{"id":153,"date":"2018-04-15T15:34:59","date_gmt":"2018-04-15T20:34:59","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.thewaywesee.com\/godsvoice\/?page_id=153"},"modified":"2019-04-27T11:50:21","modified_gmt":"2019-04-27T16:50:21","slug":"two-covenants","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/thewaywesee.com\/godsvoice\/hear\/the-law\/two-covenants\/","title":{"rendered":"Two Covenants"},"content":{"rendered":"

Even though God has much to say about the costs of breaking his everlasting covenant<\/a>, covenants do not enter into practical theology for either Jews or Christians. Jews have their own doctrinal view of Biblical covenants, <\/a>and Christians have another view, but the concept of covenant does not figure much into the theology of either religion. This failure to distinguish between the everlasting<\/a> covenant and all other covenants indicates that both Jews and Christians assume that their covenant relationship is everlasting and not another lesser covenant which does not last. This is a wrong assumption.<\/span><\/p>\n

More evidence of confusion about covenants exists within Christianity where we see different opinions about which of the Old\/First covenants apply to whom and when they apply. Furthermore,\u00a0<\/a> there are Christians that hold to a dual covenant theology which says that the Old\/First Covenant applies only to Jews while the New Covenant applies only to gentiles. <\/a>Since they all base their doctrines on the Bible and on the words of God, it is clear that both religions err in their understanding of God’s idea of covenant. They are confused about who is a part of which covenant, but God is not confused.<\/span><\/p>\n

STUDY TIP: For articles with lists of covenants developed by other authors, we refer readers to these links:<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/td>\n<\/td>\n\u2666 Comparison of Two Biblical Covenants<\/a><\/span>
\n \u2666 <\/a><\/b>Covenant: Why the New is Better<\/a><\/span>
\n \u2666 <\/a><\/b>The Covenants<\/a><\/span>
\n \u2666 <\/a><\/b>The Covenants of Scripture<\/a><\/span>
\n \u2666<\/a><\/b> Dispensationalism<\/a>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Author’s Caution:\u00a0 We offer these links only to give examples of theology about covenant. We agree with very little of what these authors have written.<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

 <\/p>\n

If understanding of covenants was easy, we would not find the differences of opinion about covenants in the above articles or in religion in general. If understanding of covenants was easy, both Jews and Christians would give it much more attention than they do. But, since God makes a big deal about covenants, it is prudent for both Jews and Christians to make an effort to understand God’s thinking about them because disobedience to God’s voice has consequences<\/a>. In fact, we read elsewhere that breaking the covenant with God constitutes treachery, rebellion and sin<\/a>. It becomes critical, therefore, that people who do not want to be on God’s bad side should want to understand covenants, but only people who can hear God’s voice know which covenant they are following.<\/span><\/p>\n

