The lesson focuses on the new covenant established by Jesus through his blood as the Passover lamb, replacing the old broken covenant. This was part of God’s plan fulfilled through Jesus’ mission. His disciples spread this gospel, leading to current followers.
The book of Revelation details this new covenant which will be fully instituted at Jesus’ second coming. For those alive then, Jesus’ blood provides atonement, entry to the kingdom, and priestly status under the covenant written on their hearts and minds.
The lesson describes how the word containing the covenant will be unveiled – from Jesus, to God, to an angel, to John to prophesy to many peoples. However, this full revelation happens only at the second coming.
Importantly, the true Mount Zion of this new covenant will be an entirely new place appearing after Jesus’ return, not any existing location claimed from centuries ago.
Shincheonji holds distinct theological views that differ from mainstream Christian denominations, yet it also shares some common teachings. This overlap can sometimes blur the lines between their beliefs and those of traditional Christianity. Therefore, it is essential to exercise critical thinking and discernment to differentiate between these shared elements and the unique doctrines they present.
While their interpretations warrant careful examination through a critical and biblical lens, it is equally important to approach these matters with an open yet discerning mindset.
The following notes were documented in person during Shincheonji’s 9-month Bible Study Seminar. They provide insight into the organization’s approach to introducing and explaining its beliefs to potential new members, often referred to as the ‘harvesting and sealing.’ This process is described as being ‘born again’ or ‘born of God’s seed,’ which involves uprooting the old beliefs and replanting new ones. This uprooting and replanting must occur continuously. By examining this process, we can gain a better understanding of the mindset and beliefs held by Shincheonji members.
Today’s lesson will cover important aspects, specifically focusing on understanding what God and Jesus are asking us to do in this time. The main emphasis will be on the New Covenant.
Reflecting on our previous lesson, there were significant revelations. One major understanding was about Jesus’s return – not in physical form but spiritually. This makes considerable sense when we examine the form he showed before his ascension. Throughout the scriptures, many clues were provided about his appearance, though the figurative language wasn’t fully understood at that time.
Another important insight emerged regarding the marriage between the spirit and the flesh, specifically how they must be equally yoked. This understanding deepened our perspective on spiritual matters.
Particularly noteworthy is 1 Corinthians 15, especially from verse 35 onwards. This passage is crucial as Paul thoroughly explains the resurrection at the end times. It’s a beautiful scripture that warrants careful study and will be covered in future lessons.
Moving forward, we will explore the New Covenant and how it was established through Jesus’s blood.
Jesus’ New Covenant Established in Blood
Lk 22 (Rv 5, Rv 7)
The main focus of today’s discussion centers on Luke 22 and Revelation chapters 5 and 7. Luke 22 is significant as it describes the night of Passover when Jesus established his covenant with his disciples.
Revelation 5 and 7 are crucial chapters because they contain clues about those who will fully participate in Jesus’ new covenant established in Luke 22. There is a direct connection between these chapters – Luke 22 represents what the covenant is, while Revelation 5 and 7 represent who will keep it. Additional chapters in Revelation will also be discussed to further understand this connection.
Our hope lies in understanding and keeping the established new covenant in Jesus’ blood at the time of the second coming. Understanding must precede keeping – this principle can be demonstrated with a simple example: if someone says “Abadieh” to you, you cannot respond meaningfully because you don’t understand the word’s meaning.
Similarly, with the new covenant, Jesus instructed us to keep it, but first we must understand its contents. Let’s explore this understanding today.
1.- The Reason for the New Covenant
ONE – God → Covenant (Moses) → Physical Israel
The establishment of the new covenant has a specific reason, which many of us are already familiar with, so we’ll briefly address this topic.
The first covenant by God was established through Moses, who served as the mediator between God and physical Israel. This is documented in Exodus 19:5-6. Moses, acting as the intermediary, facilitated this covenant between God and physical Israel. The covenant was sealed and confirmed, much like how modern agreements are formalized between two parties with a lawyer or notary present.
For a covenant to be binding in practical terms, both parties must accept it. This acceptance is demonstrated through the act of signing the document. When both parties put their seal of approval on the document, the covenant or contract becomes legally binding.
TWO – First Covenant Established in Blood
The first covenant was confirmed and sealed with blood, as shown in Exodus 24:3-8. This passage demonstrates how the first covenant was established through blood.
When considering the blood used for this covenant, it’s important to note that it wasn’t just any blood – it was specifically the blood of a physical lamb.
God considered blood to be sacred, which explains why during that era, people were instructed not to consume food that still contained blood.
The significance of blood is explained in Leviticus 17:11
For the life of a creature is in the blood, and I have given it to you to make atonement for yourselves on the altar; it is the blood that makes atonement for one’s life.
Leviticus 17:11
Blood played a crucial role as it makes atonement for one’s life.
In Exodus 24, a significant event occurred. When the people declared, “We will keep this covenant,” Moses took the blood and sprinkled it both on the covenant and the people. Through this action, the covenant was confirmed and became binding.
THREE – Covenant Broken
The covenant’s observance was of utmost importance to God. However, the people faced difficulties in maintaining it, as evidenced in 1 Kings 11 and Hosea 6:7, where the covenant was broken.
This breaking of the covenant deeply grieved God. It brought back memories of the previously broken covenant from Adam’s time, when despite God’s command not to eat from the tree, they disobeyed.
This painful moment led God to consider His next course of action: “What will I do now? What recompense must I establish?”
This situation demonstrated why the old covenant needed to be amended – or more appropriately, why it needed to be changed.
