|
The Two
Covenants
Introduction:
Many questions come up when we talk with our religious neighbors.
One very common one is, “Why do you go by the New Testament and not
the Old?” Usually, they are asking, " Why do you base your beliefs
and practices solely on the New Testament and not the Old? " This is
a very important question—and answer to which we need to be able to
give.
1.
The law of Moses
It is often called the “Old Covenant” or the “Old
Testament”.
·
The old law was given to only a
certain through (Deuteronomy 5:1-4). It was given to the nation of
Israel.
·
This covenant was made with them
to help them understand what sin was and its horror (Romans 7: 7- 11
). It was also given to lead men to Christ (Galatians 3:23-25). The
law of Moses pointed to the coming of the Messiah, Jesus Christ. It
prepared people for that great event.
·
The law of Moses could not truly
justify anyone (Galatians 3: 10- 11), nor could it take away sins
(Hebrews 10:1-4)
·
This covenant with Israel was
only meant to be temporary, never intended to last to the end of the
world (Jeremiah 31:31-34, Galatians 3:19,16).
2.
The law of Christ- New Testament- new
covenant
·
Consider Matthew 17:1-5. Peter,
after witnessing Jesus talking with Moses and Elijah, offers to make
three tabernacles, making no distinction between them. But God the
Father says, " No. Hear, my son. He is the one to listen to now.”
That covenant and law that Moses or Elijah represented would soon be
taken out of the way and a new one established (Colossians 3:17).
·
Paul wrote that Jews and
Gentiles are now in the same covenant relationship (Ephesians
2:11-18 ). The old law was done away with at the cross.
·
Paul points out in another place
that we are all dead to the law of Moses (Romans 7: one- 6 ). When
the law of Moses died (Jesus nailed it to the cross). The Jews died
to their responsibility to it.
·
The new law- the new covenant is
far superior to the old one (Hebrews 8:6).
Conclusion/invitation: The Lord's church
does not turn to the Old Testament for its beliefs and practices
because the covenant is over. That law fulfilled its purpose. We can
still learn from its examples, but we are to listen to Jesus and
submit to his authority, not that of Moses. Will you submit to Jesus
today?
February 13, 2025
Sermon prepared by
Bobby Stafford
Prepared by Bobby
Stafford
The church of
Christ at Granby, MO
Located at
516 East Pine St.
P.O. Box 664
Granby, Mo. 64844
(417) 472-7109
For more lessons
and Sermons, please visit
granbychurchofchrist.org/
granbychurchofchrist.com/
Sermon Library on:
Covenants
Bobby Stafford |
The
church of Christ
