understanding old vs new covenant

By Sophia Christiaan | February 16, 2021 | www.instituteoflove.net/oldvsnewcovenant

One of the simplest, yet most powerful things you can learn about the Bible is to differentiate between what is Old Covenant and what is New Covenant. 

Remember, the Law of Moses was in effect all the way up until Jesus died on the cross! Even Jesus spoke to the Pharisees as still being under the Law of Moses, because he hadn't died yet. Therefore, many things He said are in the context of the Old Covenant. 

After Jesus died and resurrected, he initiated the New Covenant.

"Now when someone leaves a will, it is necessary to prove that the person who made it is dead. The will goes into effect only after the person’s death. While the person who made it is still alive, the will cannot be put into effect." 

Hebrews 9:16-17 NLT

This New Covenant came in place of the Old. This means, New Covenant believers are not to keep to the Law of Moses at all, but the Law of Love, also called the Law of Christ!

For the whole law can be summed up in this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” 

Galatians 5:14 NLT

"For the law was given through Moses, but God’s unfailing love and faithfulness came through Jesus Christ." 

John 1:17 NLT

“Don’t misunderstand why I have come. I did not come to abolish the law of Moses or the writings of the prophets. No, I came to accomplish their purpose." 

Matthew 5:17 NLT

It is ABSOLUTELY WRONG to "import" Old Testament practices into the Church today. Things like TITHING, keeping JEWISH FESTIVITIES, and keeping the SABBATH should absolutely not be practiced in the Church today! If we do so, it shows we have not understood that we are made FREE in Christ! 

"So don’t let anyone condemn you for what you eat or drink, or for not celebrating certain holy days or new moon ceremonies or Sabbaths. For these rules are only shadows of the reality yet to come. And Christ himself is that reality." 

Colossians 2:16-17 NLT

But those who depend on the law to make them right with God are under his curse, for the Scriptures say, “Cursed is everyone who does not observe and obey all the commands that are written in God’s Book of the Law.” 

Galatians 3:10 NLT

Stop allowing your Law-importing pastor to put you back under the Law!!

The Apostle Paul spent a lot of time writing about and warning against being put back under the Law again after you have found freedom in Christ! 

"Even that question came up only because of some so-called believers there—false ones, really—who were secretly brought in. They sneaked in to spy on us and take away the freedom we have in Christ Jesus. They wanted to enslave us and force us to follow their Jewish regulations. But we refused to give in to them for a single moment. We wanted to preserve the truth of the gospel message for you." 

Galatians 2:4-5 NLT

"How foolish can you be? After starting your new lives in the Spirit, why are you now trying to become perfect by your own human effort?" 

Galatians 3:3 NLT 

The only rule is to love each other and carry each other's burdens.

"Share each other’s burdens, and in this way obey the law of Christ." 

Galatians 6:2 NLT

If we love Jesus, we will never hurt people, steal, lie, or do any of the other things the Ten Commandments speak about. Therefore, the Law is fulfilled in Love! 

Pastors and apostles in the Church today should teach church practice based on the letters and instructions of the Apostle Paul. That doesn't mean the Old Testament is invalid or out of play, but when it comes to doctrine for Christians to live by, it must be found in the New Testament.