By Dorothea Garner
In order to gain a thorough understanding of the old covenant vs new covenant, a person must first realize that the Bible is comprised of two distinct sections: the New Testament and the Old Testament. Understanding what covenants are is also important. They are binding agreements or contracts between parties with stipulations and promises.
The book of Hebrews in the Bible clearly teaches that Jesus Christ established a new contract after his crucifixion. In the seventh chapter of Hebrews it states that the "old covenant", meaning the rules and regulations under which individuals lived before the crucifixion, had passed away. The new contract, which began when Jesus arose from the grave, is the one under which Christians have been living from until this present day.
The guidelines outlined for Christians today are very different from those located in the Old Testament. An example of this would be the fact that under the former contract, a blood sacrifice was required by God in order for one to atone for sins. However, under the new contract, atoning for sins with a sacrifice is not necessary, as this is the purpose for which Jesus died. The Bible says he made the supreme sacrifice and took the punishment for the world's sins on himself.
This is the basis for the new covenant, under which if one sins, he or she can simply ask God for forgiveness, as long as this is done in the name of Jesus. The New Testament contains an entire book that has been dedicated to this subject. This book is Galatians, which was written by God's hand through the Apostle Paul. It refers to the Age of Grace, instead of the law, which began when Jesus rose from the grave.
In Romans chapter 7, more information is provided about the former contract versus the current contract. In contemporary English, it would state something similar to the following: "We are saved from the law's penalty and can enjoy God's grace, rather than having to atone for our own sins with a blood sacrifice."
Many modern religious groups fail to distinguish between the two primary sections of the Bible: the Old Testament given by God to Moses for the Jewish race, as stated in the fifth chapter of Deuteronomy, versus the New Testament contract, given to all of mankind directly from Jesus Christ, as stated in the 11th chapter of Matthew.
Failing to distinguish between these two main covenants often leads to considerable confusion about a variety of issues. For example, although Christians are still expected to abide by the 10 Commandments, which were given to Moses for the Jews in the Old Testament, the New Testament clearly states that if one "loves his neighbor as himself" he has fulfilled all the commandments. As most people are aware of, the word "He" refers to mankind as a whole, meaning both men and women.
Studying the old covenant vs new covenant (http://www.churchofgodcolumbiana.com/what-iswas-the-old-covenant.html) is an engaging activity. A wonderful place to begin for those interested in the subject is to read Hebrews, a New Testament book, and Leviticus, an Old Testament Book. The former has essentially replaced the latter, and reading through the two books is the best way to gain a thorough understanding of the topic.
About the Author:
For detailed explanation of old covenant vs new covenant, see the recommended website at www.churchofgodcolumbiana.com today. To get further info check out our homepage at http://www.churchofgodcolumbiana.com now.
In order to gain a thorough understanding of the old covenant vs new covenant, a person must first realize that the Bible is comprised of two distinct sections: the New Testament and the Old Testament. Understanding what covenants are is also important. They are binding agreements or contracts between parties with stipulations and promises.
The book of Hebrews in the Bible clearly teaches that Jesus Christ established a new contract after his crucifixion. In the seventh chapter of Hebrews it states that the "old covenant", meaning the rules and regulations under which individuals lived before the crucifixion, had passed away. The new contract, which began when Jesus arose from the grave, is the one under which Christians have been living from until this present day.
The guidelines outlined for Christians today are very different from those located in the Old Testament. An example of this would be the fact that under the former contract, a blood sacrifice was required by God in order for one to atone for sins. However, under the new contract, atoning for sins with a sacrifice is not necessary, as this is the purpose for which Jesus died. The Bible says he made the supreme sacrifice and took the punishment for the world's sins on himself.
This is the basis for the new covenant, under which if one sins, he or she can simply ask God for forgiveness, as long as this is done in the name of Jesus. The New Testament contains an entire book that has been dedicated to this subject. This book is Galatians, which was written by God's hand through the Apostle Paul. It refers to the Age of Grace, instead of the law, which began when Jesus rose from the grave.
In Romans chapter 7, more information is provided about the former contract versus the current contract. In contemporary English, it would state something similar to the following: "We are saved from the law's penalty and can enjoy God's grace, rather than having to atone for our own sins with a blood sacrifice."
Many modern religious groups fail to distinguish between the two primary sections of the Bible: the Old Testament given by God to Moses for the Jewish race, as stated in the fifth chapter of Deuteronomy, versus the New Testament contract, given to all of mankind directly from Jesus Christ, as stated in the 11th chapter of Matthew.
Failing to distinguish between these two main covenants often leads to considerable confusion about a variety of issues. For example, although Christians are still expected to abide by the 10 Commandments, which were given to Moses for the Jews in the Old Testament, the New Testament clearly states that if one "loves his neighbor as himself" he has fulfilled all the commandments. As most people are aware of, the word "He" refers to mankind as a whole, meaning both men and women.
Studying the old covenant vs new covenant (http://www.churchofgodcolumbiana.com/what-iswas-the-old-covenant.html) is an engaging activity. A wonderful place to begin for those interested in the subject is to read Hebrews, a New Testament book, and Leviticus, an Old Testament Book. The former has essentially replaced the latter, and reading through the two books is the best way to gain a thorough understanding of the topic.
About the Author:
For detailed explanation of old covenant vs new covenant, see the recommended website at www.churchofgodcolumbiana.com today. To get further info check out our homepage at http://www.churchofgodcolumbiana.com now.