North Charlottesville church of Christ

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

Larry Rouse
01/15/25 - Wed Bible Study

Series: The Covenants of God

Meeting Purpose

To discuss the similarities and differences between the old and new covenants in the Bible, addressing common misconceptions.

Key Takeaways

• Both old and new covenants require inward obedience and heart transformation, not just outward compliance

• The new covenant fulfills and supersedes the old, bringing fuller grace and truth through Jesus

• Misunderstanding covenant distinctions can lead to doctrinal errors and misapplication of scripture

• The new covenant involves conversion, with God's law written on believers' hearts through faith and repentance

Topics

Preparing for the Messiah

• God had a plan to prepare people to receive the Messiah through the old covenant

• Prophecies like Isaiah's servant songs pointed to a coming covenant and light to the Gentiles

• The old covenant revealed human inability to perfectly keep the law, highlighting need for a savior

False Concepts About Covenants

• Myth: Old covenant required only outward obedience, new only inward

• Reality: Both required inward heart transformation and love for God

• Myth: God regulated worship in old but not new covenant

• Reality: New covenant still has principles for worship, just delivered differently

Grace and Law

• John 1:16-17 contrasts law through Moses vs. grace/truth through Jesus

• Doesn't mean no grace/truth in old covenant, but fuller revelation in new

• Some mistakenly claim no law in new covenant, leading to antinomianism

• New covenant still has law/commands, but not as basis for salvation

Jeremiah's New Covenant Prophecy

• Jeremiah 31:31-34 foretells key differences in new covenant:

  • Law written on hearts, not stone tablets

  • All covenant members truly know God (conversion required to enter)

  • Complete forgiveness of sins

Next Steps

• Next week: Discuss specific problems arising from mixing covenants

• Examine implications for choosing a church and interpreting scripture

• Continue studying distinctions between old and new covenants