make ends meet! Biblically, marriage is a covenant
agreement entered into by two people, a man and a woman. It is both personal to
them, but also communal, with social, physical, and spiritual implications. Just
digressing a little bit here, to desire for same-sex couples to make their relationship
more of a commitment, and legal, could be considered, in some quarters, as laudable,
but, attempts to call it a marriage is in my opinion, incorrect, and troubling to most
committed Christians. Let them use another word, perhaps union, congress, or, for
all I care, call it ham and eggs! Just not marriage!!!
In Gen 29 v30 we are reminded that God likes to get involved in our marriages, He is
passionately committed to making it work for us. In fact, the bible goes so far as to
say He HATES divorce, for the pain, fury, and anguish it causes us. As God is a
divorced man himself, He is only too well aware of the hurt and effects. Dont believe
me, that God is divorced? Its there in Jeremiah 3 v6-15, God gave Israel a bill of
divorcement for playing the harlot, going with others gods, instead of her husband,
the Almighty God. Earlier in Scripture God had promised Israel that He would be her
husband. He would look after her, protect her, and take care of her, make sure she
was alright, and love her like nobody else could. The passage in Jeremiah also
reflects Gods anguish, anger, and distress, at His wife Israels behaviour. The pain
in these passages is almost palpable. The reader wants to cry with Him! The passage
also reveals the graciousness and kindness of Gods character, in that it talks of Gods
on-going love for His divorced unfaithful wife, Israel, and His hopes for a better
relationship in the future. It is really a beautiful, romantic story! Incidentally, the
divorce is another reason that Jesus had to die. To remarry the same person is sin
{although Im not too sure why?). It was alright for God to divorce Israel, because
divorce for reasons of adultery is not a sin.
Some people liken divorce to having your heart or leg ripped off. This should come
as no surprise, seeing as the bible tells us we become ONE flesh when we marry. It IS
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tantamount to having our physical leg ripped off. Not pleasant! Another verse that
adds weight to the idea of becoming one flesh, is found in Gen 2 v23, which tells us
that our wives are now bone of my bone, and flesh of my flesh .God likens our
behaviour when we leave our spouses as treachery. The root word of treachery is
treason. The crime of treason, especially if we were at war, would be punishable by
death. I guess that is why we want to kill our spouses, if we discover they have
committed adultery! 1Cor7 v1-5 goes on to say that (that amongst other things),
marriage is Gods idea, that we do become one flesh, and that marriage is
indissoluble. Just a small side-line, the dictionary words adultery and adulterate
mean to corrupt, poison or contaminate, typically food in a supermarket (perhaps in
an extortion attempt), to render something poorer in quality by adding another
usually inferior substance, eg. a brewer adulterating beer. If food in the supermarket,
either deliberately, or accidentally becomes adulterated it is thrown out and
discarded. For many married people, of they discover their partner has cheated, it is
the kiss of death on that marriage, they cannot cope emotionally with the discovery.
Just to underscore the concept of becoming spiritually one flesh, readers may be
interested in a personal experience my husband and I had some years ago. He had
gone to work one morning being distinctly unwell and suffering pain (his presence
was required in the office), meanwhile I had gone to a ladies prayer morning, where I
asked for prayer for healing, for him. As the ladies kindly laid hands on me and
prayed for my husband to get better, (scripture tells us that believers shall lay hands
on the sick, and they shall recover), I had the extraordinary experience of being
slain in the spirit, where the power of God seems to come down from on high, and
you are unable almost to move. It is an entirely painless experience. Fortunately, I
was already sitting down on a settee, so I did not have far to fall down. At that very
moment, in his office, in another part of town, my husband was instantly healed,
with loss of all pain and discomfort, and was able to complete his work schedule for
that day. We compared notes later that day and discovered it was almost (as far as we
could determine) to the minute when the ladies had prayed, and I had gone down in
the Spirit. This was not the only occasion that this phenomonen occurred, but as I
recall it was the first time, so it was obviously memorable and meaningful to us.
Although this writer has had profound and personal experiences, and biblical
knowledge, with the concept of covenant, especially in a marriage covenant, it does
not stop you from wanting to hurl large objects, or perhaps even leave the
relationship when your spouse irritates you! On one occasion, I was distinctly
disgruntled with my husband, for something he had, or had not, done. All that day,
and the next, I was muttering, you have done your dash, this is IT, I have finished
with you, Buster!!, when I sensed God saying to me I thought you said you had a
covenant agreement with him? My sulky response was, I suppose so.
So, of course, I had to forgive my husband, he is only a man (and therefore limited!)
after all!
Page 32
It is a very good idea to carefully consider your choice of a mate, do not let hormones
get in the way of making rational decisions! There is probably not the one when it
comes to choosing a mate, there are probably lots who would harmoniously fit into
and with your personality type. So find the one whos human failings irritates you the
least!
Pre-marriage counselling sessions are also a good idea, so that you can explore what
you both want and expect from this marriage. If one of you wants lots of children,
and the other one doesnt, it could cause some tension.
If, for some reason, the supposedly charming person you have married, reveals
themselves to have a distinctly dark side, if you and your children (for which you are
responsible), are in physical, mental or sexual danger, you are morally bound to
distance yourself from that situation. No child of God should be subjected to cruel,
perverted, or inhumane treatment by a child of the devil.
That being said, a covenant, that includes marriage, is supposed to be for keeps. God
doesnt abandon us, ever. He said I will never leave you, nor forsake you.
As you carefully consider your choice of godly, gracious, and kindly mate, whos heart
is to do Gods will, as you joyfully join your loved one in holy matrimony, promising
to be there for each other forever, remember, its written in Blood, and it is therefore,
FOREVER.
Page 33