FOUR – Fault with People, First Covenant → Obsolete
7 For if there had been nothing wrong with that first covenant, no place would have been sought for another. 8 But God found fault with the people and said : “The time is coming, declares the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah. 13 By calling this covenant “new,” he has made the first one obsolete; and what is obsolete and aging will soon disappear.
Hebrews 8:7-8,13
What was the issue with the first covenant?
It wasn’t the law that was problematic, nor was it God – the fault lay with the people. As verse 13 states, this caused the first covenant to become obsolete.
Therefore, no one can be justified before God by attempting to maintain the first covenant, as it has passed away. Instead, all people must now follow the new covenant that God has established.
To understand this new covenant better, we can look at its early mentions in the Old Testament. While Isaiah 2 references it several times, one of the primary revelations about this new covenant appears in the book of Jeremiah. Specifically, Jeremiah 31 provides a detailed explanation, and this passage is frequently cited throughout the New Testament.
How long will you wander, O unfaithful daughter? The Lord will create a new thing on earth— a woman will surround a man.”
Jeremiah 31:22
“How long will you wander, O unfaithful daughter?”
The Lord declares He will create a new thing on earth: A woman will surround a man. This promise shows God’s intention to create something new.
This new thing has two phases of fulfillment:
- It begins at the time of the first coming
- It reaches its full fruition and completion at the second coming, when everything comes together
Through Jeremiah, this new thing encompasses two specific promises.
Two Promises (Jeremiah 31:27 and Jeremiah 31:31):
- Sow two seeds
- Establish a new covenant
Jesus was given the responsibility to fulfill these two promises 600 years after Jeremiah’s prophecy. His entire ministry can be summarized in two main actions:
– Sowing the good seed through preaching (throughout His three and a half year ministry)
– Establishing the new covenant with His blood (near the end of His ministry)
During this time:
– Jesus sowed the good seed
– The enemy sowed the weeds
– Both seeds grew for 2000 years
Now, at harvest time:
– Those who keep the new covenant will be harvested
– Those who do not keep the new covenant will not be harvested
This is how the two promises reach their culmination.
3.- First Coming: When the New Covenant was Established
Let’s look at the new covenant.
14 When the hour came, Jesus and his apostles reclined at the table. 15 And he said to them, “I have eagerly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer. 16 For I tell you, I will not eat it again until it finds fulfillment in the kingdom of God.” 17 After taking the cup, he gave thanks and said, “Take this and divide it among you. 18 For I tell you I will not drink again of the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes.” 19 And he took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me.” 20 In the same way, after the supper he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you.
Luke 22:14-20
This event took place on Passover, specifically mentioned in verse 7: “Then came the day of unleavened bread, on which the Passover lamb had to be sacrificed.”
During this Passover night, Jesus sat down with His twelve disciples and broke bread with them, establishing a new covenant. The timing was intentional, creating an important connection to past events.
We can understand this by looking at how the Israelites’ ancestors established their covenant with Moses and God. Just as their descendants were required to keep the covenant their ancestors accepted, we as Christians today must keep the new covenant that was accepted by those who first received the gospel.
This creates a spiritual lineage:
– The Israelites kept the covenant their ancestors made
– We, as Christians, keep the covenant our spiritual ancestors (the disciples and apostles) made with Jesus
This spiritual inheritance follows the same logic: just as the people of Israel were bound to the covenant established by their forefathers, we are bound to the covenant that the disciples and apostles established with Jesus.
Promised (Prophecy)
Let’s examine these important details, particularly focusing on verses 16 and 18, where Jesus mentions crucial aspects about this covenant.
In verse 16, Jesus states, “For I tell you, I will not eat it again until the kingdom of God comes.” Similarly, in verse 18, He says, “For I tell you, I will not drink again of the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes.”
This is a significant prophecy that’s often overlooked. The emphasis is on “will not drink again until the kingdom of God comes.” Jesus had been pointing to the coming of the kingdom of God repeatedly – in the Lord’s Prayer, in Luke 22, and throughout Revelation.
It’s crucial to understand:
- When does the kingdom of God come?
- Which book details the coming of the kingdom of God? Revelation.
Therefore, the new covenant equals Revelation – they are one and the same.
Here’s an important understanding: The new covenant cannot be fully kept until Revelation is fulfilled. This is because certain aspects of the new covenant are only possible to fulfill when Revelation is fulfilled.
We who are alive today are blessed to be able to fully keep the new covenant. Everyone alive today who has their hope in God and heaven needs to keep the new covenant, which is established through Jesus.
Without faith in Jesus, it’s impossible to even begin keeping the new covenant. If you don’t believe in Jesus or follow his words and promises, you cannot keep the new covenant because it was established through him.
Those who reject Jesus are not part of his new covenant, as it was established through the disciples who fully followed Jesus as the people of Israel and Judah, as promised in Jeremiah 31.
What represents Jesus’s flesh and blood? The words of Jesus, who is life. As stated in John 6:63, “The spirit gives life. The flesh counts for nothing. The words that I have spoken to you are spirit and life.”
In John chapter 6, Jesus discusses the importance of eating his flesh and drinking his blood. Many took these words literally, asking, “How can this man give us his flesh to eat?” They recoiled at this. As Christians, we too have been guilty of interpreting figurative statements literally, rather than understanding their spiritual meaning. We’ve done this in the past, though hopefully less now that we’re learning the open word.
Understanding spiritual interpretation is essential for comprehending the New Testament and its prophecies. When Jesus told his disciples “do this in remembrance of me,” it established the communion practice that many have participated in across different denominations.
However, the crucial question is: Does the power lie in the act of remembrance or in the promise that the remembrance points to? The answer is the promise. Previously, we simply followed communion traditionally, believing the power was in the practice itself.
