A Covenant

Under Contract to Repent and Follow Christ

In our modern world, the word “contract” conjures images of fine print, lawyers, and binding legal obligations. We sign employment contracts, leases, and mortgages—agreements that outline strict rules, consequences for failure, and specific termination clauses.

But when we talk about our relationship with God, the Bible introduces a far deeper, more profound concept: the Covenant. While the title suggests being "under contract," a biblical covenant is much more than a business deal; it is a solemn, blood-sealed relational commitment initiated by the Creator of the universe.

The Weight of God’s Covenant

Throughout the Old Testament, God established several covenants—with Noah, Abraham, and Moses—each revealing more about His plan for restoration. These covenants demonstrated God's unwavering faithfulness and provided the framework for humanity to relate to Him. They were rooted in commitment, not just compliance.

The Mosaic Covenant, while exposing our inability to perfectly meet God’s standards, ultimately pointed to the need for a New Covenant. As the prophet Jeremiah foretold: "I will put my law in their minds and write it on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people" (Jeremiah 31:33, quoted in Hebrews 8:10).

This New Covenant is sealed not with ink or the blood of animals, but with the perfect, eternal blood of Jesus Christ.

The Terms of the New Covenant

What are the believer's "terms" in this everlasting covenant? They are beautifully simple yet demand everything we are: Repentance and Following.

1. Repentance: The Turning

Repentance (from the Greek metanoia) means much more than simply saying "I'm sorry." It is a radical, fundamental change of mind that leads to a change of direction. It is the conscious decision to turn away from the kingdom of self and sin, and to turn toward the Kingdom of God.

Repentance acknowledges that we have broken the terms of the relationship, and it is the necessary response to God's grace. It is the action we take when we realize that Jesus paid the ultimate price to establish the covenant—a payment that covers our past failures and empowers our future walk.

2. Following Christ: The Walk

Once we have turned, the new requirement is to follow. Jesus made the terms of discipleship clear: "If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me" (Matthew 16:24).

"Following Christ" is not passive; it is an active, daily journey of discipleship. It means:

• Obedience: Seeking to live according to His teachings (John 14:15).

• Self-Denial: Prioritizing His will and purpose over our own desires.

• Cross-Bearing: Accepting the challenges and sacrifices that come with living a life dedicated to God in a world opposed to Him.

This following is our active participation in the covenant. It is our willingness to allow the law written on our hearts to become the law lived out in our lives.

The Ultimate Guarantee

We are not saved by our ability to keep our part of the “contract,” but by the finished work of Christ—the one who perfectly fulfilled the covenant. Our repentance and following are the evidence of our faith and the fruit of the Holy Spirit working within us.

To be “under contract” in this sense is to be under the security of God’s unbreakable promise. The New Covenant assures us of forgiveness, transformation, and eternal fellowship. It is the most beautiful and binding commitment ever offered, inviting us to lay down our old life and walk in the new life provided by the King.