Understanding the New Covenant

[k4c]

There is much to talk about so I'll just touch on it a bit. I pray you will be set free and blessed.​

To me it's all very simple. ​

God created Adam and Eve very good but in the fall they, along with all mankind, began the downward spiral of corruption. It came to the point that God was sorry that He made man because their thoughts were now evil continually. ​

God wants us to hear and obey Him as obedient children. What parent wouldn't want that? ​

Under the old covenant the Ten Commandments were given to control the actions of man. ​

The Ten Commandments carried a harsh consequence for breaking them. This brought fear upon the people to be obedient to them, at least outwardly. ​

Outward obedience is good but God is concerned with the heart. God is looking for a people to obey Him from the heart, not for fear of death or punishment. ​

The ministry of stone, regarding the Ten Commandments, was meant to bring life but instead they brought death. Why is this? Because the curse of the law, which followed the law on stone because of sin. ​

Sin brings about the curse of death from the law. It's not the law that brings the death, but rather, the sin. ​

Under the New Covenant Jesus took the curse away when He became sin and died on the cross. He did not take the law away for the law is holy and good, He took away the sin. ​

The law brings liberty to mankind. Without the law this world would be in total chaos. Life without law brings destruction and bondage of all kinds of
wickedness. ​

Once Jesus did away with the curse He freed us from the grip of the law, in other words, the law is no longer a threat to us who are in Christ. This frees
us up to obey the law from our own free will because we love and appreciate what God has done for us through His Son. In this, God is writing the law on our hearts, in other words, we are not obeying the law out of fear of death or punishment, but rather, we are obeying from the heart because of love and graditude, this is the New Covenant. God frees us from the grip of the law because of sin to allow us to freely obey the law because of love. In this, the law goes from stone to the heart. ​

Hebrews 8:10-13 "For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel: After those days,'' says the Lord, "I will put My laws in their mind and
write them on their hearts; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people. "None of them shall teach his neighbor, and none his brother, saying,
`Know the Lord,' for all shall know Me, from the least of them to the greatest of them. "For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and
their lawless deeds I will remember no more.'' In that He says, "A new covenant,'' He has made the first obsolete. Now what is becoming obsolete and
growing old is ready to vanish away. ​

The Ten Commandments are the foundation of love for God and love for neighbor. The first four teaches us how to love God and the last six teaches us how to love others. ​

Religious man has no problem keeping the last six because in doing so he can receive glory but when we keep the first four, God and God alone receives the glory and Satan knows this. This is why you find all the confusion in the religious world when it comes to the first four. ​

The Ten Commandmensts are not to be a rigid law of bondage, but rather, the Spirit of God impresses us to live by them through love. Jesus brought this understanding to us in His life and in His teachings. He showed us that keeping the law for the sake of keeping the law was not what God was looking for. God is looking for a people to love Him and to love each other in which this love is manifested through keeping the law. In this, Jesus was magnifying the law and bringing honor to it. ​

Isaiah 42:1 "Behold! My Servant whom I uphold, My Elect One in whom My soul delights! I have put My Spirit upon Him; He will bring forth justice to the
Gentiles.
Isaiah 42:21 The Lord is well pleased for His righteousness' sake; He will
magnify the law and make it honorable. ​

The Ten Commandments are never done away with or changed under the New Covenant. What does happen under the New Covenant is that our relationship to the Ten Commandments changes. They go from a ministry of death and condemnation because of sin to a ministry joy and blessedness because of Christ's righteousness in us. ​

All of the Ten Commandments are a blessing to the man born of God. It's the carnal man that has the problem with God's law. All of God's Ten Commandments become a joy to the man of God because they please God and bring liberty to all. ​

Some will say that the foruth commandment no longer needs to be remembered but I say that is false. The fourth commandment is part of the ten on stone and is holy and good, which are the same that we obey from the heart. ​

God has sanctified and blessed the seventh day even before sin was in the world. Remembering to keep this day holy is a witness to the entire lost world as to which God you serve. God has protected the seventh day from all the false religions of the world. These religions keep Friday or Sunday because God has set apart the seventh day for His people. ​

Rememering to kepp the seventh holy is showing loyalty to your God. Remembering to keep the seventh day holy is obedience to God. Keeping the seventh day holy opens the door for God to bless us. ​

Isaiah 58:13-4 "If because of the sabbath, you turn your foot from doing your own pleasure on My holy day, And call the sabbath a delight, the holy day of the Lord honorable, and shall honor it, desisting from your own ways, from seeking your own pleasure, and speaking your own word, Then you will take delight in the Lord, and I will make you ride on the heights of the earth; and I will feed you with the heritage of Jacob your father, for the mouth of the Lord has spoken." ​

If, because of the Sabbath, you do these things God is open to freely bless. ​

To do away with the Sabbath is to bring loss to God's people. ​

So in a nut shell. ​

Under the New Covanent God forgives us of our sin through Christ, which does away with the guilt and condemnation brought upon us by the law because of sin. Then He writes that same law on our heart, in other words, the appreciation and love of God dwelling in us will cause us to obey out of our own free will, in this, the law becomes written on our heart. ​

Bless God and yourself by keeping all of His commandments...​

 

[reddogs]

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[Dania]

very good read... i dint read the whole thing those but just scanned it.. well thats a good nutshell for me.lol
for the other ones say the laws is done... which is highly contradicting

 

[Jimlarmore]

Great synopsis of what the truth is on the law. Too bad that some want to say the law is done away with. On another thread where I posted on this I said that the law of God is a reflection of His character and represents as you have said here love. God is love and His law is about love towards Him and our fellow man. So when someone says the law is done away with they are essentially saying we no longer need to be concerned with love for God or our fellow man.

