Meeting Purpose
To discuss the similarities and differences between the old and new covenants in the Bible, addressing common misconceptions.
Key Takeaways
Both old and new covenants require inward obedience and heart transformation, not just outward compliance
The new covenant fulfills and supersedes the old, bringing fuller grace and truth through Jesus
Misunderstanding covenant distinctions can lead to doctrinal errors and misapplication of scripture
The new covenant involves conversion, with God's law written on believers' hearts through faith and repentance
Topics
Preparing for the Messiah
God had a plan to prepare people to receive the Messiah through the old covenant
Prophecies like Isaiah's servant songs pointed to a coming covenant and light to the Gentiles
The old covenant revealed human inability to perfectly keep the law, highlighting need for a savior
False Concepts About Covenants
Myth: Old covenant required only outward obedience, new only inward
Reality: Both required inward heart transformation and love for God
Myth: God regulated worship in old but not new covenant
Reality: New covenant still has principles for worship, just delivered differently
Grace and Law
John 1:16-17 contrasts law through Moses vs. grace/truth through Jesus
Doesn't mean no grace/truth in old covenant, but fuller revelation in new
Some mistakenly claim no law in new covenant, leading to antinomianism
New covenant still has law/commands, but not as basis for salvation
Jeremiah's New Covenant Prophecy
Jeremiah 31:31-34 foretells key differences in new covenant:
Law written on hearts, not stone tablets
All covenant members truly know God (conversion required to enter)
Complete forgiveness of sins
Next Steps
Next week: Discuss specific problems arising from mixing covenants
Examine implications for choosing a church and interpreting scripture
Continue studying distinctions between old and new covenants