Agape And Covenant
“AGAPE” is a Greek word which means perfect love (1 John 4:18). It is an everlasting love (Jer. 31:3) that comes from God. He first loved us (1 John 4:19), as God Himself is Agape (1 John 4:8).
The Lord Jesus Christ gave His life for us (the Church) and bought her with His own blood, the highest manifestation of this love (Agape) (1John 3:16; Acts 20:28).
The Lord has earlier promised to make a new covenant with His people or nation (Jer 31:31). This covenant is called COVENANT OF AGAPE (love) Eph 5:25).
That commitment is likened to the betrothal of a bridegroom who rejoices over His bride (Isa. 62:4-5). For the Lord likened Himself to a husband to His people (nation) (Jer. 31:32, NIV), and the radiant Church as His bride (Eph 5:26-27). The Covenant of Agape is a superior covenant (Heb 8:16).
Faithful Entry to the Covenant
The seven (7) bishops were borne out of a barren woman (1 Sam. 2:5). They entered the covenant through the seven steps towards sanctification. This brought “perfect oneness, perfection of beauty, the seven are one,” which means that the seven bishops as instruments of God are overseeing and ministering the Church as one (Ps 50:2; 1Cor 13:10). The faithful became part of that “Covenant of Agape,” first the seven bishops’ entry into the covenant, then followed by the other parts of the body (the Church) of Christ Jesus.
Forgiveness
The Covenant of Agape has rendered the wickedness and sins of His people forgiven (Heb 8:12). For the sake of that love, the Lord has put all sins of His people behind His back (Isa 38:17). Their transgressions are forgiven; their sins were covered, and will never be counted against them (Rom 4:7-8).
Equality
God’s people (Church or nation) were bought by the blood of Christ Jesus (Acts 20:28). Each one of His people has received the same promises and destiny (Rev. 20:6; 1 John 2:25).
The children of God are those who have faith in Christ Jesus were baptized into Christ (that is the body of Christ, the Church) (Gal. 3:26-27). They are truly equal in the eyes of the Lord for there is neither race, slave nor free, nor gender, for they are all one in Christ Jesus (Gal. 3:28).
One demonstration of such equality is the supply by those who have plenty to those who are needy (2 Cor. 8:14, NIV) in the Church through the Church ministration (2 Cor. 9:12-15).
Another demonstration of equality is the humbleness required of a Christian as those invited to a marriage feast regardless of their stature in this world (Luke 14:7-11).
