The Everlasting Covenant - Beginnings

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Covenant Beginning

by Hubert F. Sturges, M.D., www.everlastingcovenant.com, June 2009

Before Creation there was a council within the Godhead to formulate the Plan of Salvation to be put in use only if man should use his power of choice wrongly, and choose to sin.

    “And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world" (Revelation 13:8).
    “Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began" (Romans 16:25).
    “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16).
    “Then said I, Lo, I come (in the volume of the book it is written of me,) to do thy will, O God” (Hebrews 10:7).
From theses verses we see that Jesus is the "Lamb slain from the foundation of the world" (before Creation).  He was not actually slain at that time, but the plan was laid in heavenly council, and was kept in reserve – a mystery until sin should arise and the plan put into action. We also see in these verses that God (the Father) gave His only begotten Son, and the Son came to do the (pre-arranged) will of the Father. Similar passages are found in other places.

The question might be raised, "Is this a Covenant?"  The term covenant is not used for this early beginning. It is not used even when it was given for the first time with Adam and Eve. Later the term "Everlasting Covenant" is used indicating a plan everlasting in span. "My" covenant is used 51 times, pointing to a covenant uniquely coming from God and God alone. New covenant is used to indicate a covenant where the laws are written on the heart (mind) of men (Jeremiah 31:31-34, Hebrews 8:8-10; 10:16; Matthew 26:28) which is characteristic of the promise to Adam and Eve and of the everlasting covenant given to Abraham – and by extension to the covenant of Sinai.

This plan of God might also be termed the "Plan of Salvation" or the "everlasting gospel." The term "promises" could also be used, except that the covenant promises were made in a formal fashion, more than usual promises are made. Of most importance is not the terms used, but the features of God’s plan to redeem man.