God Bless
Jim Larmore

 

[k4c]

Thanks for the encouragement...

 

[Cribstyl]

So far, noone has downloaded material to overwhelmn this thread. But because a different view of "understanding the New Covenant" will be be presented by Non SDA members,watch how quickly this thread heats up and accusations fly. (I hope not)

A critical review of what is written by K4c's (bless your heart)
Your OP does not explain what the old covenant is, or what the new covenant is.

You appears to only declare the significance of the ten commandments and especially the importance of keeping the sabbath.
The first statement I question is......

Under the old covenant the Ten Commandments were given to control the actions of man.

That statement seem to suggest the 10 commandments is an addition to an existing covenant rather than a covenant of it's own. True , false or explain

I will stop there for now because, I have to watch my back now.

I hope that you or someone who wont correct you, in the least, explain what the old covenant is and what the new covenant is.


CRIB

 

[RND]

I might say that in reality the Ten Commandments were given to reveal the character of God Himself.

A critical review of what is written by K4c's (bless your heart). Your OP does not explain what the old covenant is, or what the new covenant is.

Exd 19:5
Now therefore, if ye will obey my voice indeed, and keep my covenant, then ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto me above all people: for all the earth [is] mine:

Exd 34:28
And he was there with the LORD forty days and forty nights; he did neither eat bread, nor drink water. And he wrote upon the tables the words of the covenant, the ten commandments.

Deu 4:13
And he declared unto you his covenant, which he commanded you to perform, [even] ten commandments; and he wrote them upon two tables of stone.

Deu 7:9
Know therefore that the LORD thy God, he [is] God, the faithful God, which keepeth covenant and mercy with them that love him and keep his commandments to a thousand generations;

Psa 103:18
To such as keep his covenant, and to those that remember his commandments to do them.

Neh 1:5
And said, I beseech thee, O LORD God of heaven, the great and terrible God, that keepeth covenant and mercy for them that love him and observe his commandments:

Dan 9:4
And I prayed unto the LORD my God, and made my confession, and said, O Lord, the great and dreadful God, keeping the covenant and mercy to them that love him, and to them that keep his commandments;

 

[Cribstyl]

I might say that in reality the Ten Commandments were given to reveal the character of God Himself.


Exd 19:5
Now therefore, if ye will obey my voice indeed, and keep my covenant, then ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto me above all people: for all the earth [is] mine:

Exd 34:28
And he was there with the LORD forty days and forty nights; he did neither eat bread, nor drink water. And he wrote upon the tables the words of the covenant, the ten commandments.

Deu 4:13
And he declared unto you his covenant, which he commanded you to perform, [even] ten commandments; and he wrote them upon two tables of stone.

Deu 7:9
Know therefore that the LORD thy God, he [is] God, the faithful God, which keepeth covenant and mercy with them that love him and keep his commandments to a thousand generations;

Psa 103:18
To such as keep his covenant, and to those that remember his commandments to do them.

Neh 1:5
And said, I beseech thee, O LORD God of heaven, the great and terrible God, that keepeth covenant and mercy for them that love him and observe his commandments:

Dan 9:4
And I prayed unto the LORD my God, and made my confession, and said, O Lord, the great and dreadful God, keeping the covenant and mercy to them that love him, and to them that keep his commandments;

C'mon RND you can do better, your commentary about God's character is not connected to any text.

Then some of your text dont stand without an explanation.

Not sure what you're saying, so I hope you can explain your text.



CRIB

 

[RND]

C'mon RND you can do better, your commentary about God's character is not connected to any text.

Can we reasonbly conclude that when the Ten Commandments are mentioned that, as a revelation of God's character, murder is excluded as a part of God's character? In other words, God doesn't lie to us, steal from us, commit adultery with us, covet our things (gives freely), etc.

Then some of your text dont stand without an explanation.

I think the texts are plain enough a 4 year-old can understand them. How 'bout you?

Not sure what you're saying, so I hope you can explain your text.

I'm saying that God's covenant with man is based on His moral law, the Ten Commandments.

 

[k4c]

So far, noone has downloaded material to overwhelmn this thread. But because a different view of "understanding the New Covenant" will be be presented by Non SDA members,watch how quickly this thread heats up and accusations fly. (I hope not)

A critical review of what is written by K4c's (bless your heart)
Your OP does not explain what the old covenant is, or what the new covenant is.

