What is a covenant, as far as Christians are concerned? Is God a covenant keeping God? And if so, does God have requirements for us as members in that covenant he has established? How then is the education of our children affected by being covenant keepers? Can we teach our children using a "covenantal approach" to education?

Most of us would agree that God has initiated a relationship with His people sealed by the finished work of His Son, Jesus Christ. This Covenant of Grace is thankfully, not based on our works, our faith alone binds us to it. We see throughout Scripture that God speaks in covenantal language, "They will be my people and I will be their God." (Jeremiah 32:38.). "I establish my covenant with you: Never again will all life be cut by the waters of a flood..." (Genesis 9:11 a). Many theologians have seen this covenant relationship from eternity past to present. God has been, is and will be faithful to His Covenant relationship with us. He will save us from our sins, sustain and protect us, enable us to grow up in our faith and guarantee us an eternal home in heaven.

We know there are many benefits for a faithful walk, but do we have any covenantal responsibilities or requirements for those who do not obey and/or repent of their sins? We see throughout Scripture that there are indeed severe consequences for being covenant breakers. For Adam, the consequences and curse of breaking the covenant affect us today. Parents and children must understand that God has redeemed us (purchased us) for a price, out of the of sin. God expects and requires that we "walk and abide in Him". God desires and enables us to live in covenant fellowship with Him.

 If we look at our Christian educational system today we see many "good" things being taught. But the framework by which these things are being taught is not understood by parents or children - a covenantal framework is sadly missing. Most Bible believing people acknowledge that God alone is responsible for our salvation. But, of course, it doesn't stop there. God also has given to us His word as away to pattern our living, learning from it how to love and obey God. The Holy Spirit prompts us to confess wrong-doing to stay in covenant with others around us and God.

Many people have forgotten the covenantal responsibilities of the church and parents in our sanctification process. We have sadly become covenant breakers. The leadership of the church is clearly responsible to its members and adherents to instruct by example and precept in how to keep the covenant. True salvation is absolutely of the Lord, but without proper instruction congregations dissolve, marriages dissolve and relationships dissolve.

 Parents must reinforce what is being taught at the Bible-believing church. Children learn by example even more than they learn from reading and study. If our homes do not reflect God's glory, then the television set, sports, music, human relationships/ needs and a myriad of other special things will crowd God out and leave us with secular children (within the church).

How can CMI help to ensure that the education and teaching your children are receiving is covenantal? How can we be helpful to teachers and parents in instructing the children under their care?

      1. The catechetical method that we build each of our lessons around, ensures the basics of the faith are being correctly taught.

      2. By incorporating into the lesson Bible memory verses, Bible verse songs, Bible lessons, review games and crafts (creative expressions) to underlay and emphasize the biblical doctrine of truth, the foundation is firmly laid. I like the analogy, we wire the house and the Holy Spirit flicks the switch. (Note: CMI's "Bible Building Blocks of the Faith", Series E, Covenants and Promises, has been recently rewritten, expanded and greatly improved. Even if you have an older Series E you will want to see the new one.)

       3. CMI can "teach teachers (and parents) to teach about Christ." We will be happy to do a seminar for your church to help you ensure that the covenant will be understood. Children must learn that we have a covenantal relationship with God that has enormous benefits for the believer, but within the covenant there are consequences for covenant breakers. If the children are not taught, then they will learn only by experience that all sin (whether now or in the future) has tragic consequences.