North Charlottesville church of Christ

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Lesson 3B - Similarities and Differences in the Old and New Covenants

Larry Rouse
01/22/25 - Wed Bible Study

Series: The Covenants of God

Meeting Purpose

To continue the study of God's covenants, focusing on the transition from the Old to the New Testament and its implications for Christian practice.

Key Takeaways

• The Old Covenant (Old Testament) was purposefully designed to keep Israel intact as a nation but was always intended to be replaced by the New Covenant.

• The death of Jesus on the cross marked the transition from the Old to the New Covenant, "nailing" the old law to the cross.

• Understanding the distinction between covenants is crucial for proper Christian doctrine and practice, avoiding the mixing of Old Testament laws with New Testament teachings.

Topics

Purpose and Fulfillment of the Old Covenant

• The Old Covenant kept Jews distinct through laws like dietary restrictions and Sabbath observance

• It was never meant to last forever, but to prepare for and point to Christ

• The Old Covenant was fulfilled, not found faulty, when Christ came

Transition to the New Covenant

• Jesus' death on the cross marked the end of the Old Covenant (Colossians 2:14-17)

• The "handwriting of requirements" (Old Law) was nailed to the cross

• This removed the "middle wall of separation" between Jews and Gentiles (Ephesians 2:11-16)

Implications for Christian Practice

• Christians are not bound by Old Testament-specific laws (e.g., Sabbath, circumcision, dietary laws)

• Attempting to keep parts of the Old Law can lead to falling from grace (Galatians 5:1-4)

• The early church struggled with this transition, particularly regarding circumcision

Common Misunderstandings in Modern Christianity

• Mixing Old and New Covenant practices (e.g., tithing, instrumental music in worship)

• Creating clergy/laity distinctions not found in the New Testament

• Misapplying Old Testament marriage and divorce laws

Next Steps

• Continue to study and teach the distinctions between the Old and New Covenants

• Be prepared to address and correct misunderstandings about covenant application in church practices

• Emphasize the importance of following New Testament teachings for Christian living and worship