The true power resides in the covenant’s fulfillment – the promise. The remembrance was meant to remind us of Jesus’s promise that he would eat and drink again when the kingdom of God comes. While communion is a beautiful practice, its power lies not in the ritual but in the promise it represents.
This raises an important question: If you understand and are working toward the promise, anticipating the kingdom of God, is continuing with the remembrance as crucial?
Jesus chose the night of Passover for this significance because he is the Passover lamb. In Exodus 12, God instructed the Israelites through Moses to use a lamb’s blood on their doorframes and eat its flesh. This connects to John 6:51-58,63, where Jesus said, “Eat my flesh and drink my blood.”
Many people didn’t understand this connection and left. However, those who stayed, saying “You have the words of eternal life,” sought to understand his meaning. Jesus’s flesh and blood figuratively represents his words.
Jesus’s words encompass:
- Daily instructions (treat others as you want to be treated, do not judge, blessed are the meek, blessed are the persecuted)
- Promises and prophecies for the future
True faith in Jesus involves believing both his daily teachings and his promises that will be fulfilled at the proper time. Keeping Jesus’s flesh and blood means believing in the fulfillment of these words when they occur. As Jesus said, “I have told you now before it happens, so that when it does happen, you will believe and act accordingly.”
John 1:29 confirms, “Jesus equals the lamb” – “Look, the lamb of God who will take away the sins of the world.” It is by his blood that we are healed.
I’ll help structure these notes about Jesus’s blood while preserving all key vocabulary and maintaining the exact meaning. Here’s the clear, grammatically correct version:
Jesus’s Blood Has Three Distinct Roles:
ROLE ONE: His blood established a new covenant, as recorded in Luke 22.
ROLE TWO: Through His death on the cross, the shedding of His physical blood provided atonement for our sins.
But we’re going to see the third role in just a moment.
4.- Second Coming: Fulfillment of New Covenant
The fulfillment of the figurative prophecy will be examined through several key aspects – the five W’s (Who, What, When, Where, Why) and one H (How).
The first aspect we will explore is the location: Mount Zion is where the new covenant will be kept. Let us further investigate who will be present at this location.
Him who overcomes I will make a pillar in the temple of my God. Never again will he leave it. I will write on him the name of my God and the name of the city of my God, the new Jerusalem, which is coming down out of heaven from my God; and I will also write on him my new name. 21 To him who overcomes, I will give the right to sit with me on my throne, just as I overcame and sat down with my Father on his throne.
Revelation 3:12.21
The passage discusses three significant blessings promised to the one who overcomes.
The first blessing is becoming a pillar in God’s temple. A pillar represents a crucial structural element that supports the roof of a temple. Without pillars, the entire building would collapse, highlighting how important this role is. The promise states that once becoming a pillar, they will never leave it.
The second blessing, as mentioned in Revelation 3:12, is receiving three names written upon them:
– The name of God
– The name of the holy city, New Jerusalem
– The name of Jesus
The third blessing is the promise to sit with Jesus on his throne.
The location of this throne will be at Mount Zion. Those who will be present at this place include:
– New Jerusalem
– Jesus (spiritually)
– God (spiritually)
– The 12 disciples
– The 144,000 in white
– The great multitude
This understanding demonstrates what being sealed feels like – when the word flows out naturally like springs of living water, just as Jesus promised. It comes without effort, like water flowing freely.
Who? – The 12 Tribes of New Spiritual Israel.
The 12 tribes serves as a comprehensive summary of everything discussed, specifically referring to the 12 tribes of the new spiritual Israel.
These tribes consist of the 144,000 and the great multitude. It is essential for every person on Earth to become part of these tribes, regardless of their background, origin, or past actions.
God and Jesus desire for all people to gather at Mount Zion and become members of these tribes.
What are the outcomes for those who gather at this location? Let us examine the results that await those who participate in the new covenant by looking at some crucial passages.
ONE – Blood → Free from sins
5 and from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth. To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood, 6 and has made us to be a kingdom and priests to serve his God and Father—to him be glory and power for ever and ever! Amen.
Revelation 1:5-6
Hold on a second, Instructor. I have a question about Jesus’s blood. I thought his blood was shed at the first coming, so what’s his blood doing here at the second coming? Hmm. Looking at what it says, Jesus’s blood frees those who become the kingdom and priests from their sin.
You know, this is interesting. I always used to wonder about something. Jesus died 2,000 years ago, and his blood is for the atonement of my sin. But I still kept asking myself – why do I still sin? What’s wrong with me? Am I broken? Do I have work I still need to do? And yes, definitely. But when I studied the open word, I realized something – it is at the second coming that the completion of what Jesus started takes place.
And let me point out something about those who become the kingdom and priests – we’re talking about people who are currently alive, not those who have died. Things are different for them. For those who are currently alive, it says, “and he made us to be a kingdom and priests to serve his God and Father. To him be the glory and power forever and ever. Amen.”
The way we should think about this – it should remind us of Exodus 19:5-6, where the kingdom and priests were also mentioned. That was what God’s original desire was, to establish a kingdom and priests. The kingdom being the people, and the priests being those who have a particular specific job or duty to fulfill. Let’s read more about them.
TWO – Blood → Purchased a Kingdom of Priests
9 And they sang a new song: “You are worthy to take the scroll and to open its seals, because you were slain, and with your blood you purchased men for God from every tribe and language and people and nation. 10 You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to serve our God, and they will reign on the earth.”
Revelation 5:9-10
In Revelation 5:9-10 and Revelation 1:5-6, we find similar content, with a significant connection between them. Revelation 1:5-6 serves as an introduction, while Revelation 5:9-10 represents its fulfilment.
