Debating the Nature of the New Covenant: Bilateral vs. Promissory

One of the most significant discussions in theological discourse is the nature of the New Covenant. Is it a bilateral agreement between God and humanity, or is it a promissory covenant?

The Bilateral Perspective

Some scholars and theologians argue that the New Covenant is indeed bilateral, meaning that both God and humanity have obligations and responsibilities within this covenant. This perspective is fully supported by key biblical commands, which Jesus himself laid down as unconditional mandates: love for God and love for one's neighbor (Matthew 22:37-39).

According to this view, the New Covenant is not merely a one-sided agreement. Jesus' life and sacrifice serve as the foundation for understanding and fulfilling these commands. Whether one is a Jew or a Gentile, these obligations remain binding.

The Bilateral Obligations

For Jews, the Law of Moses, as commanded by God, continues to be a vital aspect of faith, not as a means to fulfill obligations but as a way to express love for God. For Gentiles, the decision to follow the New Covenant commands is also binding, as they are fulfilled through Christ’s sacrifice.

Paul, the apostle, echoes this perspective in his writings, particularly in his concern about the risk of falling from grace (Galatians 5:4). His focus on daily worry about maintaining this relationship with God further reinforces the idea that the New Covenant is indeed bilateral.

The Promissory Perspective

Others argue that the New Covenant is not bilateral but rather a promissory covenant, where God fulfills a promise made to Abraham in Genesis. According to this view, Jesus' fulfillment of the law and subsequent promise is the fulfillment of God’s covenant with Abraham, and our responsibility is merely to trust in Jesus (James 2:22).

This perspective posits that God's promises are unconditional, and any conditions attached to them would be dishonest. In this view, the only requirement for us is trust in Jesus.

The Dual Perspective: Bilateral and Promissory

I tend to agree that the New Covenant is a bilateral covenant, though it includes elements of a promissory covenant as well. This dual perspective is deeply rooted in the teachings of Scripture.

While God did set the terms and paid the price through Christ's sacrifice on the cross, the New Testament also emphasizes that we are called to respond in faith and works. As Paulputs it, 'showing people your faith by what you do' (Galatians 2:20). The concept of salvation by faith without works is incomplete and ultimately unscriptural (James 2:24).

Paul's Warnings and Encouragements

Paul’s own struggles with maintaining his position in Christ serve as a powerful reminder that the New Covenant is not merely a one-time event but an ongoing, bilateral relationship. His anxiety over falling from grace (Galatians 6:2, Hebrews 3:14) invites us to recognize that our salvation is fragile and must be constantly guarded and maintained

For this reason, it is not enough to simply believe in Jesus and then cease all activity. We must live our lives in a way that demonstrates our faith. As a preacher once said, 'Live your life in such a way that if Christianity ever became illegal, there would be enough evidence to convict you.' This call to witness through action is a central tenet of the New Covenant.

I certainly struggle with sin, but the grace of God is sufficient to forgive us. I am not perfect, and neither are you. We are forgiven and are called to live and walked in the light of Christ that we may not commit sin (1 John 1:8-9).

May we continually strive to live in accordance with the New Covenant, demonstrating our faith through our actions, and may our witness be a clear testimony to the power and love of Jesus Christ.