The Blood Covenant: by Mindena Spurling

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The Blood Covenant

Copyright Reserved 2013, Mindena Spurling,

The Blood Covenant

Also, Kenneth Copeland, the Blood Covenant series of talks.

If I have inadvertently breached any copyright material, I offer my apologies. I direct

Obviously, personal observation, anecdotes, and experiences are my own.

A brief glance at the covenants of protection, healing, and prosperity.

Lastly, we will look at the covenant relationship that is called, marriage.

Origins of Blood Covenants

There are 3 main reasons for cutting a covenant:

The Three Main Characteristics of a Covenant are:

2 It involves the shedding of blood

The terms of a covenant are eternal, IRREVOCABLE, and everlasting.

1. The First Covenant Creation covenant

Jer. 33: 20- 25

2. The Edenic covenant

Then God said Let Us make man in our own image.

More on this interesting topic a little later.

When they sinned it was taken away from them.

3 The Adamic covenant

The first messianic prophesy is called the PROTOEVANGELION.

4; The Noahic covenant

Abel was a keeper of sheep

Cain was a tiller of the ground

Cain was very angry when God rejected his offering.

To be in right relationship with God is a matter of life or death (then, as now).

V21 God did not add to the curses already in existence.

Gen 5: v 5 Adam lived to be 930 years old

Gen. 6 v 14 God instructed Noah to build a boat an ark. According to one

V4 Blood was only to be used as a sin offering, a sin propitiation.

The Noahic covenant has all the 3 hallmarks of a covenant,

1 The words and promises, blessings and curses.

2 The shedding of blood, (v20)

3 Signs, seals, tokens, (i.e. the rainbow).

5; The Abrahamic Covenant.

In Ex 2 v 23 God remembers His covenant.

6. The Mosaic covenant

The Mosaic covenant consists of;

The 7 feasts were;

1. Burnt Offerings for personal consecration, see Lev. 6, v22

Seals of the Mosaic law were;

Keeping of the Sabbaths , Ex31 v13, where we are told to rest.

7. The Palestinian covenant

Deuteronomy covers the subject of The Promised Land extensively. It relates to a

As Christians, we are Abrahams spiritual descendants only, we have no claim to the

8. The Davidic covenant

9. The New (ultimate) Covenant of Jesus

(Note; According to Websters Online Dictionary, Propitiation means

The blood of Jesus has 9 main elements.

Old covenant New covenant

Covering of sin Blood of Jesus

Continual sacrifices Once and for all Heb.10 v10

Only for Jews, as children of God All of mankind

Priests as mediators Jesus is our mediator

Blemished substitutes Perfect sacrifice

Numerous covenants Final covenant

Incomplete sanctification Sanctified by the Holy Spirit

Dominion and authority over earth was Dominion regained

Limited anointing on priests, prophets, All can be anointed by Holy Spirit

Fear of God Awe

No personal relationship (remote God- Intimate relationship Aramaic word =

Old race Jews New race Christian

Physical seed of Abraham Spiritual seed of Abraham