Lecture Notes: Understanding the New and Old Covenants

Introduction to 119 Ministries

• 119 Ministries believes the whole Bible is true and applicable today.
• Encourages viewers to study and test teachings.

Central Question

• Should Christians keep commandments like the Sabbath, biblical festivals, and dietary laws?
• Common objection: These commandments don't apply in the New Covenant era.

New Covenant vs. Old Covenant

• New Covenant inaugurated by Messiah's work on the cross.
• Argument: New Covenant replaces Old Mosaic Covenant, rendering it obsolete.

Analysis of Pastor Andy Stanley's View

• States Christians should "unhitch" from the Old Testament.
• Uses the Book of Hebrews to support his argument that the New Covenant renders the Old Covenant obsolete.

Understanding the Mosaic Covenant

• Made at Mount Sinai with Israel after their exodus from Egypt.
• Israel's responsibilities: Follow laws given through Moses (the Torah).
• Sign of the Mosaic Covenant: The Sabbath (Exodus 31:16-17).
• Mosaic Covenant as one of several significant biblical covenants.

Jeremiah's Prophecy on the New Covenant

• Jeremiah 31:31-34: New Covenant will differ as God's law will be written on hearts.
• Focus: Difference is in the people's faithful response, not a change in the law itself.
• New Covenant built upon previous covenants, not replacing them.

Examination of Hebrews

• Hebrews 8:6-7: Comparison of priestly ministries, not covenants.
• Hebrews 8:13: Phrase "what is becoming obsolete" refers to the earthly priesthood, not the Mosaic Covenant.

The Role of Priesthoods

• Earthly Levitical priesthood was not faultless due to human flaws.
• Christ's ministry and priesthood viewed as superior and heavenly.

Historical Context

• Corruption in the priesthood and destruction of the temple around 70 AD.
• The priesthood's cessation was due to historical circumstances, not theological abolition.

Conclusion

• Mosaic Covenant remains everlasting; New Covenant enhances response to it.
• New Covenant does not abolish the Torah but enables adherence to it.
• The focus of Hebrews is on earthly vs. heavenly priesthoods, not covenant comparison.

Final Thoughts

• Encouragement to support 119 Ministries and continue testing teachings.
• Shalom and thanks to supporters for making teachings possible.