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The New Covenant
When the people of Israel were rescued from slavery in Egypt by the Lord, He established a covenant with them that would be impossible to keep. In His perfect timing, God revealed the New Covenant to take its place. Caroline reads from Exodus, Jeremiah, and Luke in this episode comparing the first conditional covenant with the unconditional eternal covenant. Below is a 10-point comparison between the old and the new. Thanks be to Christ, our Lord!
| Old Covenant (Exodus 19:1-7) | New Covenant (Jeremiah 31:31-34) |
| Established at specific time (Exodus 19:1). After leaving Egypt. | To be established “on that day” – no specific time announced. (Jeremiah 31:31) Jesus’s death and resurrection established it. |
| God’s instructions were contained in the “Book of the Covenant” – the Ten Commandments and other laws. (Exodus 20:1, 24:7) | God’s instructions are written on our hearts. (Jeremiah 31:33) “Instructions” implies we are to follow God’s expectations, commands, and directions, but not in a legalistic sense. |
| Conditional covenant: Israel agreed to obey. God promised to make them his people, a kingdom of priests, and a holy nation. (Exodus 19:5-6) | Unconditional covenant: “I will be their God, they will be my people.” (Jeremiah 31:33) We participate in the covenant through faith and God’s grace. (Ephesians 3:6) |
| The people were afraid to talk to God face-to-face. They relied on Moses. (Exodus 20:18) | We can have a personal relationship with God. Jesus is our mediator. (Hebrews 9:15). We can come into God’s presence because of Jesus’ sacrifice on our behalf. |
| The place of worship and sacrifice – the earthly tabernacle (Hebrews 9:1) | Worship anywhere. Jesus entered the heavenly tabernacle. (Hebrews 9:11) |
| Confirmation of covenant: Blood of animals spilled and sprinkled on altar and people (Exodus 24:6-8) | Confirmation of new covenant: The bread and cup, representing Jesus’ body and blood. (Luke 22:20) |
| Covenant required ongoing sacrifices. There were penalties for sin. (The Law; Hebrews 10:3, 11) | Covenant based on a one-time, once-for-all sacrifice. (Hebrews 10:12). We are set free from the penalty for sin. (Hebrews 9:15) |
| Special sacrifices in the Holy of Holies – behind the curtain. (Hebrews 9:3) Only the high priest could enter once a year. | No sacrifices are required accept of ourselves. The curtain was torn when Jesus died. (Matthew 27:50-52) All who believe have access to God. (Ephesians 2:18) |
| Symbols – The Ark of the Covenant: held the manna, staff, and the Ten Commandment tablets. Symbols of God’s covenant to Israel. (Hebrews 9:4) | No earthly symbols needed. The Holy Spirit is our guarantee. (2 Corinthians 1:21-22) There is nothing wrong with symbols and sacraments, but they are not necessary to remind us of God’s covenant. |
| Our sin required sacrifice. | Our sin has been paid for by the blood of Christ. “And I will forgive their wickedness, and I will never again remember their sins.” (Jeremiah 31:34) |
Share your thoughts and insights by posting comments or sending an email to Caroline at caroline@ingodscorner.org.
The All Things New series based on a Bible study written by Caroline S. Cooper. It explores ways we are made new in our Christian faith. The series includes the following episodes:
- Episode 31 – New Life – January 10, 2024
- Episode 32 – New Creation – January 17, 2024
- Episode 33 – New Covenant – January 24, 2024
- Episode 34 – New Heaven and Earth – January 31, 2024
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Caroline S. Cooper (Owner of In God’s Corner Ministry) is a writer, speaker, and podcast/YouTube host whose mission is to offer encouragement for life in a complicated world. Please email your comments, questions, or suggestions to caroline@ingodscorner.org.
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Thank you to Alexandar Lanz for photo (Pixabay)