The key message in these verses focuses on Jesus’ blood purchasing a kingdom and priests. The word ‘purchase’ holds particular importance in this context. When someone purchases a person, it typically happens in the context of slavery – either to free them from slavery or to make them a slave to the purchaser.
Spiritually, in our case, both aspects occur simultaneously. As the Apostle Paul explains, we are purchased to be freed from sin while becoming slaves to righteousness. Being a slave to righteousness is better than being a slave to sin that leads to death.
At the second coming, Jesus’ blood completes this purchase by acquiring a kingdom of priests who gather at Mount Zion. These purchased people are fully freed from sin – meaning sin becomes a thing of the past, as they no longer sin when this fulfilment is complete.
THREE – Blood → Great Multitudes Wash their robes
The people who gather here, just as those described in Revelation 7:7, perform a specific action with their clothes.
13 Then one of the elders asked me, “These in white robes—who are they, and where did they come from?” 14 I answered, “Sir, you know.” And he said, “These are they who have come out of the great tribulation; they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.
Revelation 7:13-14
One of the 24 elders from Revelation 4 asks John, “Who are these people?”
John responds with “You know,” as he hasn’t yet understood, but comprehension comes after the elder speaks.
The elder explains, “These are those who come out of a great tribulation. They wash their robes in the blood of the Lamb.”
The great multitude washes their robes, and these robes represent wedding clothes. This raises questions about how cloth becomes wedding clothes and its meaning.
Robes represent three things:
- Doctrines (the words that someone believes)
- Heart
- Actions
A person must wash these three elements – their knowledge of the word, their hearts, and their actions – with the blood of the Lamb. This washing occurs when someone keeps the new covenant and gathers at the location Jesus specified – on the mountain, as written in Revelation 14:1, where the Lamb dwells.
FOUR – The Revelation Process
10 This is the covenant I will make with the house of Israel after that time, declares the Lord. I will put my laws in their minds and write them on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people. 11 No longer will a man teach his neighbor, or a man his brother, saying, ‘Know the Lord,’ because they will all know me, from the least of them to the greatest. 12 For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more.”
Hebrews 8:10-12
“I will establish a new covenant. And I will put that covenant, my law, on their minds and on their hearts. And I will be their God, and they will be my people. And I will remember their sins no more.”
In our team discussions and in the lessons for course graduates, we emphasized the vital importance of forgiveness and why we must practice it.
The true essence of forgiveness involves two parts: helping others understand their wrongdoing and then forgetting what they did. This is extremely challenging, but God shows us the way – He remembers our sins no more when we become new.
Consider this: if God held all our sins against us, how long would that list be? It would be endlessly rolling on the ground. Even that time you slapped your sister when you were two years old – it would still be rolling. If God kept such a list, it would be infinitely long. Instead, what does God do? He deletes it.
Wow – a new person stands before Him. Following this example, let’s put God’s word in our hearts and minds.
How?
Today’s final segment reveals something beautiful about how Revelation unfolds.
Revelation 1:1-3 is crucial for understanding the delivery process of the book of Revelation – its origin, purpose, and final destination.
We need to be so thoroughly sealed with this content that any one of us could teach it. If you don’t feel confident enough to teach it yet, more study is needed. We should all become teachers of this material.
The Process of Revelation’s Delivery:
1.- It Begins with God
Revelation 1:1-3 shows that it starts with God. “The revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave to him.” God is depicted as described in Revelation 4, appearing like Jasper and Carnelian (blue and red), surrounded by an emerald-like rainbow. This rainbow represents the covenant from Genesis 9. In God’s right hand is the sealed scroll – the book of Revelation.
2.- The Sealed Book
The book remains sealed in God’s right hand because the word hasn’t been opened yet – meaning it hasn’t been fulfilled. God held it until the time was right for its fulfilment.
3.- From God to Jesus
In Revelation 5:1-3, the book is in God’s right hand, and no one in heaven, on earth, or under the earth could open or look inside it, except Jesus, who was worthy. Jesus receives the sealed book and opens it through Revelation 6 (six seals) and Revelation 8:1 (the final seal).
4.- From Jesus to the Angel
Jesus then makes it known by sending his angel to his servant John. This angel has a magnificent appearance:
– Rainbow around his head
– Face like the sun
– Feet like fiery pillars
– Raises his right hand and swears to God
– Surrounded by the sound of seven thunders
5.-From Angel to John
Finally, the angel gives the opened book to John and instructs him to eat what is given to him.
When John eats the scroll, his reaction reveals two aspects: it’s sweet in his mouth, representing the beautiful testimony and understanding he receives. “Wow, I understand Revelation. I understand what is taking place in my time. I’m seeing and realizing – oh, this is the place, these are the ones, this is the time.”
It’s important to note that understanding comes only when God and heaven determine it’s time for you to see. No one can see the fulfillment by themselves unless it’s shown to them that this is the fulfillment of what was promised.
This understanding:
– Cannot be self-proclaimed or self-appointed
– Cannot be studied in school
– Doesn’t follow worldly confirmation or accreditation
– Cannot be learned in theology school
Even Jesus didn’t attend theology school, though He spent time in synagogues teaching others. Similarly, New John was a simple person doing normal things when he was shown these things and given the task to tell many people.
When John understood, it was “delicious” to him, but then came the realization: “Am I the only one who has been shown these things?” When God and Jesus said, “Now go tell everyone,” New John faced a challenging situation.
He worried, “What do you want me to do?” knowing that people would call him crazy, label him as part of a cult, and consider him insane. He anticipated their rejection: “We don’t need to hear your words. We’re already saved. Go away.” He understood that Revelation would unfold differently from people’s expectations.
