By Max Shimba, Servant of Jesus Christ
Max Shimba Ministries Org ©2016. All Rights Reserved.
Abstract
This paper explores the theological significance and divine necessity of the New Covenant as revealed in the Bible. It addresses critical questions regarding the relationship between the Old and New Covenants, their continuity, and fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Through detailed scriptural references, it affirms that the New Covenant offers the ultimate and eternal relationship between humanity and God, inaugurated through the redemptive sacrifice of Christ.
Introduction: Is There a Difference Between the Old and New Covenants?
One of the fundamental questions in biblical theology is: Is there a difference between the Old Covenant and the New Covenant? And why did God establish a New Covenant?
In this study, we will examine these crucial questions and provide a detailed explanation of the relationship between the two covenants as presented in Scripture. We will also seek to answer: What does the Holy Bible mean when it speaks of a New Covenant between God and humanity?
The New Covenant as the Pathway to Eternal Life
The New Covenant is God’s ultimate answer for humanity and the only doorway to eternal life after death. As written in Jeremiah 31:33,
“But this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, declares the LORD: I will put my law within them, and I will write it on their hearts. And I will be their God, and they shall be my people.”
The New Covenant was established through Jesus Christ. Luke 22:20 says:
“Likewise also the cup after supper, saying, This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is shed for you.”
This covenant is based on better promises, mediated by a superior High Priest, and anchored in a heavenly sanctuary. Hebrews 8:6 explains:
“But now He has obtained a more excellent ministry, by as much as He is also the mediator of a better covenant, which has been enacted on better promises.”
Through Jesus Christ, we approach God directly without a human mediator. Hebrews 7:22 declares:
“Because of this oath, Jesus has become the guarantor of a better covenant.”
The Old Covenant as the Foundation of the New Covenant
Although the Bible is one unified book, there are distinct differences between the Old and New Covenants. However, they complement one another. The Old Covenant provides the foundation, and the New Covenant builds upon that foundation with fuller revelation from God.
The Old Covenant established divine laws and sacrificial systems, which prefigured the truths later fulfilled in the New Covenant. It contains many prophecies that find their fulfillment in the New Covenant.
Whereas the Old Covenant focused on the nation of Israel, the New Covenant centers on the person of Jesus Christ. The former emphasized God’s wrath against sin (within the context of His grace), while the latter emphasizes God’s grace towards sinners (within the context of His justice).
The Old Covenant Foretells the Coming of Jesus, Immanuel
The Old Covenant anticipated the coming of the Messiah. Isaiah 53 vividly prophesies the suffering of the Servant of the Lord. In John 4:25–26, Jesus confirms He is that long-awaited Messiah.
The Old Covenant gave the Law; the New Covenant reveals how Jesus Christ fulfilled the Law (Matthew 5:17; Hebrews 10:9).
While divine judgment in the Old Covenant was focused on Israel, the New Covenant speaks of judgment concerning the Church (Matthew 16:18).
Physical blessings promised in the Old Covenant (Deuteronomy 29:9) give way to spiritual blessings under the New Covenant (Ephesians 1:3).
Clarification of Messianic Prophecies in the New Covenant
The Old Covenant presented Messianic prophecies in a compressed form. For example, Isaiah 53 speaks of the Messiah’s suffering, while Isaiah 26 speaks of the establishment of His kingdom, without indicating a time gap between the two.
The New Covenant clarifies this, revealing that the Messiah would come twice:
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The First Coming – to suffer, die, and resurrect.
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The Second Coming – to reign as King of kings (Revelation 19:16).
The Forgiveness of Sins in the New Covenant
One of the central features of the New Covenant is the forgiveness of sins. Hebrews 9:14–15 teaches:
“How much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without blemish to God, cleanse your conscience from dead works to serve the living God? For this reason He is the mediator of a new covenant, so that, since a death has taken place for the redemption of the transgressions committed under the first covenant, those who have been called may receive the promise of the eternal inheritance.”
Jesus, as High Priest, offered a once-for-all sacrifice, replacing the continuous sacrifices of the Old Covenant. The Passover lamb of the Old Covenant (Ezra 6:20) is fulfilled in the Lamb of God, Jesus Christ (John 1:29).
The Purpose of the Law and Human Need for Salvation
The Law, given under the Old Covenant, was never intended to save but to expose humanity’s need for salvation. As Romans 3:19 says:
“Now we know that whatever the Law says, it speaks to those who are under the Law, so that every mouth may be closed and all the world may become accountable to God.”
The Old Covenant saw Adam’s fall and man’s exile from Eden, while the New Covenant presents Jesus as the Second Adam, who restores access to paradise.
The Old Covenant shows separation due to sin (Genesis 3), and the New Covenant reveals the means of reconciliation through Jesus Christ (Romans 3–6).
The Old Covenant predicted the life of the Messiah. The Gospels record His life, and the Epistles interpret His work and call us to respond in faith and obedience.
Summary and Theological Significance
The Old Covenant establishes the groundwork for the coming Messiah who would offer His life for the sins of the world (1 John 2:2). The New Covenant records the ministry of Jesus Christ and reflects on what He has accomplished, calling us to respond in faith.
Both Covenants affirm a holy, just, and merciful God who condemns sin but offers salvation to sinners through a substitutionary sacrifice. In both, God reveals Himself and invites humanity to come to Him by faith (Genesis 15:6; Ephesians 2:8).
God’s command in the New Covenant is clear in Hebrews 8:10:
“For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, declares the Lord: I will put my laws into their minds and write them on their hearts. And I will be their God, and they shall be my people.”
Conclusion: Eternal Life is Only in Jesus Christ
There is no eternal life apart from Jesus Christ. As Acts 4:12 states:
“Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.”
Jesus affirms in John 14:6–7:
“I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me. If you really know Me, you will know My Father as well. From now on, you do know Him and have seen Him.”
This is the New and Everlasting Covenant in the blood of Jesus, through which we receive eternal life.
May the Lord bless you richly.
Max Shimba, Servant of Jesus Christ
For Max Shimba Ministries Org
April 16, 2016
Everyone is permitted to copy and distribute verbatim copies of this document, but altering it is not allowed.
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