The Old and New Covenant

Preview: The differences between the old and new covenants made between God and man are explored. 


Scripture Reading: Hebrews 8:1-10. 

Memory Verse: Hebrews 8:13. 

1. What division was made when sin entered the world? Genesis 3:14-15. 
Note: The covenant of grace, with its provision of pardon and peace, dates from the foundation of the world. 
2. To whom was this covenant promised later? Genesis 17:15-19 & Genesis 26:4. 
3. To whom was the seed referring? Galatians 3:16. 
4. What shows that the new and second covenant, made with Abraham, is virtually the same? Galatians 3:29. 
Note: No one should allow himself to be confused by the terms “First Covenant, and Second Covenant.” While the covenant made at Sinai is the first covenant, it is by no means the first covenant ever made by God. Long before this, He made a covenant with Abraham, Noah, and with Adam. The same promises that were given to Adam and Eve, Noah, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, were renewed in the new covenant: that Salvation is from Jesus Christ through His death and shed blood. 
5. What is necessary where there is a covenant? Hebrews 9:16-17. 
6. By whose blood was the new covenant dedicated? Luke 22:20. 
7. What power is there in the blood of the new covenant? Hebrews 13:20-21. 
8. Through which covenant is there remission of sin? Hebrews 9:14-15. 
Note: The fact that Christ, as Mediator of the second covenant, died for remission of sins was under the first covenant. 
9. What does God promise to do under the new covenant? Jeremiah 31:33. 
10. Where was the law written under the old covenant? Deuteronomy 31:24-26. 
11. Where will the new covenant be written, and in what people? Hebrews 8:10. 
12. How did the new covenant affect the old? Hebrews 8:13. 
13. Did the first covenant have ordinances? What were they? Hebrews 9:1. 
14. Who is a Mediator of a better covenant? Hebrews 8:6. 
15. Was the old covenant faultless? Discuss. Hebrews 8:7. 
Note: We have found from the above Scriptures that the old covenant was made with the Israelites and is for the Israelites. The new covenant was made with the Israelites and is for the Israelites. We find no covenant for the Gentiles, either in the Old or New Testament. 
16. What is the condition of the Gentiles? Ephesians 2:11-13. 
Note: Here we have the glorious truth, “In time past, the Gentiles were aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers of the covenant of promise”. But by the blood and death of Christ, Gentiles can be made Israelites. He broke down the middle wall of partition between us. When one accepts Christ, they are no more a Gentile, but an Israelite. Praise the Lord. 
17. How did Christ make the Gentiles one? Ephesians 2:15-16. 
18. How did He further do his wonderful work? Ephesians 2:17-18. 
19. Will the Gentiles that accept Christ be strangers with the saints, and of Christ? Why or why not? Ephesians 2:19. 
Note: Praise the Lord for the wonderful plan of salvation through Jesus Christ. The first Israelite was Jacob, after he found favor with God and man. Genesis 32:30. The first Christian Israelites were those who accepted Christ. They were born the second time, and everyone who accepts Christ today, regardless of nationality or race, is an Israelite. 
20. How did the Gentiles become Israelites? Romans 11:13-23. 
21. What tree are the Gentiles grafted into when they accept Christ? Romans 11:24.