A New Covenant

Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.


The prophecy in Jeremiah 31:31-34 about a new covenant was initially given to Israel, but the New Testament reveals that this new covenant extends to Gentiles as well. Here’s an explanation of how this works:


### Jeremiah 31:31-34 – The New Covenant
Jeremiah 31:31-34 states:
“‘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. It will not be like the covenant I made with their ancestors when I took them by the hand to lead them out of Egypt, because they broke my covenant, though I was a husband to them,’ declares the Lord. ‘This is the covenant I will make with the people of Israel after that time,’ declares the Lord. ‘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. No longer will they teach their neighbor, or say to one another, "Know the Lord," because they will all know me, from the least of them to the greatest,’ declares the Lord. ‘For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more.’”

### Inclusion of Gentiles in the New Covenant
The New Testament explains how Gentiles are included in this new covenant through Jesus Christ:

1. **Jesus Establishes the New Covenant**:
   - At the Last Supper, Jesus refers to His impending death as establishing the new covenant: “This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you” (Luke 22:20).
   - Hebrews 8:6-13 and Hebrews 10:15-18 quote Jeremiah 31:31-34, emphasizing that Jesus' sacrifice initiates this new covenant.

2. **Extension to Gentiles**:
   - **Ephesians 2:11-22**: Paul explains how Gentiles, who were once “excluded from citizenship in Israel and foreigners to the covenants of the promise,” have been brought near by the blood of Christ. Jesus has broken down the barrier between Jews and Gentiles, making them one people.

   - **Romans 11**: Paul describes Gentiles as being grafted into the olive tree, symbolizing inclusion in the blessings and promises originally given to Israel.

3. **Faith in Jesus**:
   - **Galatians 3:26-29**: Paul states, “So in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith... There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.”
   - The new covenant is accessed through faith in Jesus Christ, making all believers – Jew and Gentile – part of God’s people.

4. **New Heart and Spirit**:
   - The promise of a new heart and God’s law written on hearts is fulfilled in all who come to faith in Christ. Ezekiel 36:26-27 complements this, speaking of God giving a new heart and spirit to His people, which is applicable to all believers.

### Summary
While Jeremiah 31:31-34 was initially addressed to Israel, the New Testament reveals that the new covenant extends to Gentiles through Jesus Christ. By faith in Jesus, Gentiles are grafted into God's people and become partakers of the new covenant's promises:
- **Forgiveness of Sins**: Through Jesus’ sacrifice, all believers receive forgiveness.
- **Indwelling Spirit**: God’s law is written on believers’ hearts through the Holy Spirit.
- **Intimate Relationship with God**: All believers, regardless of ethnic background, have a direct and personal relationship with God.

In conclusion, the new covenant indeed includes you as a Gentile believer in Jesus Christ. Through faith in Him, you are a full participant in the promises and blessings of the new covenant.

Apostle Paul