A Comparative Analysis On The Old Covenant Vs New Covenant

By Nita McKinney


The difference of old covenant vs new covenant is often the source of debates among the believers of the Holy Bible. Some assert that the former only complements the latter, but others maintain that each is contradictory to the other. Before you can pass your own judgment, it is advisable to closely study and comprehend each. Only then would you be able to identify their similarities or differences.

Covenant means a binding agreement. In this context, it means a contract between two parties. The agreement between man and God. Both covenants speak of how God interacts with His people. However, one is more rigid than the other, with the latter giving more freedom to the people.

God speaks to His people through the prophets in the Old Testament. He made a treaty to protect and empower the Israelites. He promised to release them from enslavement. He vowed to take good care of them. The promise that God made to Noah following the tremendous flood can also be found here.

This spoke mainly of how the people of God should live their lives. It outlined the interactions between one another. It set down the regulations and policies about marriage, slavery, crimes and its corresponding penalties. This is where the ten commandments were forged with Moses. It was a timely compact when the people needed guidance more than anything else.

However, as years passed by, the needs, state and lifestyle of the people started to change. Hence, there was a need to renew the agreement. People have been given more freedom. Now, some promises were already acted on, including the freedom of the Israelites. The people have also learned to distinguish right and wrong. The compact was then modified.

This time, God reached out to His people through His own son. Jesus Christ preached about God's love. He performed many miracles to spread God's goodness. He also made the ultimate sacrifice when he was crucified just to save the humankind from the death of sin. The teachings of offering is no longer needed after the Lamb of God offered Himself.

The Old Testament notes that atonement and offerings can save one from damnation. Blood sacrifices had been required to pay for wrongdoings. This was changed in the New Testament. Now, salvation is at hand for those who believe. Faith alone can save. After all, the agreement is established mainly on God's unending love.

While the Old Testament spoke of punishments, the New Testament speaks of forgiveness. The ten commandments were simplified into two. The first refers to one's love for God while the second is about one's relationship with everyone else around. Love your neighbor as you love yourself, was the instruction Jesus gave to his disciples.

Up to now, there are still ongoing debates regarding the old covenant vs new covenant. There are varying doctrines among different religious denominations resulting from varied interpretations of God's word. Yet, one thing is for sure. Both came from the same God and were intended for the good of His people alone. If you want to follow God's will, you have to fully understand each one.




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