Learning about covenants begins with awareness that the Bible is full of opposites that have definite positive or negative values. Here is a short list<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Positive
\n<\/strong><\/span><\/td>\n		Negative
\n<\/strong><\/span><\/td>\n		References<\/strong><\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Justice<\/a><\/span><\/td>\nInjustice<\/a><\/span><\/td>\nMany scriptures command God’s people to “do justice.<\/a>“<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Life<\/a><\/span><\/td>\nDeath<\/a><\/span><\/td>\nDeuteronomy 30:15;\u00a0<\/a><\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Tree of Life<\/a><\/span><\/td>\nTree of Knowledge of Good and Evil<\/a><\/span><\/td>\nGenesis 2:16-17<\/a><\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Good<\/a><\/span><\/td>\nEvil<\/a><\/span><\/td>\n2 Samuel 14:17<\/a>; 1 Kings 3:9; <\/a>Hebrews 5:14; <\/a>Deuteronomy 30:1-15<\/a><\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Spirit <\/a><\/span><\/td>\nFlesh<\/a><\/span><\/td>\nJohn 6:63<\/a>; Romans 8:1-4<\/a><\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Blessings<\/a><\/span><\/td>\nCurses<\/a><\/span><\/td>\nDeuteronomy 30:1-15<\/a><\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Clean<\/a><\/span><\/td>\nUnclean<\/a><\/span><\/td>\nEzekiel 44:23; Ezekiel 22:26<\/a><\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Holy<\/a><\/span><\/td>\nProfane<\/a><\/span><\/td>\nEzekiel 44:23; Ezekiel 22:26<\/a><\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Kingdom of God that cannot be seen because it exists in the heart of man.<\/a><\/span><\/td>\nKingdom of the World<\/a> that can be seen (i.e. religion).<\/span><\/td>\nRevelation 11:15<\/a><\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Light<\/a><\/span><\/td>\nDarkness<\/a><\/span><\/td>\nMany scriptures compare these two concepts.<\/a><\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Righteousness<\/a><\/span><\/td>\nUnrighteousness<\/a><\/span><\/td>\n2 Corinthians 6:14<\/a><\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Righteousness<\/a><\/span><\/td>\nSin<\/a><\/span><\/td>\nProverbs 13:6<\/a>; Romans 5:19-21<\/a>; Romans 6:13-21<\/a>; Romans 8:10<\/a><\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Freedom<\/a><\/span><\/td>\nSlavery<\/a><\/span><\/td>\nGal 4:22-23<\/a>; Gal 4:30-31; <\/a>Gal 5:1<\/a>; 1 Tim 6:1<\/a><\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Faith<\/a><\/span><\/td>\nWorks<\/a><\/span><\/td>\nRomans 3:27-28<\/a>; Romans 9:30-33;\u00a0<\/a>\u00a0 Galatians 2:15-16<\/a><\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Abel’s Offering<\/span><\/td>\nCain’s Offering<\/span><\/td>\nGenesis 4:1-7; <\/a>1-John 3:11-15<\/a><\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Right hand<\/a><\/span><\/td>\nLeft hand<\/span><\/td>\nEcclesiastes 10:2; <\/a>Matthew 25:32-46<\/a><\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
David <\/a><\/span><\/td>\nGoliath<\/a><\/span><\/td>\n1 Samuel 17: 19-51<\/a><\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Mercy<\/a><\/span><\/td>\nJudgment<\/a><\/span><\/td>\nJames 2:8-13<\/a><\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Light burden<\/a>\/yoke<\/a><\/span><\/td>\nHeavy burden<\/a>\/yoke<\/a><\/span><\/td>\nGal 5:1<\/a>; 1 Timothy 6:1<\/a><\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

 <\/p>\n

Next, it is critical to understand that the concepts in the “Positive” column all refer to the New Covenant, and that concepts in the “Negative” column all refer to an old covenant.<\/span><\/p>\n

AN ENCOURAGING WORD: Readers to whom this makes sense only know it to be true because they can hear God’s voice.<\/span><\/p>\n

Before we can appreciate the differences between covenants, we must first understand the law.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

STUDY TIP: See\u00a0The Law <\/a>andLaw is a Stumbling Block<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

COMPARE TWO COVENANTS<\/strong><\/span>
\nGod makes it clear that there are really only two covenants: New Covenant and the Old\/First Covenant. We see the differences between the two covenants in the following tables;F<\/span><\/p>\n

Remarkably, even though they are all reading the same literal words, there is little agreement about what God really means when he discusses covenants. Since God is not confused, the authors are the ones confused. That means the authors are all wrong because they limit their understanding of what they can glean from the literal Bible. None of them listen to God’s voice to explain the spiritual meanings of the literal words.<\/span><\/p>\n

Nevertheless, we offer these links to the writings of others to help readers understand why there is so much confusion about covenants.\u00a0 But, these links are offered only for comparison purposes — not as spiritual truth.<\/span><\/p>\n

When we study<\/a> the Bible carefully and listen for God’s voice to reveal the spiritual meaning of the literal text, we learn (i.e. hear) that there are really only two covenants:<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/td>\n\n
    \n
  1. An Old\/First, obsolete, covenant<\/a> that applies to immature, natural (i.e. not spiritual) people whose faith rests on the wisdom of men<\/a> and who do not listen to God’s voice and obey his covenant.<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n
  2. The New, Everlasting Covenant that applies to people who listen to God’s voice<\/a> for spiritual interpretation of the mysteries hidden in the literal Bible.<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

    The conclusion that there are only two covenants recognized by God is confirmed in the following scriptures:<\/span><\/p>\n

    Hebrews 8:1-13:<\/a>\u00a0 Now the main point in what has been said is this: we have such a high priest, who has taken His seat at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens, 2 a minister in the sanctuary and in the true tabernacle, which the Lord pitched, not man.<\/span><\/p>\n

