Introduction:

     What would you consider to be the most important page in the Bible?  Would it be the one containing Genesis Chapter 1?  Or maybe it would be the one that has John 3:16 on it?  A good argument could be made that the most important page in your Bible is the blank page between the end of the Old Testament and the beginning of the New Testament.  This page has tremendous significance concerning the salvation of your soul.  What does this page mean? 

Body: 

 I. What Is a Testament? 

• A testament is sometimes used interchangeably with “covenant”.  A covenant is an agreement between persons or parties.  Other times it is used for the word “will.”  (Hebrews 9:15-17)  And other times it is used as the “law.”
• The Old Testament (Covenant) was given by God to the nation of Israel.  (Exodus 19:3-6)  It was given about 1445 B.C.  It was never meant to be an everlasting covenant.  (Jeremiah 31:31-34)
• The Old Covenant taught people the importance of proper worship, how to treat your fellow man, and how terrible sin (the Breaking of that Covenant) really was. (Galatians 3:19,24)

II. Why the Need for a New Covenant? 

• Hebrews 10:1-4, 9-10, 17-18
• The offering of Jesus on the cross was able to do something the offering of animals could not do.

III. When Did the Old Covenant End? 

• On the cross (Ephesians 2:11-16, Colossians 2:14)
• All are now saved the same way.  (Acts 15:5-11)

IV. What is the New Covenant? 

• Romans 8:1-2
• Romans 7:4-6
• James 1:25
• II Corinthians 3:7-11

Conclusion/Invitation:  

• By not making the distinction between the Old and New Testaments, many have believed and practiced things no longer approved by God.  Such is the observance of the Sabbath; musical instruments in worship; obligation to tithe; a separate, distinct priestly class; and others.
• Read Mark 9:5-7.

Bobby Stafford

October 23, 2011

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