WHO IS YOUR COVERING? pt 2

In the New Testament we have several verses that indicate our covering is in Jesus. The first one is 2Co 5:17 "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. Old things have disappeared, and-look!-all things have become new!"

To be “in” Christ is to be in a fixed position of rest. Therefore we are either in Christ or we are not. If we are, then we do not need any other covering.

Next we have Col 3:3 "For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God." The word “hid” means concealed or a covering. A new creation believer cannot be seen because their concealment in Christ. They are totally covered with his blood and righteousness.

A similar theme was spoken about by Jesus himself in John 15:4 where he said “Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself unless it remains in the vine, so neither can you unless you abide in Me.” To abide is to stay, so he is telling us to stay in Him which means a fixed position of rest.

In the next verse he says “I am the Vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, the same brings forth much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.” This verse points out how important that we are resident in his covering as we can only produce fruit as we do. If fact we can do nothing unless we are abiding in Christ under his covering.

In Hebrews 4:16 which says “Therefore let us come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” This mercy and help is available because Jesus is our high priest, so it is important that he is our covering, not the pastor or minister.

Finally Eph 6:11 tells us to “Put on the whole armor of God so that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil”. This is a covering provided by God because “we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the world's rulers, of the darkness of this age, against spiritual wickedness in high places. “ My experience is that most ministers do not have much idea about spiritual warfare so their protection would be pretty much useless.

The New Testament then makes it quite clear that our covering has been provided through the life and blood of Jesus as we are abiding in him, se we need no other. How can man provide a greater covering that Jesus himself?

Of course the favourite verse of the covering exponents is Heb 13:17 "Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you."

What does this verse actually say? First there is no mention of covering. The word ‘obey’ means to convince by argument; to pacify or conciliate; to assent to for evidence and authority; to rely on. There is no notion that “you have to do what I say”.

The word ‘submit’ which means surrender is in the context of leaders who watch over your soul, not lord it over you. Theirs is a servant ministry, not a leadership one. The word ‘watch’ means to keep awake or sleepless. Therefore if anyone wants you to give them allegiance they first have to spend sleepless days and nights watching over your souls.

Quite different from “I am the boss and you have to do what I say”.

If you are being pressured to submit to a human leader, gently point out no thanks, I am already covered by the life and blood of Jesus so I don’t think you could do any better than him.