I ask this question to see what most believe. I believe it is important to understand this topic.
Bible Dictionary
Covenant definition
a contract or agreement between two parties. In the Old Testament the Hebrew word _berith_ is always thus translated. _Berith_ is derived from a root which means "to cut," and hence a covenant is a "cutting," with reference to the cutting or dividing of animals into two parts, and the contracting parties passing between them, in making a covenant (Gen. 15; Jer. 34:18, 19). The corresponding word in the New Testament Greek is _diatheke_, which is, however, rendered "testament" generally in the Authorized Version. It ought to be rendered, just as the word _berith_ of the Old Testament, "covenant." This word is used (1) of a covenant or compact between man and man (Gen. 21:32), or between tribes or nations (1 Sam. 11:1; Josh. 9:6, 15). In entering into a convenant, Jehovah was solemnly called on to witness the transaction (Gen. 31:50), and hence it was called a "covenant of the Lord" (1 Sam. 20:8). The marriage compact is called "the covenant of God" (Prov. 2:17), because the marriage was made in God's name. Wicked men are spoken of as acting as if they had made a "covenant with death" not to destroy them, or with hell not to devour them (Isa. 28:15, 18). (2.) The word is used with reference to God's revelation of himself in the way of promise or of favour to men. Thus God's promise to Noah after the Flood is called a covenant (Gen. 9; Jer. 33:20, "my covenant"). We have an account of God's covernant with Abraham (Gen. 17, comp. Lev. 26:42), of the covenant of the priesthood (Num. 25:12, 13; Deut. 33:9; Neh. 13:29), and of the covenant of Sinai (Ex. 34:27, 28; Lev. 26:15), which was afterwards renewed at different times in the history of Israel (Deut. 29; Josh. 1:24; 2 Chr. 15; 23; 29; 34; Ezra 10; Neh. 9). In conformity with human custom, God's covenant is said to be confirmed with an oath (Deut. 4:31; Ps. 89:3), and to be accompanied by a sign (Gen. 9; 17). Hence the covenant is called God's "counsel," "oath," "promise" (Ps. 89:3, 4; 105:8-11; Heb. 6:13-20; Luke 1:68-75). God's covenant consists wholly in the bestowal of blessing (Isa. 59:21; Jer. 31:33, 34). The term covenant is also used to designate the regular succession of day and night (Jer. 33:20), the Sabbath (Ex. 31:16), circumcision (Gen. 17:9, 10), and in general any ordinance of God (Jer. 34:13, 14). A "covenant of salt" signifies an everlasting covenant, in the sealing or ratifying of which salt, as an emblem of perpetuity, is used (Num. 18:19; Lev. 2:13; 2 Chr. 13:5). COVENANT OF WORKS, the constitution under which Adam was placed at his creation. In this covenant, (1.) The contracting parties were (a) God the moral Governor, and (b) Adam, a free moral agent, and representative of all his natural posterity (Rom. 5:12-19). (2.) The promise was "life" (Matt. 19:16, 17; Gal. 3:12). (3.) The condition was perfect obedience to the law, the test in this case being abstaining from eating the fruit of the "tree of knowledge," etc. (4.) The penalty was death (Gen. 2:16, 17). This covenant is also called a covenant of nature, as made with man in his natural or unfallen state; a covenant of life, because "life" was the promise attached to obedience; and a legal covenant, because it demanded perfect obedience to the law. The "tree of life" was the outward sign and seal of that life which was promised in the covenant, and hence it is usually called the seal of that covenant. This covenant is abrogated under the gospel, inasmuch as Christ has fulfilled all its conditions in behalf of his people, and now offers salvation on the condition of faith. It is still in force, however, as it rests on the immutable justice of God, and is binding on all who have not fled to Christ and accepted his righteousness. CONVENANT OF GRACE, the eternal plan of redemption entered into by the three persons of the Godhead, and carried out by them in its several parts. In it the Father represented the Godhead in its indivisible sovereignty, and the Son his people as their surety (John 17:4, 6, 9; Isa. 42:6; Ps. 89:3). The conditions of this covenant were, (1.) On the part of the Father (a) all needful preparation to the Son for the accomplishment of his work (Heb. 10:5; Isa. 42:1-7); (b) support in the work (Luke 22:43); and (c) a glorious reward in the exaltation of Christ when his work was done (Phil. 2:6-11), his investiture with universal dominion (John 5:22; Ps. 110:1), his having the administration of the covenant committed into his hands (Matt. 28:18; John 1:12; 17:2; Acts 2:33), and in the final salvation of all his people (Isa. 35:10; 53:10, 11; Jer. 31:33; Titus 1:2). (2.) On the part of the Son the conditions were (a) his becoming incarnate (Gal. 4:4, 5); and (b) as the second Adam his representing all his people, assuming their place and undertaking all their obligations under the violated covenant of works; (c) obeying the law (Ps. 40:8; Isa. 42:21; John 9:4, 5), and (d) suffering its penalty (Isa. 53; 2 Cor. 5:21; Gal. 3:13), in their stead. Christ, the mediator of, fulfils all its conditions in behalf of his people, and dispenses to them all its blessings. In Heb. 8:6; 9:15; 12:24, this title is given to Christ. (See DISPENSATION.)
