A good example to demonstrate that “relationship precedes rules” is found in Exodus, Chapter 20. This chapter is the one in which God gives the 10 Commandments. We notice, however, that before God begins that list of commandments, He reminds His people of their relationship to Him. He says, “I am the LORD your God, Who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery.” Before the LORD gave the commandments He established Himself as their deliverer from slavery. Then, on the basis of that relationship, He told this freed nation that He wanted them to keep a specific list of rules while they enjoyed the relationship with Him. 

We see the same principle occurring in the New Testament. Take, for example, Paul’s letter to the Roman Christians. The first eleven chapters of this letter declare the significance of why Jesus Christ came to earth and died. Not until chapter twelve does God begin to give detailed instructions about how this Gospel should affect the moral behavior of those in the church. Again, I want to suggest that God, first of all, desires a relationship with people and then, because of that relationship, He commands people to act in a certain way. 

In the Bible, the word ‘relationship’ is not found, but the word ‘covenant’ is a very prominent term. A ‘covenant’ is an agreement between to parties that results in a relationship. A covenant contains elements of both blessing and responsibility. In Biblical history, if one of the parties in a covenant failed to meet the obligations of the agreement, the covenant-breaker suffered death as the penalty. When God initiated a covenant, it was to establish a relationship between Himself and the people He created. 

Now, because God is the Creator of the world, there was a covenant established at creation. It was necessary for God to bring man into existence before He could announce the terms for the relationship. In this first Creation Covenant, God said in effect to the first man, “If you obey My rules, you will live forever.” Because the first man did not obey his Creator’s instructions, the first covenant was broken, and man, the covenant-breaker, made himself liable to death. Adam’s rebellion resulted in a broken relationship. 

The noteworthy result was that God came looking for Adam, desiring not to kill him, but to discipline him and give the promise of a restored relationship. So, after sin had entered the world, we find God putting into effect another covenant, which we call a Covenant of Grace. In this newer covenant, or Testament, we see Jesus Christ coming down from the eternal heaven and at the cross, paying the death penalty for the covenant-breaker. In effect, God Himself was fulfilling the covenant obligations for both parties out of His love and mercy. While not compromising His holiness, He again offers the opportunity for close relationship with people. 

Today you and I have the potential for relationship with God, both as Creator and Redeemer. Because our lives are given by God, all people are accountable to Him. One day each of us will stand before His judgment seat to give an account for what we have done. That day will be a fearful one indeed for those who have neglected a relationship with Jesus Christ; and who have never taken an interest in the Covenant of Grace. You see, in order to be saved for eternity, one must not only enjoy a relationship with God as Creator, but also with Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. 

The Bible is not primarily a book of rules and regulations. It is, first of all, the story of how a person can have an intimate relationship with God. You and I can experience that relationship due to the covenant-keeping work of Jesus Christ. He perfectly kept all the rules for us, and He suffered the punishment for all the rules we have broken. 

For the one who is in close covenant relationship with Christ, God’s commandments will not be burdensome, but delightful! They give a person purpose, assurance and freedom. Then the Bible tells us, “With our eyes wide open to God’s mercy, we may offer our bodies to Him as living sacrifices and so prove that His will for our lives is good, that it meets all His demands, and that it moves us toward the goal of true maturity (Romans 12:1,2).” In relationship with Christ as our Savior, His rules become our delight.