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Many Christians think that if something good happens to them, it’s because God is rewarding them for being obedient. On the flip side, if something bad happens to them, they think that God is punishing them for some sin in their life. We all know people who have received good things they didn’t deserve, as well as others who have received bad things they didn’t deserve.
The Mosaic covenant was a conditional agreement between God and the people of Israel that had different outcomes based upon the people’s obedience to its terms.
Consider Jesus’ words about our heavenly Father who “makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust” (Matt. 5:45). Frequently Christians read verses regarding blessings and curses in the Old Testament that were meant for the nation of Israel and attempt to apply these promises to their lives today. The Mosaic covenant (also called the old covenant; see Gal. 4:24) was a conditional agreement between God and the people of Israel that was mediated by Moses (Exod. 19–24) with different outcomes based upon the people’s obedience to its terms.
This covenant was extremely important for two reasons: 1) it showed the nation of Israel (and us) the impossibility of keeping God’s law perfectly due to our sinful natures, teaching us about our need for a savior, and 2) the Mosaic covenant provided a forum for Christ to come and be the perfect Son of Israel who would obey God’s law in all things and be the once-for-all sacrifice for sin.
The law is still a guide for Christians on how to live uprightly, but Christians are righteous before God in Christ alone.
The Mosaic covenant (or old covenant) is no longer active today because Jesus fulfilled all its conditions on behalf of every believer (Rom. 10:4). This agreement made on Mount Sinai has been replaced by God’s new covenant based upon Christ’s completed work (Jer. 31:31). The law is still a guide for Christians on how to live uprightly, but Christians are righteous before God in Christ alone—not because of their own works. Although they will do imperfectly in this life, Christians have the consequent duty as God’s children to obey their heavenly Father in thankfulness for all God has done for them in Christ.
Actions do have consequences in this world. If people are mean, they won’t have many friends. If plants aren't watered, they will die. On the other hand, a person who is driving safely might be hit and killed by a drunk driver. Cancer may strike a little child for no known reason. Both believers and unbelievers experience sorrows and joys in this fallen world.
Believers can and should always rejoice because the sufferings of this life won’t have the last say; God will.
Christians also face persecution for their faith, which can make life much harder for God’s people. We need to remember Jesus’ comforting words when facing any of life’s struggles:
“I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).
Believers can and should always rejoice in the Lord regardless of life’s trials because these sufferings won’t have the last say. God does, and his plan for his children is glorious.
Related Articles:
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8 Covenants in the Bible and What They Mean for You Personally Today
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10 Words Every Christian Should Know (and Be Able to Explain)
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12 Reasons Why Jesus Meant It When He Said, “It Is Finished"
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Digging deeper: If you would like to learn more about the eight significant covenants in the Bible, check out Sacred Bond: Covenant Theology Explored (Second Edition) by Michael G. Brown and Zach Keele.
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