Old Covenant vs New Covenant

The beginning words of the New Covenant were given by Jesus in Matthew 5-7. These words, taught after he chose his twelve disciples, are known as the Sermon on the Mount. Unlike the Old Covenant, which offered only physical blessings, the New makes possible the spiritual blessings of eternal life and glory.

Throughout the Bible there is a contrast between the physical and the spiritual. The Old Covenant, which was physical, was established before the New, which is spiritual. On the day of Pentecost God established a Covenant with the children of Israel by giving them the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20).

The agreement that God made with Israel at Mount Sinai contained blessings and cursings. It promised to physically bless Israel if they would obey His laws. If, however, they disobeyed they would receive curses (punishment) for their sins.

It was Jesus Christ, the Lord God of the Old Testament, Who established the Covenant with Israel and announced the New Covenant in the New Testament. He came to the earth to deliver us from the covenant's curses and redeem us from the death penalty brought by our disobedience to God's righteous laws (Romans 3:9-19, 7:14).

Unlike the Old Covenant, which required obedience to the letter of the law, the New Covenant, which Jesus taught, is based on obedience from the heart -- fulfilling the laws of God not only in the letter but also in their complete spiritual intent.

Old Covenant
 
New Covenant
An agreement based on physical promises.
 
An agreement based on spiritual promises and eternal life.
Exodus 19:5-6;
Deuteronomy 28; Leviticus 26
 
John 3:16;  Hebrews 8:6, 9:15;
Romans 8;  Luke 18:29-30
 
Physical circumcision  Repentance and circumcision of the heart through baptism.
Genesis 17:9;
Exodus 12:48;  John 7:22
 
Acts 2:38, 3:19;  Romans 2:25-29;
Philippians 3:3;  Jeremiah 4:4; Col. 2:11-13
People did not have God's Holy Spirit and were to obey in the letter of the law.
 
Converted believers have the gift of God's Spirit and are to obey in the spirit of the law.
Romans 7:6;
Hebrews 8:7-9;  Matthew 5:21-45
 
Matthew 5:21-48, 6:1-34; Acts 2:38;
Romans 7:6, 8:9-10; Galatians 2:20;
Hebrews 8:10-12, 10:16
 
If obeyed in letter of the law, person could live in community, worship at the earthly tabernacle.   Believe in Christ and obey in the spirit, have direct access to worship God in heaven through Jesus.
Hebrews 9:13;  Galatians 3:12;
Leviticus 18:5;  2 Corinthians 3:16
 
John 4:23-24, 16:23-27;
Hebrews 6:20, 10:23;  Romans 8:9-39;
Ephesians 2:18-22;  2 Corinthians 3:6
 
Had works of law, offerings, animal sacrifices, vows, washings, etc.
 
Have Jesus' sacrifice, fruits of the Holy Spirit, prayer and good works.
Leviticus 1-7
 
Hebrews 9:10, 10:12, 13:15;
Galatians 5:22-24;  Ephesians 2:10;
Romans 12:1-2;  Revelation 8:3-5;
Matthew 19:17;  Mark 15:15-18
 
If law transgressed, physical atonement for certain sins, death penalty for others.   If law transgressed, forgiveness upon repentance, second death for unpardonable sin.
Hebrews 9:7-10;  2 Corinthians 3
 
Hebrews 8:5, 9:1-28, 10:16-31;
Revelation 20:14-15, 21:8;
2 Corinthians 3
 
Had physical ordinances of divine service and earthly sanctuary.   Has actual divine service and a heavenly sanctuary.
Hebrews 9:1-5
 
Hebrews 8:5; 9:1-5, 24-28; 10:16-31;
Revelation 8:3-4
 
Because an earthly tabernacle is used, the blood of animals is utilized for consecration   Because a heavenly tabernacle is used, its consecration is by the blood of Jesus.
Hebrews 9:18-23;
Exodus 24:3-8, 40:1-38
 
Luke 22:19-22;
1 Corinthians 11:23-32;
Hebrews 9:14-28, 10:5-14
 
Sons of Aaron were high priest of earthly tabernacle.   Christ is High Priest of heavenly tabernacle forever.
Hebrews 8:3-5;  Exodus 28:1
 
Hebrews 4:14-16, 5:1-9, 7:17;
Hebrews 8:1-2, 9:11
 
Priest offered animal sacrifices for justification to earthly tabernacle, high priest went into Holy of Holies only once a year   Christ offered Himself once as sacrifice for world's sins, all who repent and are baptized are made right with God in heavenly tabernacle
Hebrews 5:1-3, 9:1-13
 
Hebrews 7:25-27, 9:23-28
Acts 11:18;  Galatians 2:20; Romans 3:24-25
 
NO direct access to God the Father   Direct access to the Father through Jesus
Hebrews 9:6-8; 10:19
 
Matthew 27:51;  Hebrews 4:14-16;
Ephesians 7:25-27;  John 16; Galatians 4:6-7;
 Romans 8:15; Ephesians 2:18
 
Could not make a person perfect as pertaining to conscience.   Forgives sin spiritually and purges the conscience through the work of the Holy Spirit unto perfection
Hebrews 9:9; 10:4, 11
 
Hebrews 10:14-17; 2 Corinthians 3:9;
Colossians 1:27;  Matthew 5:48;
Philippians 2:5, 3:9-17;  Ephesians 4
 
Sacrifices and the Old Covenant ceased to be effective when Jesus died for our sins.   Christ's one supreme sacrifice applies to EVERY human who accepts it. New Covenant established after Christ's resurrection and ascension to God.
Hebrews 9:9-10;  Daniel 9:27
Hebrews 8:13; 10:9;  Matthew 27:51
 
Hebrews 10:10-14
Hebrews 8:13;  Matthew 27:51
Sources: Harmony of the Gospels in Modern English and Holy Bible in Its Original Order
 
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