This is why it turned sour in his stomach – he worried if anyone would believe him. This experience parallels other prophets:
– Like Elijah
– Like Ezekiel, who was stunned for seven days after witnessing the visions in Ezekiel 1, 2, and 3
– Like Jeremiah, who wept frequently, knowing his life was at risk for delivering God’s message
– And the one who lived out Jeremiah’s prophecies, also facing death for his message
The passage raises an important question for those who say, “God, I want you to use me.” Are you sure? Are you fully sure? Because consequences will come, and you must be prepared to fight and overcome.
Finally, in Revelation 10:11, John receives the instruction: “You must then prophesy again about many peoples, nations, languages, and kings.” This leads to the question: What are these peoples, nations, languages, and kings?
But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.
1 Peter 2:9
When Peter was writing, he was specifically addressing the chosen people who believed in Jesus – those he referred to earlier in the chapter as living stones who follow the living stone. He was speaking to Christians, whom he called a royal priesthood and a holy nation.
In Revelation, when we encounter the word “nation,” we should not interpret it as countries like China, Japan, or Russia. Instead, we should understand it as churches led by pastors. Here’s how the figurative language represents different elements:
– “Peoples” represents congregation members
– “Nations” represents churches
– “Languages” represents doctrines
– “Kings” represents pastors
These are the ones who need to hear about what you have seen – the churches. The purpose isn’t just for people to stay in their church saying, “Wow, that was a nice meal. Thank you for sharing,” and continue as normal. Rather, it’s for them to take action, to come out, to be harvested, because the time for these things to take place has come.
It’s important to gather where we are being told to gather – at the mountain. Gathering is crucial. This is about being harvested and becoming part of the 12 tribes – these are the servants that were mentioned.
To show his servants what must soon take place, those who come out of the peoples, nations, languages, and kings must come to Mount Zion.
In Revelation, you’ll also see references to “tribes” or “multitudes” – these represent denominations.
Guess What Tribe We Belong To?
Among the 12 tribes, we have identified three that we will not belong to:
We will not be a Matthew tribe
We will not be a Philip tribe
We will not be a Peter tribe
So you can cross Peter off the list. The Peter tribe is a great tribe, but not our tribe.
Memorization
9 And they sang a new song: “You are worthy to take the scroll and to open its seals, because you were slain, and with your blood you purchased men for God from every tribe and language and people and nation. 10 You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to serve our God, and they will reign on the earth.”
Revelation 5:9-10
Instructor Review
SUMMARY
Jesus established a new covenant with his blood. The new covenant was crucial because the first covenant was broken. However, God had a plan to establish a new covenant by sowing the two seeds. This was Jesus’ mission as the Passover lamb, as stated in 1 Corinthians 5:7, which directly refers to Jesus as the Passover lamb.
Jesus established this covenant with his disciples, who were like our spiritual ancestors. They spread the gospel to the Israelites and the Gentiles, and we come from their efforts. The book of Revelation details the new covenant because it describes events that occur during the time of Revelation. Those alive at that time will need Jesus’ blood for three purposes: the atonement of sin, the purchasing of a kingdom, and the establishment of priests.
This new covenant will be established at the second coming of Jesus. The people at that time will keep God’s new covenant because it will be in their hearts and minds. They will no longer need to remind their neighbors to keep the covenant, as they all will know it.
How will this take place? The word will be opened and delivered. Jesus will open it, God will give it to an angel, who will give it to John. John will eat it and be told to prophesy again about many peoples, nations, languages, and kings, calling them out.
However, this will happen at the second coming. Therefore, if a place has existed for a thousand years, two hundred years, or even a hundred years, it cannot be Mount Zion. Mount Zion will appear at the second coming, after the events of betrayal and destruction. It will be a new place, so keep that in mind.
Review with the Evangelist
REVIEW
Jesus’ new covenant was established in blood. Now, considering the time, I’ll just ask a couple of questions. When is the new covenant fulfilled?
The answer is: When Jesus returns.
So at the second coming, right?
And where? At Mount Zion.
And who? New Jerusalem.
And? The 144,000, the 12 tribes.
So the 12 tribes of the new spiritual Israel, the 144,000, and the great multitude in white, right?
And how is this new covenant fulfilled? How is the process of revelation delivered at the second coming?
The answer is: It’s the sealed scroll given to Jesus, who opens it and then gives it to the angel, who then prophesies to the people, nations, languages, and kings.
So this is how the word is opened. And as the Instructor mentioned, this whole process, this open word, no one can learn it in a regular school.
It can only come from God. And it can only come through the channel described in Revelation 1:1-3. So my next question is really a reflection.
What does it mean for me, each individual? What do I need to do at this time? Do I just hear the word and continue with my own life of faith as usual?
Or do I have actions that I need to take, now that I am receiving the open word? What does keeping the covenant mean for me at this time?
What are the actions that I need to take?
The answer is: Having the testimony, having my actions and doctrines together, or the wedding clothes, oil, and the lamp.
And let me not forget that I need to be harvested. And I need to flee, flee to the mountain.
And I need to leave one particular place, Babylon. I need to come out. Right.
So those are the actions that I need to take. Because as mentioned at the beginning of today’s lesson, the yeast of heaven. And I myself have to get to heaven first.
And this is my time. God is bringing me here. God wants to lead me to a place.
God wants me to come out of another place. And I really need to be sure. I really need to hear this message clearly and discern where I am physically.
Because it will be awful if I think I’m in a place where God wants me to be, but I’m really not.
Let’s Us Discern
Discernment is still a work in progress …. Proverbs 14:15 (ESV)
“The simple believes everything, but the prudent gives thought to his steps.”
