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16 Nov 2024 ~ 5 min read

Old and New Covenant Explained

note Old and New Covenants explained. How big is the New Covenant, are we grafted in?

Table of Contents

Compare the Old Covenant

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  • Made, Genesis 12:1-3 includes:
    • Separation to a unique relationship with God
    • Promises a land
  • Promises a nation of descendants
  • Predicts a place of power and influence among nations

Old Covenant Ratified

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Genesis 15:1-21

  • Expanded
  • Land & descendants
  • Difficulties will be met with the faithfulness of God
  • Certified by faith v. 6
  • Certified by sacrifice

Other Covenants

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  • From the Abrahamic covenant of Gen. 12:1-3
  • Mosaic
  • Davidic

New Covenant predicted in Jeremiah 31:31

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  • Jeremiah 31:31 “Behold, days are coming,” declares the LORD, “when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah.”

New Covenant Instituted

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  • By Whom? Jesus at His birth

  • Taught by Whom? Jesus’ ministry

  • Verified by Whom? Jesus’ miracles

  • Certified by Whom? Jesus death and resurrection

  • In gospels by the Son of God

  • Matthew: Messiah King of Israel 5:17

  • Mark: Suffering servant Redeemer 10:45

  • Luke: Son of Man 19:10

  • John: The Word 20:30-31

  • The apostle writing later, giving a rationale for Christianity

  • To teach a philosophical basis for faith by dialogues

  • Create an apologetic call to faith by signs

New Covenant Proclaimed

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  • In Acts story of spread of the Gospel
  • Acts 1:8, theme for spread of the Gospel
  • Benware, Survey of the New Testament, p. 126
  • Author Luke
  • Compare Acts 1:1 with Luke 1:1 - 5
  • Christianity seeks to be Religio licita
  • 2 Corinthians 3:6 who also made us adequate as servants of a new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.

1. Overview of Covenants

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  • Old Covenant: Rooted in God’s promises to Abraham (Genesis 12:1-3), the covenant is marked by separation into a unique relationship with God, a promised land, and nationhood with influence among nations. The Abrahamic, Mosaic, and Davidic covenants further expand on these promises.
  • New Covenant: Predicted in Jeremiah 31:31, where God declares a new covenant with the house of Israel and Judah. This covenant is ratified by Jesus through His life, ministry, and sacrifice.

2. Fulfillment of Old Covenants in Christ

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Christ fulfills several elements of the Old Covenant:

  • Mosaic Covenant: Jesus affirms the Law and fulfills its moral and ceremonial demands (Matthew 5:17).
  • Davidic Covenant: As the promised eternal King from David’s lineage, Jesus fulfills the messianic expectations.
  • Abrahamic Covenant: Through Christ, all nations are blessed, extending God’s promises to the Gentiles (Galatians 3:14-16).

3. The New Covenant

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  • Instituted by Jesus: Central to the Gospels, particularly at the Last Supper (Luke 22:20, Mark 14:24), where Jesus describes His blood as the seal of the New Covenant.
  • Proclaimed by Apostles: The Acts of the Apostles highlight the spread of this covenant through the Gospel.
  • Features:
    • Internal transformation: God’s law written on hearts (Jeremiah 31:33).
    • Personal knowledge of God without intermediaries.
    • Forgiveness of sins (Jeremiah 31:34).

4. Christians and the New Covenant

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The New Covenant encompasses all believers:

  • Universal Scope: While initially directed to Israel and Judah, the New Covenant extends to Gentiles (Ephesians 2:11-13).
  • Inclusion of Christians: Paul explains that through faith in Christ, Gentiles are grafted into the promises of Israel (Romans 11:17-24).
  • Present Participation and Future Fulfillment:
    • Present: Christians partake in the spiritual blessings of the New Covenant, including forgiveness and the indwelling Spirit.
    • Future: Full realization occurs in Christ’s kingdom when “all Israel will be saved” (Romans 11:26).

5. The New Covenant and the Kingdom

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  • Prophetic Fulfillment: The New Covenant’s ultimate fulfillment aligns with Christ’s second coming and the establishment of His kingdom.
  • Salvation of Israel: Key events like “all of Israel being saved in a day” (Romans 11:26; Isaiah 66:8) signify the final culmination.

Writing Tips

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  1. Structure: Begin with a comparison of the Old and New Covenants, followed by the theological implications of Christ fulfilling the Old and instituting the New.
  2. Scriptural Support: Use key passages such as Jeremiah 31:31-34, Luke 22:20, Romans 11, and Hebrews 8.
  3. Scholarly Integration: Consider referencing theological insights about the continuity and discontinuity between covenants.

This framework synthesizes your document with biblical theology and historical understanding, providing a comprehensive starting point for your paper.