Why the New Covenant Is Better Than the Old Covenant
By Christopher L. Scott
Moses Lake, WA
If you’ve lived in extreme cold you know about the difference between single-pane windows and newer double-pane windows. Single-pane windows let a cold draft in that you can feel if you place your hand near the window.
Technology improved and window companies started making double-pane windows with argon gas between the two sheets of glass. Two pieces of glass with gas between them provide extra insulation to keep cold air out and warm air in. Anyone who has lived in a house with both can testify about the drastic difference between each of them.
Hebrews 8 reveals that Christ has initiated a new covenant which is better than the old covenant God had made with Israel based on the Law.
“But now He [Jesus] has obtained a more excellent ministry, by as much as He is also the mediator of a better covenant, which has been enacted on better promises . . . When He said, “A new covenant,” He has made the first obsolete. But whatever is becoming obsolete and growing old is ready to disappear” (Hebrews 8:6, 13, NASB)
The Old Testament Law–which was part of the old covenant–had four purposes. One, it showed the sins of Israel. Two, it showed Israel their need for a savior. Three, it showed them what the savior would look like when he arrived. Four, it showed them how to live differently from all the nations around them.
We should not be surprised that the author of Hebrews says the New Covenant of Jesus Christ is better than the Old Covenant of the Law. The author of Hebrews told us “Jesus has become the guarantee of a better covenant” (Hebrews 7:22). And that better Covenant is because of our Lord Jesus Christ who died for us and whom we are saved because of our faith in Him.
But why is the New Covenant better than the Old? The New Covenant is better than the Old because it is based on Christ’s blood which pays for the sins of everyone who believes in Him, “for this is My blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for forgiveness of sins” (Matthew 26:28). We no longer have to offer blood offerings for our sins because Christ has offered his blood on behalf of us. The New Covenant is also better because we are ministers of it and get to participate in it, “He has enabled us to be ministers of his new covenant. This is a covenant not of written laws, but of the Spirit. The old written covenant ends in death; but under the new covenant, the Spirit gives life” (2 Corinthians 3:6, NLT).
Anyone who has tried to follow God’s Law will tell you it was tiring. But anyone that has lived under grace, based on Christ’s death for us will tell you it is liberating. Jesus Christ is the beginning of a better Covenant.
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Christopher L. Scott, a graduate of Dallas Theological Seminary, is a pastor and freelance writer. Christopher L. Scott writes from Exeter, CA. Learn more about his writing ministry at ChristopherLynnScott.com.
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