How are we living in the old and new covenant?

Discussion question for May 27, 2011.

The old covenant is represented by the Mosaic law and taught in the Old Testament.  The new covenant was made through the life of Jesus and taught in the New Testament.  How has the believer’s relationship with God changed because of the new covenant?  What remaining impact is there in your life from the old covenant?  How do you live your life because of it?

One Comment

  1. Calvin Tadema says:

    The Old Covenant predates the Mosaic Law, it is a promise that began between God and Adam and Eve, especially after the fall into sin. Since that time, the Old Testament reveals more details of the covenant as it is explained to Abraham, Israel, Moses, and the Prophets. The greatest amount of written description of the Old Covenant is contained in the Law.

    Paul writes that the law “kills” because we can’t keep our part of the covenant by being obedient. The Old Covenant no longer works in a way that would allow us to earn righteousness – rather it requires that we combine our righteous acts with faith in God.

    The commandments come with promises and warnings. These are general principles that apply much like an actuarial table. “Honor your father and mother” is linked to a promise that you will “live long…” Eat these foods, and don’t eat those are descriptive of healthy living. Rest on the Sabbath, observe Jubilee, fast from food, and don’t touch certain things also lead to healthy living. These general principles apply to everyone in general, but are not the same as a personal promise. Your performance may vary; so a person that has honored their parents may still meet with an accident and die young.

    In a way, the Old Covenant is a description of God’s nature. It has been revealed through history of personal relationship with God (Abraham, Moses, etc). The New Covenant is built on relationship with God also, through Jesus and by the Holy Spirit. Jesus modeled relationship with God, but He was known as a rule breaker rather than a law keeper. This is one way we come to understand the priority of relationship over deeds.

    The general rule of God is that He blesses those that follow Him with health, wealth, and every good thing. We love Him, and it is proven to Him, us and others by our obedience to His law. “If you love Me, you will obey my commandments.” It is God’s general will that He bless.

    Like Job, there may be a reason for Him to make an exception. When that is the case, it leads to His glory. It is God’s specific will for a person that determines their unique circumstances through which He grows relationship. Paul’s thorn in the flesh was not described in the law, but an exception God used to demonstrate His power through Paul’s weakness.

    We are protected from a dogma of “name it and claim it” when we submit our will to God’s will. Whatever He allows or gives us will be turned to His glory. We must take care not to apply the world’s standards or measurements to what we consider good or bad, healthy or wealthy. If we do that, then we are moving toward our own expectations instead of allowing God to operate in His authority over our life.

    Jesus declared that He came to fulfill the law, not to replace it. The Old Covenant is still available to us, but we must also operate in the New Covenant of grace if we are to grow in relationship with God. The people that disregard the Old Covenant are harming themselves by ignoring what God has already revealed about Himself. The people that disregard the New Covenant are harming themselves by attempting to find reconciliation in works and judgment instead of mercy and grace.

    We must live in balance by operating in faith with the living God. Then we are knowing Him and being known by Him. His promises are sure, and demonstrate His love for us.

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