Analysis
Questions to Self-Reflect
Outline
Unpacking the New Covenant
I. Introduction & Recap (Setting the Stage)
- A. Lesson Overview: This section introduces the focus of the lesson: understanding the New Covenant as established by Jesus’ blood. It emphasizes the connection between Luke 22 and Revelation 5 & 7.
- B. Review of Previous Lesson: This part revisits key points from the previous lesson, focusing on the symbolism of the wedding banquet, the lamp, and the oil. It reiterates that Jesus will return as a spiritual entity and emphasizes the importance of accepting those He sends.
II. Understanding the Need for a New Covenant (Historical Foundation)
- A. The First Covenant with Physical Israel: This section explains the establishment of the first covenant with physical Israel through Moses, emphasizing the use of blood for atonement and the covenant’s eventual breach by the people.
- B. The Fault with the People, Not the Covenant: This part clarifies that the first covenant became obsolete due to the failings of the people, highlighting the need for a new covenant.
- C. The Promise of a New Covenant in Jeremiah: This section explores the Old Testament promise of a new covenant found in Jeremiah 31, emphasizing its two-fold nature: the sowing of two seeds and the establishment of a new covenant.
III. Establishing the New Covenant at the First Coming (Jesus’ Ministry)
- A. The Passover Connection: Establishing the Covenant: This section analyzes Luke 22, where Jesus establishes the new covenant with his disciples on Passover night, highlighting the symbolism of bread and wine representing his flesh and blood.
- B. Remembering the Promise: The Significance of Communion: This part discusses the importance of communion as a remembrance of the promise of the kingdom of God’s arrival, emphasizing that the true power lies in the promise, not the ritual itself.
- C. Jesus as the Passover Lamb: Connecting Old & New: This section connects Jesus to the Passover lamb, explaining how his words represent his flesh and blood, and how understanding these words spiritually is key to comprehending the New Testament and its prophecies.
IV. Fulfilling the New Covenant at the Second Coming (Revelation’s Unveiling)
- A. Location and Participants: The Gathering at Mount Zion: This section explores Revelation 3:12,21 and reveals Mount Zion as the location for the fulfillment of the new covenant. It identifies the key participants: the New Jerusalem, Jesus and God in spirit, the 12 disciples, the 144,000, and the great multitude.
- B. The Roles of Jesus’ Blood at the Second Coming: This part delves into the three roles of Jesus’ blood at the second coming: establishing the new covenant, atoning for sin, and purchasing a kingdom of priests. It analyzes relevant passages in Revelation 1 & 5, emphasizing the freeing from sin and the complete purchase of believers at the second coming.
- C. Washing Robes in the Blood of the Lamb: Purification and Transformation: This section analyzes Revelation 7:13-14, focusing on the great multitude washing their robes in the blood of the Lamb. It clarifies that robes symbolize doctrines, hearts, and actions, highlighting the purification and transformation that occurs through keeping the new covenant.
- D. A Covenant Written on Hearts and Minds: The Promise of Forgiveness: This part explores Hebrews 8:10-12, where God promises to write his laws on the hearts and minds of his people. It emphasizes the importance of forgiveness and forgetting past sins as we become new creations in Christ.
V. The Delivery of Revelation: Unveiling God’s Plan (Prophecy in Action)
- A. The Journey of the Sealed Scroll: From God to John: This section visually depicts the delivery process of Revelation as described in Revelation 1:1-3. It traces the journey of the sealed scroll from God to Jesus, then to the angel, and finally to John.
- B. John’s Commission: Prophesying to the Nations: This part examines John’s reaction to consuming the scroll and his subsequent commission to prophesy to the “peoples, nations, languages, and kings,” explaining their symbolic representation of congregations, churches, doctrines, and pastors respectively.
- C. The Call to Action: Gathering at Mount Zion: This section emphasizes the call to action for believers: to be harvested, to flee Babylon, and to gather at Mount Zion. It stresses the importance of recognizing the true location of God’s presence and the urgency of separating from false teachings and institutions.
A Study Guide
Understanding Jesus’ New Covenant Established in Blood
Glossary of Key Terms
- New Covenant: A spiritual agreement established by Jesus Christ with his followers, replacing the Old Covenant established with physical Israel through Moses. It centers around spiritual transformation, forgiveness of sins, and eternal life.
- Obsolete: No longer in use or valid, outdated. The Old Covenant is considered obsolete in light of the New Covenant established by Jesus.
- Passover Lamb: Symbolically, Jesus Christ, who sacrificed himself for the atonement of sins, just as the Passover lamb’s blood protected the Israelites from God’s wrath.
- Flesh and Blood (of Jesus): Figuratively represent Jesus’ words, both his teachings and promises. Consuming them means understanding, believing, and living by his words.
- Mount Zion: The symbolic location where the New Jerusalem will descend and the righteous will gather at the second coming of Jesus, representing unity, peace, and God’s presence.
- One Who Overcomes: The individual who fully embodies and lives by the teachings of Jesus, serving as a spiritual guide and pillar for others.
- Those Who Overcome: The collective group of individuals who strive to follow Jesus’ teachings and overcome worldly temptations, ultimately joining him in the New Jerusalem.
- Kingdom of Priests: The collective body of believers who are redeemed by the blood of Jesus and dedicate themselves to serving God, reflecting God’s original intention for humanity.
- Washing Robes in the Blood of the Lamb: Symbolizes the cleansing of one’s beliefs, heart, and actions through faith in Jesus Christ, signifying purification and righteousness.
- Peoples, Nations, Languages, and Kings: Represent various aspects of the Christian community: individuals, churches, doctrines, and leaders respectively. John is tasked to deliver the message of Revelation to all these groups.
