Difference between the old and new convenant
The Old Covenant and the New Covenant are two distinct covenants (or agreements) between God and humanity, as described in the Bible. Here are the main differences between the two:
Old Covenant (also known as the Mosaic Covenant)
- Established by God with the Israelites through Moses (Exodus 19-24)
- Lasted from the time of Moses to the time of Jesus Christ (approximately 1,500 years)
- Based on the law and the sacrifices of animals to atone for sin (Leviticus 1-7)
- Required obedience to a set of laws and commandments (the Ten Commandments, Leviticus, etc.)
- Focused on the external, ceremonial, and sacrificial aspects of worship
- Did not provide forgiveness of sins or eternal life
- Was a temporary arrangement, as it was not able to bring about true righteousness or salvation
New Covenant (also known as the Covenant of Grace)
- Established by God through Jesus Christ (Luke 22:20, Hebrews 8:6-13)
- Began with the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ (approximately 2,000 years ago)
- Based on the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who atoned for sin once and for all (Hebrews 9:11-14)
- Requires faith in Jesus Christ and obedience to His teachings (John 14:15, Romans 1:5)
- Focuses on the internal, spiritual, and relational aspects of worship
- Provides forgiveness of sins and eternal life through faith in Jesus Christ (John 3:16, Romans 5:1)
- Is a permanent arrangement, as it is based on the eternal and unchanging nature of God's love and redemption
Some key differences between the Old and New Covenants include:
- The Old Covenant was based on law and sacrifice, while the New Covenant is based on faith and the sacrifice of Jesus Christ.
- The Old Covenant was focused on the external and ceremonial aspects of worship, while the New Covenant is focused on the internal and spiritual aspects of worship.
- The Old Covenant did not provide forgiveness of sins or eternal life, while the New Covenant does.
- The Old Covenant was a temporary arrangement, while the New Covenant is a permanent arrangement.
It's worth noting that the New Covenant did not abolish the Old Covenant, but rather fulfilled and superseded it. The Old Covenant was a shadow or a type of the New Covenant, and many of the Old Testament laws and rituals were fulfilled or replaced by the New Covenant.