by Ester yusufu | 19 June 2025 08:46 am06
To understand the difference between the Old Covenant and the New Covenant, it helps to compare it with familiar examples from daily life.
When we were in primary school, we learned basic math—addition and multiplication—often using physical objects like sticks or stones. But in high school, we were introduced to calculators, which could perform the same calculations much faster and more accurately.
Now, using a calculator doesn’t mean what we learned in primary school was wrong or useless. In fact, it confirms it—the calculator simply builds on those same principles with greater power and precision.
This is similar to the relationship between the Old and New Covenants. The New Covenant doesn’t cancel or contradict the Old. Instead, it fulfills, completes, and reveals it more clearly and powerfully.
“Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfill.”
—Matthew 5:17
A covenant is a divine agreement between God and His people. In Scripture, the Old Covenant refers to the law and promises given to Israel through Moses (Exodus 24:7–8), while the New Covenant refers to the salvation and grace brought through Jesus Christ (Hebrews 8:6–13).
Think about the early version of a mobile phone—it may have only allowed calls and texts. Now compare that to a modern smartphone: internet access, video calls, apps, and more. The new model didn’t discard the original purpose—it expanded and perfected it.
In the same way, the New Covenant builds upon the foundation of the Old but adds depth, clarity, and power.
“Not with the blood of goats and calves, but with His own blood He entered the Most Holy Place once for all, having obtained eternal redemption.”
—Hebrews 9:12
“I will put My law in their minds, and write it on their hearts; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people.”
—Jeremiah 31:33
(This is fulfilled in Hebrews 8:10)
“Whoever looks at a woman to lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart.”
—Matthew 5:28
“Whoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment.”
—Matthew 5:22
This shows a deeper spiritual standard in the New Covenant.
“I will pour out My Spirit on all flesh; your sons and your daughters shall prophesy…”
—Acts 2:17–18
“The Holy Spirit… whom God has given to those who obey Him.”
—Acts 5:32
The New Covenant doesn’t destroy the Old—it fulfills and completes it. Everything in the Old Covenant pointed forward to Christ. The ceremonies, sacrifices, and laws were shadows of the real thing found in Jesus.
“For the law, having a shadow of the good things to come… can never with these same sacrifices… make those who approach perfect.”
—Hebrews 10:1
To understand the unity between the Old and New, we need the help of the Holy Spirit, who leads us into all truth (John 16:13). He is the promised gift to everyone who believes in Jesus.
“Repent… and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is to you and to your children…”
—Acts 2:38–39
The Old Covenant laid the foundation. The New Covenant fulfilled it through Jesus Christ. It’s not two separate stories—it’s one continuous, unfolding plan of redemption. Jesus is the center of both.
Seek the Holy Spirit to help you understand God’s Word more deeply, and you will see the beauty and unity of both covenants working together.
May the Lord bless you and open your heart to His truth.
—Amen
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