- Babylon: Figuratively represents the world system opposed to God and characterized by sin, materialism, and spiritual darkness, from which believers are called to come out.
- Harvesting: The act of God gathering the righteous and separating them from the wicked at the end times, signifying salvation and entering the Kingdom of God.
Short Answer Quiz
Instructions: Answer the following questions in 2-3 sentences each.
- Why did God establish a new covenant?
- What is the significance of blood in both the Old and New Covenants?
- How is Jesus described in relation to the Passover?
- What does it mean to consume the “flesh and blood” of Jesus?
- What key event marks the fulfillment of the New Covenant?
- Where will the New Covenant be fully realized and by whom?
- What three roles does the blood of Jesus play in the lives of believers?
- What action is associated with the great multitude in Revelation 7:14, and what does it symbolize?
- Describe the process by which the Book of Revelation is delivered and made known to John.
- To whom is John instructed to prophesy, and what do these groups represent?
Answer Key
- The new covenant was established because the people broke the first covenant, highlighting the human inability to consistently uphold God’s law through their own strength. God desired a deeper, heart-centered relationship with humanity.
- In both covenants, blood represents the atonement of sins. In the Old Covenant, the blood of lambs symbolized sacrifice and cleansing. In the New Covenant, Jesus’ blood signifies the ultimate sacrifice, offering forgiveness and eternal life.
- Jesus is referred to as the “Passover Lamb” in 1 Corinthians 5:7. This signifies that his sacrifice, like the Passover lamb, provides protection and redemption, freeing humanity from spiritual death.
- Consuming the “flesh and blood” of Jesus represents internalizing and living by his teachings and promises. It signifies a deep spiritual connection with Christ and a commitment to following his way of life.
- The second coming of Jesus Christ marks the complete fulfillment of the New Covenant. This event ushers in the establishment of the New Jerusalem and the full realization of God’s Kingdom on Earth.
- The New Covenant will be fully realized at Mount Zion, a symbolic location representing God’s presence and the gathering of the righteous. Those present will include the New Jerusalem, the 144,000, the 12 tribes of new spiritual Israel, and the great multitude in white, all redeemed by Christ.
- The blood of Jesus: (1) establishes the New Covenant, replacing the old and offering a new pathway to God; (2) atones for the sins of humanity, providing forgiveness and reconciliation with God; (3) purchases a kingdom of priests, signifying the redemption of believers who dedicate themselves to God’s service.
- The great multitude in Revelation 7:14 washes their robes in the blood of the Lamb. This act symbolizes the cleansing of their beliefs, hearts, and actions through faith in Jesus Christ. It signifies purification and the attainment of righteousness through the grace of God.
- The Book of Revelation begins with God holding a sealed scroll. He gives it to Jesus, who opens the seals, revealing its content. Jesus then instructs an angel to deliver the opened book to John, who consumes its message, finding it both sweet and bitter due to its profound implications.
- John is instructed to prophesy to “many peoples, nations, languages, and kings,” representing individuals, churches, doctrines, and church leaders within the Christian community. This indicates that the message of Revelation is meant for all believers and necessitates a response beyond passive acceptance.
Additional Questions
1.- Why did God have to create a new covenant?
– Because of the betrayal of the chosen people (1 Kgs 11, Hos 6:7, Heb 8:7-8)
2.- What were the three promises made in Jeremiah 31?
Promise of a new thing (v22)
2 kinds of seed planted (v27)
New covenant established (v31)
3.- In Luke 22:16, 18, Jesus says he will not eat the Passover meal or the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes. Where does the fulfillment take place?
– Mount Zion
4.- What are the three purposes of Jesus’ blood?
– Establish new covenant, atonement of sin, and creating God’s kingdom and priests
5.- What is the Revelation delivery process?
God (Rv 5:1-3) → Jesus (Rev 5:7, Rv6, 8:1) → Mighty angel (Rv 10:1-3) → New John (Rv 10:8-11)
Breakdown
Timeline of Events
This lesson primarily focuses on the theological interpretation of biblical events rather than a strict chronological timeline. However, we can glean a broad timeline based on its teachings:
Old Testament Era:
- Establishment of the First Covenant: God establishes a covenant with physical Israel through Moses, sealed with the blood of a lamb (Exodus 19:5-6, Exodus 24:3-8).
- Breaking of the First Covenant: The Israelites fail to uphold the covenant, leading to its obsolescence (1 Kings 11, Hosea 6:7).
- Prophecy of the New Covenant: God, through the prophet Jeremiah, foretells the establishment of a new covenant written on people’s hearts (Jeremiah 31).
First Coming of Jesus:
- Sowing of the Good Seed: Jesus’s ministry focuses on spreading the word of God, likened to sowing good seed (Jeremiah 31:27).
- Establishment of the New Covenant: On the night of Passover, Jesus institutes the new covenant with his disciples, symbolized by bread and wine representing his flesh and blood (Luke 22:14-20).
Period Between First and Second Coming:
- Growth of the Two Seeds: The good seed sown by Jesus and the weeds sown by the enemy grow together for 2000 years.
Second Coming of Jesus:
- Fulfillment of the New Covenant: The new covenant is fully realized at Jesus’s second coming, culminating in the establishment of a kingdom of priests at Mount Zion (Revelation).
- Opening of the Sealed Book: Jesus opens the sealed book of Revelation, revealing God’s plan for the end times (Revelation 5-8).
- Delivery of the Revelation to John: An angel delivers the opened book to John, who consumes it and is tasked with prophesying to the nations (Revelation 1:1-3, 10).
- Gathering at Mount Zion: Believers who have kept the new covenant are harvested and gathered at Mount Zion, the location of the New Jerusalem (Revelation 14:1).
