Questions On Differences Between The Old And New Testaments

Question 1. Was God's covenant with the Jews different from God's covenant with the church? If so, why?

Answer The short answer is, "yes". There are many differences between the old and new covenants - so many in fact that I will only be able to scratch the surface for now. If possible, I might do some more study when I have more time and post a more detailed and hopefully organized answer on the web site. But, for now, here's a few things to note:

1. Progressive revelation - God, over time has revealed Himself to man in stages - that is gradually shown man who He is and what He would have man to do. However, the covenant we have in Christ is the culmination of that revelation. Hebrews 1:1-4.

2. Superior lawgiver - Although Moses was faithful in following God, Jesus is superior to Him because He is Creator. He is greater than the angels, Abraham, Moses or any other because is is the Son of God. Hebrews chapters 1-3.

3. Greater high priest and sacrifice - The old law was centered around a system of animal sacrifices conducted by a specially chosen priesthood from the sons of Aaron of the tribe of Levi. However, these sacrifices were only given to Israel and were designed to point to a need of a greater sacrifice. How could animal blood be sufficient for the forgiveness of human sin? Hebrews 10:1-4.

Jesus, being sinless, offered His own blood (for our forgiveness) for us and brought His sacrifice to Heaven itself as the only perfect offering to God. Because He has been raised from the dead, His perfect priesthood continues on unlike the priests of Israel. Also, unlike the Levitical priests, Jesus was not guilty of sins and did not need anyone to make an offering on His behalf before He could offer a sacrifice on behalf of others. However, the Levitical priests had to make an offering for their own sins before they could offer sacrifices for anyone else.Hebrews chapters 4-7.

4. Based upon appeal for mercy and not on national physical birth. To be a part of God people under the Law of Moses, you just had to be born and then circumcised (if a male) on the eighth day after birth. Then, there would be time to learn about what God expected of you in the Law of Moses. These instructions were for Israel only, not for all peoples.

Under the New Covenants, we come by faith in Jesus' sacrifice, looking to Him to forgive us of our sins as we believe in Him, repent of our sins and are baptized in His name. We must make a conscience section to obey Him as He has directed. No matter what nation we are from, He will accept us if we respond by obedient faith. Hebrews chapter 8, Gal. 3:26-29, Acts 2:36-42.

This is a rough sketch, but it might give you an idea of the differences. Also, as I close, let me hastily add that there are many similarities to the two covenants. Many moral matters, such as murder, homosexuality and many others, continue to be sinful, no matter what covenant we live under. Contact Gary

Question 2. I am confused here. Are you saying that the TEN COMMANDMENTS  are for the Jews, only?? I am relatively new to this, but I was under the assumption that the Ten Commandments are God's laws for all the people... I can find nowhere in the Bible any directive that says Christians will worship and keep holy the first day of the week, which is Sunday.. I consider this a very important point, and would like some guidance. Any thing you can do to help clear this up for me will be much appreciated.

Answer The Ten Commandments are given in Exodus 20.  If you read the previous 19 chapters you will see that they chronicle the deliverance of the Jews from Egyptian bondage by Moses as promised by God.  God guides them to Mt. Sinai, where Moses receives the Law, and God writes these commandments on tablets of stone.  So, the Ten Commandments were for the Jews only.  However, man has always been under law.  God marked Cain for killing Abel (Gen. 4:15). God destroyed all but Noah and family because man was wicked (Gen. 6:5).  God destroy Sodom and Gomorrah for their gross immorality. These examples were before the Ten Commandments were given.

Jesus Christ fulfilled the Law, including the Ten Commandments, with his death on the cross. Gal 3:23 But before faith came, we were kept in ward under the law, shut up unto the faith which should afterwards be revealed. 24 So that the law is become our tutor (to bring us) unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith. 25 But now faith that is come, we are no longer under a tutor. 26 For ye are all sons of God, through faith, in Christ Jesus.

Mat 5:17 Think not that I came to destroy the law or the prophets: I came not to destroy, but to fulfil.

Col 2:14 having blotted out the bond written in ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us: and he hath taken it out that way, nailing it to the cross;

Heb 8:6 But now hath he obtained a ministry the more excellent, by so much as he is also the mediator of a better covenant, which hath been enacted upon better promises. 7 For if that first (covenant) had been faultless, then would no place have been sought for a second.

Even though we are not under the Law of Moses, we are still under law.   Jesus said, Mat 5:27 Ye have heard that it was said, Thou shalt not commit adultery: 28 but I say unto you, that every one that looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.

Please read all of Matthew 5 for more of Jesus' Law.  Most of the Ten Commandments are redefined by Jesus in His Law. We are under a new covenant, not the one God made with the Jews at Mt. Sinai. 

Concerning the day that Christians meet to worship God and remember the sacrifice of Jesus, look at the following.

Act 20:7 And upon the first day of the week, when we were gathered together to break bread, Paul discoursed with them, intending to depart on the morrow; and prolonged his speech until midnight.

If you read the context of the passage, it should be apparent that these Christians met on the first day of week, Sunday, to take the Lord's Supper.  The following verses show that Paul also preached to them then.

What do you think? Contact Larry