Difference between old and new covenant

The Old Covenant and the New Covenant are two distinct periods in the history of salvation, as understood in Christianity. The Old Covenant refers to the period of time from the creation of the world until the coming of Jesus Christ, while the New Covenant refers to the period of time from the coming of Jesus Christ until the end of the world.

Here are some key differences between the Old Covenant and the New Covenant:

Old Covenant (Before Jesus Christ)

1. Law: The Old Covenant was based on the Mosaic Law, which was given to the Israelites through Moses. This law was a set of rules and regulations that governed the behavior of the Israelites.
2. Sacrifices: The Old Covenant required animal sacrifices to atone for sin. These sacrifices were offered in the Temple in Jerusalem.
3. Priesthood: The Old Covenant had a priestly class, with Aaron and his descendants serving as high priests.
4. Salvation: Salvation in the Old Covenant was through faith in God's promises and obedience to the law.
5. Covenant: The Old Covenant was a conditional covenant, meaning that it was based on the Israelites' obedience to the law.

New Covenant (After Jesus Christ)

1. Law: The New Covenant is based on the teachings of Jesus Christ and the apostles, rather than the Mosaic Law.
2. Sacrifices: The New Covenant does not require animal sacrifices, as Jesus Christ is considered the ultimate sacrifice for sin.
3. Priesthood: The New Covenant has a new priesthood, with Jesus Christ as the High Priest and all believers as priests (1 Peter 2:9).
4. Salvation: Salvation in the New Covenant is through faith in Jesus Christ and his sacrifice on the cross.
5. Covenant: The New Covenant is an unconditional covenant, meaning that it is based on God's promise and not on human obedience.

Some other key differences between the Old Covenant and the New Covenant include:

• Access to God: In the Old Covenant, access to God was limited to the Temple in Jerusalem and required a priestly mediator. In the New Covenant, believers have direct access to God through Jesus Christ.
• Sin: In the Old Covenant, sin was seen as a barrier between God and humanity. In the New Covenant, sin is seen as a problem that has been solved through Jesus Christ's sacrifice.
• Righteousness: In the Old Covenant, righteousness was achieved through obedience to the law. In the New Covenant, righteousness is achieved through faith in Jesus Christ.
• The Holy Spirit: In the Old Covenant, the Holy Spirit was present in a limited way, often in the form of a prophetic or priestly ministry. In the New Covenant, the Holy Spirit is poured out on all believers, empowering them to live a life of obedience to God.

Overall, the Old Covenant and the New Covenant represent two distinct periods in the history of salvation, with the New Covenant being a fulfillment and a fulfillment of the promises made in the Old Covenant.