What is a covenant in Scripture like according to Les?
A covenant in Scripture is always a one-way street: every covenant begins and ends with God, and men cannot touch it. They cannot enlarge on it or subtract from it. Even when the covenant seems weak from man's standpoint, once confirmed, no man disannuls or adds to it.
Les explains that the Apostle is speaking after the manner of men, making the point that from humanity's standpoint the Law was weak and beggarly and could not get the job done. That shocks people, because we normally think of the Law as perfect, holy, and righteous—and it is—but from the human standpoint it was powerless and could only point the finger of condemnation at mankind. Yet since it is a covenant, a covenant in Scripture is always a one-way street. Every covenant begins and ends with God, and men cannot touch it. They cannot enlarge on it or subtract from it. Even though from man's standpoint it is weak and beggarly, if it is confirmed, no man disannuls it or adds to it.
Brethren, I speak after the manner of men; Though it be but a man’s covenant, yet if it be confirmed, no man disannulleth, or addeth thereto.