What does the Bible say about church covenants?
Feb 3rd, 2008 / Salt and Light
And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the day approaching. (Hebrews 10:24–25—NIV)
Our text gives us the general guideline for the obligation of a body of believers to mutually state a description of the living testimony which differentiates their body from others. The context from verse 19 and following expresses the community commitment of the local body of believers.
These verses remind believers of their obligation to carefully consider one another and to spur one another on to acting lovingly and nobly. One of the first indications of a lack of love for God is a lack of love for the objects of His love—your brothers and sisters in the local church. Forsaking the assembling of believers is an obvious symptom.
Covenants express a picture of behavioral godliness, the quality of the testimony to be observed in us by the world at large, and the mutual expectations of church members toward one another. Consider the following:
By the grace of God and having been born again, we covenant together to advance these personal ideals:
I will pursue spiritual maturity in myself and others.
I will commit to the practice of prayer for myself and for others.
I will fill my day with Spirit-led decisions.
I will not forsake the assembling of believers.
I will speak with grace for the purpose of edifying.
I will show respect to all men as bearers of God’s image with an eternal soul.
I will not allow fleshly passions to rule me.
I will live each day in light of Christ’s return.
I will be a good steward in the use of my time, talent, and treasure.
I will be a fisher of men.
I will be known as a man of my word at home, work, and play.
I will strive to love the Lord my God with all my heart, my soul, and mind, and love my neighbor as myself.
I will bring my irreconcilable disputes with other believers to the church body and will abide by its judgment.
I will not be addicted to any habit, substance, thought or behavior which dishonors God.
My consuming purpose is to bring glory to God so that I may hear, "Well done thou good and faithful servant."