Cast of Characters
Old Testament Figures:
- God: The central figure of the teachings, establishing and amending covenants with humanity.
- Moses: Mediator of the first covenant between God and the Israelites.
- Jeremiah: Prophet who foretells the new covenant.
New Testament Figures:
- Jesus Christ: The central figure of the New Covenant, fulfilling the prophecy by sowing the good seed and establishing the covenant with his blood. He is also the one who opens the sealed book of Revelation.
- Disciples: The initial recipients of the new covenant, serving as spiritual ancestors to later believers.
- Apostle Paul: Mentioned as a key figure explaining the relationship between Christ and the Church.
- John: Recipient of the Revelation from an angel, tasked with prophesying to the nations.
Symbolic Figures:
- The One Who Overcomes: A singular figure, likely a spiritual leader, who successfully navigates trials and leads others to overcome as well.
- Those Who Overcome: Plurality of believers who successfully resist temptation and remain faithful, ultimately forming part of the kingdom of priests.
- The Great Multitude: A vast number of people from all nations who have washed their robes in the blood of the Lamb, signifying their purification through faith in Christ.
- The 144,000: A symbolic number representing the complete body of believers chosen from the twelve tribes of Israel, forming the core of the new spiritual Israel.
The Enemy:
- Satan: Represented as the sower of weeds, opposing God’s plan and attempting to hinder the growth of the good seed.
Overview
Overview: Jesus’ New Covenant Established in Blood
Main Themes:
- The New Covenant in Jesus’ Blood: This teaching emphasizes the importance of understanding and keeping the new covenant established by Jesus’ blood at his first coming, which finds its fulfillment at his second coming.
- Fulfillment of Prophecy in Revelation: The new covenant is inextricably linked to the book of Revelation. Understanding and fulfilling the prophecies in Revelation is presented as crucial for keeping the new covenant.
- Gathering at Mount Zion: The faithful are called to gather at Mount Zion, a symbolic location representing the dwelling place of the Lamb, during the second coming. This gathering signifies being harvested and participating in the new covenant’s blessings.
- The Importance of Spiritual Interpretation: The teaching stresses the need to interpret biblical events and prophecies spiritually, moving beyond literal interpretations. This is illustrated through the example of “eating Jesus’ flesh and drinking his blood,” which represents accepting and living by his words and promises.
- The Role of the Open Word: The teaching highlights the concept of the “open word,” suggesting that true understanding of God’s will and plan, particularly concerning Revelation, cannot be achieved through traditional religious institutions or theological study. It implies a direct revelation from God.
Most Important Ideas/Facts:
- The Need for a New Covenant: The old covenant established with physical Israel through Moses was broken due to human failings, making a new covenant necessary (Hebrews 8:7-8).
- Jesus as the Passover Lamb: Jesus is presented as the fulfillment of the Passover lamb, his sacrifice atoning for sins and establishing the new covenant through his blood (John 1:29, 1 Corinthians 5:7).
- Three Roles of Jesus’ Blood:Establishing the new covenant (Luke 22).
- Atoning for sins.
- Freeing believers from sin at the second coming, enabling them to become a kingdom of priests (Revelation 1:5-6, Revelation 5:9-10).
- The Marriage of Spirit and Flesh: The concept of marriage as a covenant union is used to symbolize the union of God (spirit) and Christ (flesh) at the first coming and the union of Christ and the faithful (represented as the bride) at the second coming.
- The Importance of Forgiveness: True forgiveness, like God’s forgiveness of our sins, involves forgetting past transgressions and embracing a new beginning (Hebrews 8:12).
- The Delivery of Revelation: The process of God revealing the book of Revelation is outlined, starting with God, passing to Jesus, then an angel, and finally to John, who is tasked with prophesying to the “peoples, nations, languages, and kings” – interpreted as individuals, churches, doctrines, and pastors.
- Actions for Believers: Believers are urged to take specific actions in preparation for the second coming, including:
- Developing a strong testimony and aligning their actions and doctrines with God’s word.
- Being harvested and gathering at Mount Zion.
- Leaving “Babylon,” interpreted as corrupt religious systems or worldly influences.
Key Quotes:
- Leviticus 17:11: “For the life of a creature is in the blood, and I have given it to you to make atonement for yourselves on the altar; it is the blood that makes atonement for one’s life.”
- Hebrews 8:13: “By calling this covenant ‘new,’ he has made the first one obsolete; and what is obsolete and aging will soon disappear.”
- Luke 22:20: “This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you.”
- John 6:63: “The Spirit gives life; the flesh counts for nothing. The words I have spoken to you—they are full of the Spirit and life.”
- Revelation 3:12: “Him who overcomes I will make a pillar in the temple of my God. Never again will he leave it. I will write on him the name of my God and the name of the city of my God, the new Jerusalem, which is coming down out of heaven from my God; and I will also write on him my new name.”
- Revelation 7:14: “These are they who have come out of the great tribulation; they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.”
- Revelation 10:11: “You must prophesy again about many peoples, nations, languages and kings.”
Analysis:
This teaching presents a specific interpretation of Christian scripture, heavily focused on the fulfillment of prophecy in Revelation and the need to prepare for the second coming of Jesus. It emphasizes a spiritual understanding of biblical events and prophecies, advocating for actions beyond traditional religious practices. The emphasis on the “open word” suggests a potential separation from established religious authority, emphasizing a direct connection with God’s revealed truth.
It’s important to note that this teaching may represent a particular theological viewpoint and might not be universally accepted within Christianity. Further research and critical examination of the source and its interpretations are recommended for a comprehensive understanding.