Easton's 1897 Bible Dictionary
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In response to your question, hope this is what you're seeking in answer. I would like to think that the New Covenant came into effect the moment God called a board meeting in heaven with Himself, Jesus, and His Holy Spirit, and decided that He need to do something, by coming to earth to save what He had created (mankind).
I would say, of course others may have a diffenert view, by spiritually speaking, I would have to say this is when the New covenant came into effect.
Case in point: As I always say, God knows the end of everything and how things are going to turn out, BEFORE He starts the BEGINNING of anything. Therefore, when you take a look at The Old Testament prophets and what they spoke, they have already given us a "SHADOW OF THINGS TO COME" come for the New Covenant according to what God spoke to them, waaaay before Jesus (GOD) came to earth. They also have told us about what is to come the second time around when Jesus returns to set up His kingdom on earth.
The book of Isaiah gives us insight into everything we need to know about the New Covenant(Jesus) that would take place fulfilling God's promises to Abraham and for His people. As according to, Matthew chapter 1: And she shall bring forth a son, and you shall call His name JESUS (Yehushun in Hebrew), and He shall SAVE His people from their sins. To me this is when the New Covenant came into effect.
Throughout the book of Isaiah, we find Isaiah prophesying about things to come, and especially, in Chaptersr 9- 11, we find him speaking about Jesus' birth, and it was fulfilled 14 generation later. Spiritually, for me, this is when the New Covenant came into effect, and will stay in effect unitl Jesus returns, because HE IS THE NEW COVENANT. This si why Paul and even Jesus states that He came to fulfill the the law, Jesus is the law of the old and new covenant. He is the Covenant!
I'm sure many others have different views on this matter, and that's a good thing becaue this is how we all come into the knowledge of Jesus Christ, and our faith is strengthened through discussions and debates... not of nonessentials, but of those thing essential and pretaining to growing in the faith.
I guess I was not very clear, when we speak of the New Covenant, it is the same as we same new testament, the covenant we are presently under.
We should know and understand this truth for several reasons.
We know blood had to be shed when any covenant was cut.
Most Christians seem to believe the gospels is the New Covenant, but Jesus was under the old Covenant when he ministered on the earth.
In any Covenant with the lord there is always God's side and man's side.
I believe there is much for the church to learn and understand concerning covenant.
Too many times believers see themselves, as the first disciples and these had not yet received the new birth and gone on to receive the holy spirit
When you know your responsibility's according to covenant, it will revolutionize your life.
This is why many do not understand why one can turn their back on God and eventually lose their salvation.
Notice what Jesus said in :Joh 16:23 And in that day ye shall ask me nothing. Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, he will give it you. Notice Jesus said in that day, here he was talking about when the new covenant was in effect, we would pray in his name to the father.
I didn't know where you were going with this... I was starting at the beginning when God first promised a new covenant. Therefore, spiritually the new covenant was/is to be written on our hearts. Jesus knew his purpose for coming to earth to die for our sins before he came,. His death and the shedding of his blood fulfilled the covenant to the church and the covenant to Israle has yet to be fulfilled when all of Israel is saved. Hebrews chapter 8.
Isaiah chapter 9-11 sees the promised covenant to the church and Israel in Christ's birth, and then again in his death in chapter 53, before he even came to earth.
Mat 26:28 For this is My blood of the New Covenant which concerning many is being poured out for remission of sins.
Heb 9:13 For if the blood of bulls and of goats, and the ashes of a heifer sprinkling the unclean, sanctifieth to the purifying of the flesh:
Heb 9:14 How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?
Heb 9:15 And for this cause he is the mediator of the new testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance.
Heb 9:16 For where a testament is, there must also of necessity be the death of the testator.
Heb 9:17 For a testament is of force after men are dead: otherwise it is of no strength at all while the testator liveth.
I believe the entire Bible was written in heaven before it was ever written on earth so the New Covenant was in existence prior to the creation. However it did not become effective or enforceable until Jesus died on the cross.
