Foundations of the Faith - Jeremiah

The Announcement of a New Covenant - Jeremiah 31:31

Jeremiah 31:31 NIV

“The days are coming,” declares the Lord, “when I will make a new covenant with the people of Israel and with the people of Judah.

There are three main references to the New Covenant (Jeremiah 31:31-34; Hebrews 8:1-13; 1 Corinthians 11:25)

1 Corinthians 11:25 NIV

In the same way, after supper he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me.”

The Need for the New Covenant

Due to the failure of the Old Covenant, a New Covenant was needed - Hebrews 8:7-8

Hebrews 8:7–8 NIV

For if there had been nothing wrong with that first covenant, no place would have been sought for another. But God found fault with the people and said: “The days are coming, declares the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the people of Israel and with the people of Judah.

What was the Old Covenant? (Exodus 19:3-6)

Exodus 19:3–6 NIV

Then Moses went up to God, and the Lord called to him from the mountain and said, “This is what you are to say to the descendants of Jacob and what you are to tell the people of Israel: ‘You yourselves have seen what I did to Egypt, and how I carried you on eagles’ wings and brought you to myself. Now if you obey me fully and keep my covenant, then out of all nations you will be my treasured possession. Although the whole earth is mine, you will be for me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.’ These are the words you are to speak to the Israelites.”

What was Israel’s response to the old covenant? (Hebrews 8:9)

Hebrews 8:9 NIV

It will not be like the covenant I made with their ancestors when I took them by the hand to lead them out of Egypt, because they did not remain faithful to my covenant, and I turned away from them, declares the Lord.

The flaw was not in the covenant, but in Israel’s obedience

God kept His side of the deal, His people did not

Because of Israel’s failure the Old Covenant had to be replaced - Hebrews 8:13

Hebrews 8:13 NIV

By calling this covenant “new,” he has made the first one obsolete; and what is obsolete and outdated will soon disappear.

The New Covenant is Superior to the Old Covenant

The New Covenant is an internal law, not an external law - Hebrews 8:10

Hebrews 8:10 NIV

This is the covenant I will establish with the people of Israel after that time, declares the Lord. I will put my laws in their minds and write them on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people.

The Old Covenant was an external code of conduct. The New Covenant works from the inside out. - Matthew 22:35-40

Matthew 22:35–40 NIV

One of them, an expert in the law, tested him with this question: “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?” Jesus replied: “ ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”

The New Covenant is rooted in personal relationship - John 1:12

John 1:12 NIV

Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God—

The New Covenant is taught internally - Hebrews 8:11

Hebrews 8:11 NIV

No longer will they teach their neighbor, or say to one another, ‘Know the Lord,’ because they will all know me, from the least of them to the greatest.

The indwelling Holy Spirit will teach us all things - John 14:26

John 14:26 NIV

But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.

God’s voice will lead us - Isaiah 30:21

Isaiah 30:21 NIV

Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, “This is the way; walk in it.”

The New Covenant results in full forgiveness - Hebrews 8:12

Hebrews 8:12 NIV

For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more.”

The Old Covenant did not fully forgive sins - Hebrews 9:9-10

Hebrews 9:9–10 NIV

This is an illustration for the present time, indicating that the gifts and sacrifices being offered were not able to clear the conscience of the worshiper. They are only a matter of food and drink and various ceremonial washings—external regulations applying until the time of the new order.

The New Covenant brought full forgiveness - Hebrews 9:11-12

Hebrews 9:11–12 NIV

But when Christ came as high priest of the good things that are now already here, he went through the greater and more perfect tabernacle that is not made with human hands, that is to say, is not a part of this creation. He did not enter by means of the blood of goats and calves; but he entered the Most Holy Place once for all by his own blood, thus obtaining eternal redemption.

The New Covenant was inaugurated by Jesus through His death and resurrection - Hebrews 8:1-6

Hebrews 8:1–6 NIV

Now the main point of what we are saying is this: We do have such a high priest, who sat down at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in heaven, and who serves in the sanctuary, the true tabernacle set up by the Lord, not by a mere human being. Every high priest is appointed to offer both gifts and sacrifices, and so it was necessary for this one also to have something to offer. If he were on earth, he would not be a priest, for there are already priests who offer the gifts prescribed by the law. They serve at a sanctuary that is a copy and shadow of what is in heaven. This is why Moses was warned when he was about to build the tabernacle: “See to it that you make everything according to the pattern shown you on the mountain.” But in fact the ministry Jesus has received is as superior to theirs as the covenant of which he is mediator is superior to the old one, since the new covenant is established on better promises.

Instead of a priest, Jesus represents us

Instead of an earthly tabernacle, Jesus ascended to heaven

Instead of an animal sacrifice, Jesus offered Himself

Jesus instituted the New Covenant - 1 Corinthians 11:25

1 Corinthians 11:25 NIV

In the same way, after supper he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me.”