God's reason

[Snooky]

God's reason for the Old Covenant??
Why did God allow such an arrangement as the Old Covenant? Why allow Israel to enter into a covenant that they could not keep? God knew full well that when they promised to do all that he would ask of them, that without a transformation of their hearts, they would surely fail. The only way for them to learn reliance upon him was allow them to learn from experience, how frail and powerless they were without his help. Gods every effort was to teach them this great truth, "without me, ye can do nothing". The fall of Jerico, the victory of Gideon, David and Goliath, all their experiences during their history was to teachthat "Gospel" truth. In Israel, God gave the whole world an object lesson of human weakness, so that the whole world is without excuse. Never again SHOULD man set out to establish his own righteousness, but instead should submit to the righteousness of God and his power to bestow that righteousness. 1 Cor 1:11. A short study of the scriptures will reveal the weakness of man, and exalt the greatness of Gods Power when men learn to trust, (have faith) in him.
When man undertakes anything apart from God, (usually contary unto God) it is refered to as the works of the flesh. Ro 8:4-7. When Gods way is sought and yielded unto, it is refered as "being led byThe Spirit". God called those who walk after the flesh and are not led by the Spirit, a rebellious and stiff-necked people.
God illustrates the contrast between the two covenants in Abraham. Gal 4:22-24 The old covenant, based upon mans works and reasoning, resulted in Ishmael. Gods promise made unto Abraham when he called him out of the heathern family and envioriment he was in, was too much for him to believe, so Abraham tried to help God out. Problems continue unto this day because of Abrahams unbelief and fleshly works. God spoke again the same promise and also spoke of the 1st son not being excepted. God's purpose wasn't fulfiled in Israel, but in Christ!
Abraham heard God's voice, so did Israel. Abraham believed God, Israel believed God. Abraham produced fleshly works, Israel produced fleshly works. Abraham's works were rejected. Israel's works were rejected.
Abraham's works of the flesh was the old Covenant in an individual, Israel's works of the flesh was the Old Covenant in a church.
Abrahams experience was the two covenants acted out by ONE man. The two covenants made with Israel are to be acted out by the ONE church. Joshua and Caleb stood upon "New Testament" ground and trusted God to give the victory, The other spies were grounded in the Old Testament works of the flesh. Abraham had so learned the lessons God had shown him that when Isacc was born, he was willing to offer his son without question. He had learned that when God revealed his will, the only thing to do was to surrender his will and reasoning unto God totally.
Adam set aside Gods simple command and acted upon other reasoning and "transgressed the covenant" Hos 6:7
Matt 16:23 men savor not the things which be of God, but the things which be of men.
Teaching for doctrine the commandments of men.

[Leafrivermac]

Good read Snooky, not much to add. . .Joh 15:5 I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.