    COMMENTARY: The true tabernacle\/sanctuary is the heart of man. All religious structures are man-made.<\/span><\/p>\n

    3 For every high priest is appointed to offer both gifts and sacrifices; so it is necessary that this high priest also have something to offer. 4 Now if He were on earth, He would not be a priest at all, since there are those who offer the gifts according to the Law; 5 who serve a copy and shadow of the heavenly things, just as Moses was warned by God when he was about to erect the tabernacle; for, “SEE,” He says, “THAT YOU MAKE all things ACCORDING TO THE PATTERN WHICH WAS SHOWN YOU ON THE MOUNTAIN.<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

    COMMENTARY: It is common to interpret scriptures about a “high priest” as though they always refer only to Jesus. This is wrong thinking because all New Covenant disciples minister to God in their personal sanctuaries\/tabernacles (i.e. hearts). This is true because the hearts of all New Covenant disciples are sanctuaries\/tabernacles of God where he makes his home.<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

    The pattern which was shown on the mountain refers to the heart which is the true tabernacle. The mountain refers to God. God showed the pattern by speaking to Moses. God shows us the pattern when we hear his voice speaking to our hearts<\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

    See The\u00a0<\/span>High Priests<\/span>\u00a0<\/a>for a detailed explanation of the symbolism of the High Priest.<\/span><\/p>\n

    6 But now He has obtained a more excellent ministry, by as much as He is also the mediator of a better covenant, which has been enacted on better promises. 7 For if that first covenant had been faultless, there would have been no occasion sought for a second.<\/span><\/p>\n

    COMMENTARY: This clearly says that the New Covenant is better than the Old\/First Covenant.<\/span><\/p>\n

    8 For finding fault with them, He says, “BEHOLD, DAYS ARE COMING, SAYS THE LORD, WHEN I WILL EFFECT A NEW COVENANT WITH THE HOUSE OF ISRAEL AND WITH THE HOUSE OF JUDAH; 9 NOT LIKE THE COVENANT WHICH I MADE WITH THEIR FATHERS ON THE DAY WHEN I TOOK THEM BY THE HAND TO LEAD THEM OUT OF THE LAND OF EGYPT; FOR THEY DID NOT CONTINUE IN MY COVENANT, AND I DID NOT CARE FOR THEM, SAYS THE LORD. 10 “FOR THIS IS THE COVENANT THAT I WILL MAKE WITH THE HOUSE OF ISRAEL AFTER THOSE DAYS, SAYS THE LORD: I WILL PUT MY LAWS INTO THEIR MINDS, AND I WILL WRITE THEM ON THEIR HEARTS. AND I WILL BE THEIR GOD, AND THEY SHALL BE MY PEOPLE. 11 AND THEY SHALL NOT TEACH EVERYONE HIS FELLOW CITIZEN, AND EVERYONE HIS BROTHER, SAYING, ‘KNOW THE LORD,’ FOR ALL WILL KNOW ME, FROM THE LEAST TO THE GREATEST OF THEM. 12 “FOR I WILL BE MERCIFUL TO THEIR INIQUITIES, AND I WILL REMEMBER THEIR SINS NO MORE.”<\/span><\/p>\n

    COMMENTARY: These verses are a direct quote from Isaiah 31:31-34<\/a>. The same idea is presented in many other scriptures with language that is sometimes obscure but which always promises forgiveness of the sin<\/a> of practicing Old\/First Covenant religion for those who turn away (i.e. repent) from practicing Old\/First Covenant religion based on the literal Law of Moses.<\/span><\/p>\n

    COMMENTARY ON VERSE 12: This verse seems out of context unless we understand that God regards Old\/First Covenant religion as sin <\/a>and that the New Covenant is the standard of righteousness.\u00a0<\/a> In other words, verse 12 promises a New Covenant that replaces the Old\/First Covenant that, as it says in verse 13, is obsolete, old and disappearing. If the Old\/First Covenant was not sin, there would be no reason for it to disappear and be replaced with the New Covenant. Or, to put it another way, the New Covenant represents salvation from Old\/First Covenant sin.<\/span><\/p>\n

    It is useful to apply the following reasoning to understand why God regards religion as sin for which forgiveness is necessary:<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n
    <\/td>\n\n