Understanding the covenants

1. WHAT IS A COVENANT?

A covenant is an agreement established by God with His people.
In Scripture there are several covenants, but the two most important for this discussion are:
The Old Covenant** (Law of Moses).

2. The New Covenant** (through Jesus Christ)

The Old Covenant was given to Israel
When God brought Israel out of Egypt, He made a covenant with them at Mount Sinai.

“The LORD our God made a covenant with us in Horeb.” (Deuteronomy 5:2)
With us this means those He was talking to not me and you reading today.
This covenant included:

• The Ten Commandments
• Sabbath keeping
• Animal sacrifices
• Feast days
• Circumcision
• The priesthood and temple service
  The Old Covenant was specifically made with the nation of Israel.

3. The New Covenant was promised

Even while Israel was under the Law, God promised a New Covenant.

“I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah.” (Jeremiah 31:31)
God said this covenant would be different from the one made at Sinai. 4. Jesus established

• Sins are forgiven through Christ’s sacrifice.
• Salvation is by grace through faith.
• Animal sacrifices are no longer needed.
• God’s law is written on believers’ hearts.

4. Has the Old Covenant been done away with?

The book of Hebrews teaches that the Old Covenant became obsolete when Christ established the New Covenant.

5. The New Covenant

• At the Last Supper Jesus said:
• “This cup is the new covenant in my blood.” (Luke 22:20)
• Jesus’ death on the cross brought the New Covenant into effect.
• Under the New Covenant:

“In speaking of a new covenant, he makes the first one obsolete.” (Hebrews 8:13)
The sacrifices, priesthood, and ceremonial laws pointed to Christ and were fulfilled in Him.
Christians are therefore not under the Law of Moses as a covenant.
“For you are not under law but under grace.” (Romans 6:14)

6. Why did Jesus keep the Sabbath?

Jesus was born under the Law.

“God sent forth his Son, born of a woman, born under the law.” (Galatians 4:4)
During His earthly ministry:

• The Old Covenant was still in force.
• Jesus obeyed the Law perfectly.
• He fulfilled everything required by the Law.
  Jesus kept the Sabbath because He lived as an Israelite under the Mosaic Covenant.
  After His death and resurrection, the New Covenant became effective.

7. Are Christians required to keep the Sabbath?
   The New Testament never commands the church to keep the Sabbath as Israel did.
   Paul wrote:

“Let no one pass judgment on you in questions of food and drink, or with regard to a festival or a new moon or a Sabbath.” (Colossians 2:16)
The Sabbath was a shadow pointing to Christ.
Christ Himself is our rest.

7. What is the covenant relationship of Christians?

Christians enter the New Covenant through faith in Jesus.
Whether Jew or Gentile, believers become God’s people through Christ.

“There is neither Jew nor Greek… for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” (Galatians 3:28)

9. The Kingdom and the Church
   Jesus said:
   “I will build my church.” (Matthew 16:18)
   The church is the community of people who belong to Christ.
   Jesus is:

• The King
• The Head of the church
• The Mediator of the New Covenant
  The church is not built on Moses’ covenant but on Jesus Christ.

8. The Transfiguration

The Transfiguration is found in Matthew 17, Mark 9, and Luke 9.
Jesus took:

• Peter
• James
• John
  Up a mountain.
  There:
• Jesus was transfigured before them.
• His face shone like the sun.
• Moses appeared.
• Elijah appeared.

9. Why Moses and Elijah?

Moses represented:

• The Law
  Elijah represented:
• The Prophets
  Together they testified that Jesus is the fulfillment of both the Law and the Prophets. 11. Peter wanted to build three shelters
  Peter said:

“Let us make three tabernacles: one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.”
Peter placed Jesus, Moses, and Elijah on the same level.
But God immediately corrected him.
12. The voice from heaven
A cloud overshadowed them and God said:
“This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; hear him.” (Matthew 17:5)
Notice God did not say:

• Hear Moses.
• Hear Elijah.
  He said:

“Hear Him.”
This shows the supremacy of Christ.
The Law and the Prophets pointed to Jesus, but now God’s people must listen to His Son.
After the voice spoke:
“They saw no one but Jesus only.” (Matthew 17:8)
This beautifully illustrates that Christ is now the central authority for God’s people.
13. How should Christians live today?
Christians should:

• Follow Jesus Christ.
• Obey the teachings of the New Testament.
• Walk by the Spirit.
• Love God and their neighbor.
• Gather with the church.
• Trust in Christ’s finished work for salvation.
  We are not saved by keeping the Law of Moses.
  We are saved through faith in Jesus Christ and live under the New Covenant that He established with His blood.

#Summary

• The Old Covenant was given to Israel through Moses.
• Jesus was born under that covenant and fulfilled it.
• Christ’s death established the New Covenant.
• The Old Covenant became obsolete as a covenant for God’s people.
• The church is the community of New Covenant believers.
• At the Transfiguration, God said, “This is My beloved Son… hear Him.”
• Christians are called to follow Christ and the teachings of the New Testament under the New Covenant of grace.