What steps can we take to ensure full participation in God's covenant community? Verse Focus: Exodus 12:48 “ ‘If a foreigner resides with you and wants to celebrate the LORD’s Passover, every male in his household must be circumcised, and then he may take part; he shall be regarded as a native of the land. But no uncircumcised person may eat of it.’ ” Why This Matters God’s covenant community is never closed or casual. Participation is granted, guarded, and guided. Exodus 12:48 lays down a pattern that still speaks today. Step 1 – Enter through the Covenant Lamb • Israel’s males had to be circumcised before eating Passover—an act of faith and identification. • New–covenant fulfillment: “Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!” (John 1:29). • Faith in Christ is the only doorway: “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved” (Acts 16:31). Step 2 – Receive the Covenant Sign • Old sign: circumcision (Genesis 17:10–14). • New sign: baptism. “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins” (Acts 2:38). • Colossians 2:11-12 links circumcision of the heart with baptism—an outward seal of inward faith. Step 3 – Embrace Full Family Status • “He shall be regarded as a native of the land.” No tiers, no second-class citizens. • Galatians 3:27-29: “There is neither Jew nor Greek… for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” • Live like family: share burdens (Galatians 6:2) and resources (Acts 4:32-35). Step 4 – Submit to God’s Regulations • Participation required obedience to Passover rules. • Jesus: “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments” (John 14:15). • 1 John 2:3-5 ties assurance of belonging to practical obedience. Step 5 – Celebrate the Redeeming Meal • Passover remembered deliverance; the Lord’s Supper remembers the cross. • 1 Corinthians 11:23-26 commands ongoing, reverent participation. • Regular communion reinforces covenant identity and unity. Step 6 – Guard Household Holiness • Exodus text centers on the household. • Deuteronomy 6:6-9: teach God’s Word diligently to children. • Ephesians 6:4: bring them up “in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.” Step 7 – Keep an Open Door with Clear Boundaries • Foreigners welcomed—if they embraced the covenant. • Great Commission: “Make disciples of all nations” (Matthew 28:19). • 2 Corinthians 6:17 reminds: openness never dilutes holiness. Step 8 – Persevere in Covenantal Community Life • Acts 2:42: “They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.” • Hebrews 10:24-25 urges continual gathering and mutual encouragement. Putting It All Together Full participation flows from: 1. Personal faith in the Lamb. 2. Public identification by baptism. 3. Family equality in the body. 4. Daily obedience to Scripture. 5. Ongoing remembrance at the Table. 6. Intentional household discipleship. 7. Evangelistic openness with holy boundaries. 8. Persevering, devoted fellowship. Walk these steps and you taste the privilege, protection, and purpose of God’s covenant community—exactly as He intended from Exodus to eternity. |
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