Understanding the New and Old Covenants

Introduction:

When reading the Bible, particularly the Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John), many Christians find what seem like contradictions between Jesus’ teachings and the writings of the Apostles, particularly Paul. One common example is the issue of forgiveness. Jesus in Matthew 6:15 warns that if you don’t forgive others, God won’t forgive you. But Paul declares in Colossians 2:13 that God has already forgiven all our sins through Christ. How can both be true?

The answer lies in understanding the distinction between the Old Covenant and the New Covenant. Let’s explore how Jesus’ teachings fit within God’s broader redemptive plan and how the cross changes everything.

I. Understanding the Transition Between Covenants

1. The Old Covenant Before the Cross:

   • Before Jesus’ death and resurrection, the people were still living under the Law of Moses. This was a covenant based on obedience to God's commands, with blessings for those who obeyed and curses for those who disobeyed.
   • Jesus, during His earthly ministry, spoke to people who were bound by this covenant (Matthew 5:17-18). His teachings were meant to challenge them, expose their need for a Savior, and prepare them for the New Covenant He would establish.
   • Forgiveness, blessings, and righteousness were conditional based on obedience to the Law (Deuteronomy 28). If the people obeyed, they would be blessed, if they disobeyed, they would face consequences.

   Key Question: Had Jesus died yet when this was written?

   • The New Covenant began only after Jesus’ death and resurrection. Until then, Jesus was preparing people for a new way of relating to God, a way based on grace and faith rather than law and works.

2. The New Covenant After the Cross:

   • The New Covenant was established through Jesus’ death and resurrection (Hebrews 9:15-17). His sacrifice on the cross fulfilled the requirements of the Law, making a new way for humanity to be reconciled to God.
   • In this covenant, forgiveness is not conditional upon our works but is a gift given through faith in Jesus Christ. It is not something we earn or deserve, but something we receive freely because of His love and sacrifice.
   • Colossians 2:13 assures us that all our sins—past, present, and future—have been forgiven through Christ. His death on the cross paid the penalty for all our sins, once and for all.

Hebrews 10:10: “We have been made holy through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.”

II. Why Did Jesus Teach Conditional Forgiveness?

• Jesus was showing people their need for a Savior. He was exposing the inadequacy of the Law to bring true righteousness and forgiveness.
• The Law highlighted human inability to meet God’s standards, pushing people toward the need for grace (Galatians 3:24). It was a mirror that revealed our sinfulness and our desperate need for a Savior.
• By saying “your Father will not forgive you if you don’t forgive others,” Jesus was emphasizing the impossibility of living up to God’s righteous requirements on our own. He was showing that true forgiveness could only come through Him.

Key Point: The teachings of Jesus before the cross were meant to point people to the need for grace. They were intended to prepare the way for the New Covenant He would establish through His death and resurrection.

III. Living Under the New Covenant of Grace

1. Forgiveness is Now a Gift, Not a Condition (Colossians 2:13)

   • God has already forgiven us because of Christ’s finished work. We don't have to earn it or deserve it, it is freely given to all who believe.
   • We forgive others not to earn God’s forgiveness but because we have already received His forgiveness. Our forgiveness of others is a response to His forgiveness of us.

2. Relationship Over Rules (Romans 6:14)

   • We are no longer under the Law but under grace. We are not saved by keeping the Law but by grace through faith in Jesus Christ.
   • Our obedience, forgiveness, and righteousness are now motivated by love and gratitude, not fear of punishment. We obey because we love Him, not because we are afraid of what will happen if we don't.

3. The Holy Spirit’s Role (John 14:26)

   • Under the New Covenant, the Holy Spirit empowers us to live according to God’s will. He guides us, convicts us, and strengthens us to live a life that pleases God.
   • He writes God’s law on our hearts, guiding us into forgiveness, love, and righteousness (Hebrews 8:10). He transforms our hearts and minds, enabling us to live according to God's design.

IV. How Should We Read the Gospels Today?

1. Recognize the Context:

   • Understand which teachings of Jesus were preparing people for the New Covenant and which directly apply to us today. Some of His teachings were specific to the Old Covenant context, while others are timeless principles for Christian living.

2. Embrace the Cross:

   • Always interpret Scripture in light of Jesus’ finished work on the cross. The cross is the dividing line between the Old and New Covenants. It is the central event of history, the ultimate act of love and redemption.

3. Let Grace Transform Your Life:

   • Forgive, love, and serve others because of the grace you’ve received. Don't allow unforgiveness, bitterness, or resentment to take root in your heart.
   • Live in the freedom that Christ has purchased for you. You are no longer a slave to sin but a child of God, set free to live a life of righteousness and joy.

Conclusion:

Understanding the distinction between the Old and New Covenants helps us avoid confusion and live in the fullness of God’s grace. Jesus’ teachings in the Gospels are invaluable for showing us God’s heart and leading us to the cross. But now, we live under a New Covenant where forgiveness, righteousness, and blessings are gifts freely given through Christ.

Call to Action:

This week, meditate on Colossians 2:13 and thank God for the forgiveness you’ve received through Christ. If you’re holding onto unforgiveness, release it—not to earn God’s forgiveness, but because you’ve already been forgiven. Let His grace transform your heart and your relationships.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of grace through Jesus Christ. Help us to understand and live in the freedom of the New Covenant. Teach us to forgive, love, and serve from a heart transformed by Your grace. In Jesus’ name, Amen.