What can we believe? Who can we trust?

It is within God's character to initiate covenant. It is an exchange of life - "I am yours, and you are mine." This has been God's way with humans always. Understanding the background of covenant in the Old Testament is crucial to grasping Jesus' words as he shared the cup of wine with his disciples on the night he was betrayed: This is the New Covenant in my blood, which is shed for you.