Most everybody in the world, believer or not, knows that the Bible is comprised of two major sections: Old Testament and New Testament. However, it is obvious that few people understand what the difference is and how they each apply themselves to our lives today. This week’s sermon starter examines “The Two Covenants.”
Title: The Two Covenants
Text: Hebrews 8:6-7
Main Point: One of the most misunderstood concepts of all the Bible is the separation that exists between the Old Testament law and the New Testament. This misunderstanding fosters immense confusion regarding Sabbath observance, the salvation of the thief on the cross, and worship (especially regarding the instrument). However, this misunderstanding results from ignoring such passages as our text: “But now hath he obtained a more excellent ministry, by how much also he is the mediator of a better covenant, which was established upon better promises. For if that first covenant had been faultless, then should no place have been sought for a second” (Hebrews 8:6-7). It obviously, then, is the case that God always intended for that Old Testament law to eventually be replaced by one that is better – such has occurred and determines the distinction necessary to understand the relationship between the laws of the Old Testament and New Testament.
· Look at Their Differences – It is blatantly obvious that the law of the Old Testament and the law of the New Testament are not the same. Each are distinct and different. The gospel is not just an expansion of the Old Testament. It is part of the eternal plan of God in saving the souls of men (Ephesians 3:8-11). Notice some of the differences that exist between the two.
- The scope is different (the Old Testament is primarily an understanding between God and Israel; the New Testament is for all men – Ephesians 2:11-13).
- The priesthood is different (the Old Testament priesthood was limited to the Levites; the New Testament administration changed – Hebrews 7:11-14).
- The knowledge is different (Old Testament children entered family and were taught; New Testament children are taught and then enter family – John 6:44-45).
- The sacrifices are different (Old Testament sacrifices of bulls and goats; New Testament sacrifice is the blood of Christ – Hebrews 9:13-14).
- The nature is different (the Old Testament was faulty in that it made nothing perfect; the New Testament is able to perfect – 2 Timothy 3:16-17).
The differences are too great for them to be administered together, thus God’s plan for one to have passed for the new to have entered.
· Look at Their Designs – What was the purpose of the Old Testament law and what is the purpose of the New Testament law? The purpose of the Old Testament law was to direct people to Christ (Galatians 3:19,24-25). It showed sinfulness and provided a knowledge of sin (Romans 7:7). It acted as a shadow of things to come (Hebrews 10:1). It served to try preventing idolatry among God’s people (Exodus 20:3-4 – 20% of the 10 commandments dealt with idolatry). It was written for our learning (Romans 15:4). However, the New Testament law prepares, redeems, and saves (Romans 1:16). The designs are so blatantly different the two could not be one. They are different by design.
· Look at Their Durations – When did each law begin and how long were each intended to last? The Old Testament law began at Sinai (Exodus 20) and ended at the cross (Colossians 2:13-14). The Old Testament law was temporary by design (Jeremiah 31:31-34). God used it as a transitional standard unto the time when He saw fit to institute the perfect. The New Testament law began at the cross and will never end (Hebrews 13:20). It will never pass away (Matthew 24:35). It offers eternal salvation (Hebrews 9:15). Considering the Old Testament law is not even in effect any longer, the distinction should be clear. We are under a new and better covenant, the law of Christ!
Such a distinction is not a statement of God’s insufficiency. Really it is just the opposite. This distinction illustrates the perfect and infinite wisdom of God in directing the affairs of man. What a God we serve!