Differences between the old and new covenant in the bible

The Old Covenant (also known as the Mosaic Covenant) and the New Covenant are two distinct periods in the history of God's relationship with humanity, as recorded in the Bible. Here are some key differences between the two:

Old Covenant (Mosaic Covenant, circa 1446-400 BCE)

  1. Law: The Old Covenant was based on the Mosaic Law, which was given to Moses on Mount Sinai. This law consisted of the Ten Commandments, the ceremonial laws, and the civil laws.
  2. Covenantal relationship: The Old Covenant was a conditional covenant between God and the Israelites. God promised to be their God if they obeyed His laws and commands.
  3. Sacrifices and offerings: The Old Covenant required animal sacrifices and offerings to atone for sin and maintain a right relationship with God.
  4. Priesthood: The Old Covenant had a priestly system, with Aaron and his descendants serving as high priests.
  5. Temple: The Old Covenant had a physical temple in Jerusalem, where sacrifices and offerings were made.
  6. Salvation: Salvation in the Old Covenant was through faith in God's promises and obedience to His laws, but it was not a guarantee of eternal salvation.
  7. Limited access: The Old Covenant was limited to the Israelites, and even they had to go through a mediator (the high priest) to approach God.

New Covenant (circa 400 BCE-present)

  1. Law: The New Covenant is based on the teachings of Jesus Christ and the apostles, who emphasized faith, love, and obedience to God's commands.
  2. Covenantal relationship: The New Covenant is a unilateral covenant, meaning that God initiated the covenant and made the necessary provisions for salvation, regardless of human response.
  3. Salvation: Salvation in the New Covenant is through faith in Jesus Christ, who is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world (John 1:29).
  4. Sacrifices and offerings: The New Covenant has no need for animal sacrifices, as Jesus Christ is the ultimate sacrifice for sin (Hebrews 9:26-28).
  5. Priesthood: The New Covenant has a new priesthood, with Jesus Christ as the High Priest (Hebrews 5:5-6).
  6. Temple: The New Covenant has no physical temple, as Jesus Christ is the temple of God (John 2:19-21).
  7. Access: The New Covenant offers direct access to God through faith in Jesus Christ, without the need for a mediator (Hebrews 4:14-16).
  8. Inclusion: The New Covenant is not limited to a specific group of people, but is open to all who put their faith in Jesus Christ (Galatians 3:28).
  9. Spiritual gifts: The New Covenant emphasizes the spiritual gifts of the Holy Spirit, such as love, joy, and peace, which are given to believers (Romans 5:5).
  10. Eternal salvation: The New Covenant offers eternal salvation to all who put their faith in Jesus Christ, with no possibility of losing their salvation (John 10:28-29).

In summary, the Old Covenant was a conditional covenant based on the Mosaic Law, while the New Covenant is a unilateral covenant based on faith in Jesus Christ. The Old Covenant had a physical temple and required animal sacrifices, while the New Covenant has no physical temple and no need for animal sacrifices. The Old Covenant was limited to the Israelites, while the New Covenant is open to all who put their faith in Jesus Christ.