The “If” of Covenant Is Returning
Bible Study | Covenant & Obedience
Introduction: The Urgency of “If”
We are living in a generation that clings to the promises of God—yet forgets the pathway that leads to them. "God's promises are unconditional!" we shout, while the very Word of God declares again and again:
“If you walk in My ways…”
“If you keep My commandments…”
“If you humble yourselves…”
“If you abide in Me…”
That little word—if—is not optional. It is the holy line between blessing and judgment, between intimacy and estrangement, between being called and being chosen.
This is not legalism. This is love.
Yahweh never offered covenant without commitment. The covenant is not a free-for-all—it’s a holy invitation. A two-way relationship where faithfulness births fruit, and obedience brings us into the fullness of His presence.
In this study, we will look at what the Bible truly says about the conditions of God’s promises, and how Yahushua’s fulfillment of the covenant calls us not to lawlessness—but to deeper faithfulness.
1. Covenant Was Always Conditional
From the beginning, Yahweh’s relationship with mankind was built on covenant—and covenants have terms.
“And Yahweh Elohim commanded the man, saying, ‘Eat of every tree of the garden, but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you do not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall certainly die.’”
— Berěshith (Genesis) 2:16–17 (TSR2009)
The blessings of Eden were conditional. The fall came when those terms were broken. This pattern repeats throughout Scripture:
Noah: “Walk before Me, and be perfect” (Genesis 6:9)
Abraham: “Walk before Me and be perfect, and I shall make My covenant between Me and you” (Genesis 17:1–2)
Israel: “Now then, if you diligently obey My voice and shall guard My covenant, then you shall be My treasured possession…” (Exodus 19:5)
The condition was always obedience rooted in relationship.
The Sacrifice of Isaac
Giovanni Domenico Tiepolo
2. The “IF” Scriptures: A Biblical Survey
Here are just a few of the “IF” statements in Scripture:
“If you diligently obey the voice of Yahweh your Elohim, to guard to do all His commands… then Yahweh your Elohim shall set you high above all nations.” — Deḇarim (Deuteronomy) 28:1
“If My people who are called by My Name shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek My face, and turn from their evil ways, then I shall hear from the heavens, and forgive their sin, and heal their land.” — 2 Chronicles 7:14
“If you abide in Me, and My Words abide in you, you shall ask whatever you wish, and it shall be done for you.” — Yoḥanan (John) 15:7
“If we confess our sins, He is trustworthy and righteous to forgive us…” — 1 Yoḥanan 1:9
“If you love Me, you shall guard My commands.” — Yoḥanan (John) 14:15
The “if” is not a burden. It is the evidence of relationship, and a requirement of covenant and proof of obedience.
IF YOU DO NOT MEET THESE CONDITIONS YOU ARE NOT IN COVENANT.
IF you wonder if you’re saved, you’re probably not.
IF you wonder if you’re in covenant, you’re probably not.
To put it simply: do you know if you’re married? Do you know if you’re loved?
3. Not Legalism—Love
Legalism says: I obey to earn love.
Covenant says: I obey because I am loved.
Yahushua did not come to abolish the covenant, but to fulfill it (Matthew 5:17).
He lived out the terms of perfect faithfulness so we could be reconciled to the Father. But now, through His Spirit, we are called to walk as He walked (1 John 2:6).
“By this we know that we know Him: if we guard His commands.”
— 1 Yoḥanan (1 John) 2:3
Grace is not an excuse to live outside His ways—it is the power to walk in them.
4. The Call to Return: Spirit and Truth
Yahweh is not seeking those who simply believe—He seeks those who worship in Spirit and Truth (John 4:23–24). His Spirit guides us into Truth (John 16:13), and Truth is defined by His Word (Psalm 119:160).
To return to Him is to return to His ways—not just His blessings.
Let us not be a generation that demands promises without intimacy.
Closing Prayer
Father Yahweh,
We come before You with humble hearts.
Forgive us for every time we claimed Your promises
but refused to walk in Your ways.
We do not want blessing without obedience,
or provision without intimacy.
Teach us to love Your Word.
Write Your covenant upon our hearts.
Let Your Spirit guide us into all Truth.
And restore the fear of Yahweh in our generation.
We return to the "if"—
not in fear,
but in love.
Not to earn salvation,
but to honor the One who saved us.
In the Name of Yahushua our Messiah,
Amen ➕ Amen!!
GRACE Method: A Bible Study Reflection
G – Ground Yourself in Scripture
Read 1 Yoḥanan (1 John) 2:3–6.
What does this reveal about how we know we belong to Yahushua?
R – Reflect on the Context
What was happening in Israel’s history when Yahweh said, “If My people will humble themselves…” (2 Chronicles 7:14)?
Why was this condition so important?
A – Apply to Your Life
Is there an area of your life where you’ve expected God’s blessing, but not walked in obedience?
What might repentance and restoration look like?
C – Commune with God
Pray and ask the Ruach ha’Qodesh (Holy Spirit) to reveal any areas of compromise or half-heartedness.
Write what you hear.
E – Exalt God
Write a short praise declaring Yahweh’s faithfulness even when we falter.
How has He patiently called you back?
Worship Songs for Reflection
“To Obey Is Better” – Shane & Shane
“Spirit and Truth” – People & Songs
“The Way (New Horizon)” – Pat Barrett
Use these songs during your quiet time or as background while journaling.
Share Your Faith
Have you experienced a moment where Yahweh clearly showed you the “IF” in your walk with Him? A time where He called you back—not out of condemnation, but out of covenant love?
Share your testimony below or with someone today.
Let your return become someone else’s invitation home.
Declaration of Faith
I choose to walk in the covenant of Yahweh.
I will not cling to promises without pursuing the Person of Yah.
I declare that my obedience is worship, and my surrender is love.
By the power of Yahushua’s Spirit, I will walk in His ways.
In Yahushua’s Name, Amen.
Fuel the Mission – Just like a warm cup of coffee fuels the body, your support fuels our mission to share God’s Word with the world. Every contribution helps cover the costs of running this ministry—keeping Bible study resources, articles, and printables free for everyone, regardless of income or resources. Your generosity allows us to continue creating faith-filled content, ensuring that no one is hindered from deepening their walk with Christ. If you’ve been blessed by what you’ve found here, consider helping us fuel the mission so we can keep spreading His truth far and wide.
