The word covenant is a very interesting word in the English language. Its roots are Latin and Old French with The Compact Edition of the Oxford Dictionary of the English Language giving its first quote from 1300 AD. This word’s Latin equivalent convenire means “to agree, be of one mind, come together .” The Old French word is convenant, which means “an agreement.” Both of these words were used to develop the English word covenant which carries the very same meaning as both root words. Since 1300 AD, the English language has taken this word and expanded its application to cover the various forms of agreements found in civil society, religion, and law. However, in all the various applications, the essence of the word remains the same:
We are of one mind concerning . . .
This word also has certain synonyms that are frequently used when the construction of the language permits. Among these are testament, contract, pledge, and engagement. In the case of the Bible, the Old Testament and New Testament are referred to occasionally as the Old Covenant and the New Covenant. This is not inappropriate as that is exactly what is covered in each of them. The Old Testament refers to the Lord’s covenant with Israel, and the New Testament covers the Lord’s covenant with His church.
This is a point that perhaps we should study more carefully; this covenant the Lord has with His local, visible, independent church. If we consider what we are supposed to be of one mind about, and who it is that we are of one mind with, we ought to come to some serious conclusions about our duties under this covenant. In other words, this is not a light, trifling matter. Rather, it is a very serious issue to be concerned with. We are engaged with someone who does not take the shirking of duties well at all.
But first, how many of us really know what our duties are under this covenant? Did we not enter into this covenant willingly? Isn’t it then incumbent upon us to find out what we are supposed to do. The Lord declared that He would be faithful, and has always been so. Thus, He conveyed to us one of the first duties we are to fulfill:
Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God. Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful. 1 Corinthians 4:1-2
Interestingly enough, this is also one of the first duties of a soldier.
How many people, who are members of a church are actually “of one mind” with their brethren?
How many are actually “of one mind” with the Lord Jesus Christ?
Just something to think about . . .