Introduction

Nothing is more exciting, important, and revolutionary than the birth, life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, followed by the pouring out of the Holy Spirit. It is the most important event in history. It is the story of how God became man to save mankind from sin. Through Jesus Christ, the breath of the Holy Spirit is the oxygen of eternal life.

God understood that the penalty for sin could only be paid by sending His son to die on the cross. In such a way, God's wrath could be abated. Coupled with the reality that death could not hold Jesus in the grave, it is a testimony to Jesus as the Tree of Life and Manna from Heaven.

The gospel of eternal life in Christ Jesus is good news - the very best news! The promise of the Holy Spirit is available to people from every nation who confess that Jesus is Lord, who repent of and turn from their sins, and who follow Him wholeheartedly. This is the plan that God made available according to His New Covenant. It is only the pathway to the peace and healing of the nations.

Here is the invitation from Isaiah 55:1-3:

3 Isaiah 55:1-3

1 Hey! Come, everyone who thirsts, to the waters! Come, he who has no money, buy, and eat! Yes, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price.

2 Why do you spend money for that which is not bread, and your labor for that which doesn't satisfy? Listen diligently to me, and eat that which is good, and let your soul delight itself in richness.

3 Turn your ear, and come to me. Hear, and your soul will live. I will make an everlasting covenant with you, even the sure mercies of David.

God's New Covenant has been in effect for over 2,000 years. It is an Enduring Covenant that has completely replaced the Old Covenant. It is known as an Everlasting Covenant and a Covenant of Peace. It is enduring because Jesus is alive forevermore before the throne of grace making perpetual intercession for the saints.

I suggest that there is a direct link between Jesus making perpetual intercession for the saints and the Holy Spirit making intercession for the saints. There are also no outages in God's Holy Spirit network of heaven come to earth! Yes indeed, come, buy without price!

Although there is much anticipation for Jesus to return bodily to set all things right, it is also important to understand how Jesus is already with Holy Spirit-baptized believers. They are His New Covenant temple. They are His hands, feet, and face - His gentle and kindly demeanor. In such a way they are also His kings, priests, troubadours, and ambassadors on earth.

If we, as Jesus has said, will do greater things than He has done, and if the Everlasting New Covenant really is unending, then it is possible that His plan was to come (to reveal His rule and reign over the nations) through the church. This is precisely what the role of the church has been for approximately two millennia.

Could it be that we have failed to grasp our identity and position in Christ on earth? Have we not understood that we are seated with Him in heavenly places? Do we not understand the weapons of our spiritual warfare that result in peace on earth? Are we preaching the gospel of promises fulfilled in Christ on earth now?

I suggest that we have failed to grasp what He has empowered us to do instead of waiting for Him to come back to get the job done. The gospel is the power of God unto salvation.

Have we become distracted from the importance of declaring the gospel resulting in myriads being left unaware of restoration to relationship with the Father and His provision for abundant living now and in eternity? Have we been lulled to sleep by earthly distractions such that we have forgotten our First Love? Perhaps we have settled for less by only taking up a part-time cross.

There is so much more for the church to do here and now. The lifelong goal and focus of the church should be to proclaim and to participate in the fulfillment of the vision and mission described in Habakkuk 2:14:

1 Habakkuk 2:14

14 For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of Yahweh's glory, as the waters cover the sea.

This is why God's New and Everlasting Covenant of Peace needs to be understood in its historical context, according to the life and teachings of Jesus Christ, and from the perspective of God as a loving Father who desires for all to be saved. God's New Covenant inspires ongoing revival. It is a covenant that is in effect forever.

Having a better understanding of the New Covenant will bring renewed peace and purpose to the church.

I pray that this book will be one of engagement and immersion with wisdom, knowledge and understanding in which the presence and power of the Holy Spirit will come alive in you and bear witness to the things herein. Let His words touch you, bless you, and anoint your spiritual eyes and ears. Rest in the Lord, find comfort and peace with all that He has for you, in the mighty name of Jesus, King of kings, and Prince of peace!