You appears to only declare the significance of the ten commandments and especially the importance of keeping the sabbath.
The first statement I question is......

That statement seem to suggest the 10 commandments is an addition to an existing covenant rather than a covenant of it's own. True , false or explain

I will stop there for now because, I have to watch my back now.

I hope that you or someone who wont correct you, in the least, explain what the old covenant is and what the new covenant is.


CRIB

The Old Covenant was very simple, obey or die.

This is what makes grace what it is.

Because of Jesus the entire world is under God's grace until the day He calls everyone to give an account.

 

[Loveaboveall]

So far, noone has downloaded material to overwhelmn this thread. But because a different view of "understanding the New Covenant" will be be presented by Non SDA members,watch how quickly this thread heats up and accusations fly. (I hope not)

A critical review of what is written by K4c's (bless your heart)
Your OP does not explain what the old covenant is, or what the new covenant is.

You appears to only declare the significance of the ten commandments and especially the importance of keeping the sabbath.
The first statement I question is......

That statement seem to suggest the 10 commandments is an addition to an existing covenant rather than a covenant of it's own. True , false or explain

I will stop there for now because, I have to watch my back now.

I hope that you or someone who wont correct you, in the least, explain what the old covenant is and what the new covenant is.


CRIB

I agree, the statement is misleading and I don't believe accurate.

The law as given, not to control peoples actions for that would mean the law had power over us to make us do something. The law was given to demonstrate our need of a savior, pure and simple. It was a short and sweet version of the definition of right and wrong. You could say it defines sin if you break it and righteousness if you keep it, which makes the point RND is saying. It reveals God's righteous character to us. How was Jesus judged? By the 10 commandments. He was deemed righteous and Holy because He never broke a one. God's character is righteousness! If God lied, murdered, stole etc. you could say that would not be in line with His character.

Bottom line, the only way the law could change is if God could change and fortunately that is impossible. For God says so and He doesn't lie!

 

[ricker]

Bottom line, the only way the law could change is if God could change and fortunately that is impossible. For God says so and He doesn't lie!

God doesn't change, but do His requirements, or laws if you please, change for different peoples or for different times in history?
Thanks! Ricker

 

[Jimlarmore]

God doesn't change, but do His requirements, or laws if you please, change for different peoples or for different times in history?
Thanks! Ricker

The answer to that question is a big NO. The plan of salvation has always been by faith and grace from day one after the first sin was commited. The sacrificial system pointed to the coming sacrifice of Christ and it was by faith in His grace that those sacrifices stood in stead for His real sacrifice until He came and provided for it. The really big issue here is that some of us say that the old covenant along with the Sabbath was given only to the children of Israel and it was for them only. This is just not supported by scripture. The laws of God are a reflection of His character and that is love. This side of eternity where the curse of sin exists stands at odds against love. We must allow the love of God to change us and to enter our lives if we are to be saved. Breaking God's ten commandments is not about love it's about selfishness.

God Bless
Jim Larmore

 

[Jon0388g]

The answer to that question is a big NO. The plan of salvation has always been by faith and grace from day one after the first sin was commited. The sacrificial system pointed to the coming sacrifice of Christ and it was by faith in His grace that those sacrifices stood in stead for His real sacrifice until He came and provided for it. The really big issue here is that some of us say that the old covenant along with the Sabbath was given only to the children of Israel and it was for them only. This is just not supported by scripture. The laws of God are a reflection of His character and that is love. This side of eternity where the curse of sin exists stands at odds against love. We must allow the love of God to change us and to enter our lives if we are to be saved. Breaking God's ten commandments is not about love it's about selfishness.

God Bless
Jim Larmore

Amen Jim.

If a jot or tittle could be taken from the law, then Jesus would not have had to die for us.


Jon

 

[k4c]

Many people teach and believe that the law, including the Sabbath, was given to the Jews so we, as Gentiles, are not required to keep any of it. If we continue on that train of thought than salvation is not ours either because salvation is of the Jews.

God chose the Jewish people to reveal His will and plan but it was meant for all mankind.

 

[ricker]

Many people teach and believe that the law, including the Sabbath, was given to the Jews so we, as Gentiles, are not required to keep any of it. If we continue on that train of thought than salvation is not ours either because salvation is of the Jews.

God chose the Jewish people to reveal His will and plan but it was meant for all mankind.

Salvation is indead of the Jews, through Jesus, not their laws.

 

[Jimlarmore]

The law could never save. That was never it's job. The laws of God reflect His character and represent the divine way we should conduct ourselves if we are saved. They don't save us but they are what defines sin at it's basic level. We don't keep the commandments of God to be saved we keep the commandments of God as a consequence of being saved because we love the law giver and seek to be like Him the only sinless one who ever lived on earth.

God Bless
Jim Larmore

 

[Cribstyl]

The Old Covenant was very simple, obey or die.

This is what makes grace what it is.

Because of Jesus the entire world is under God's grace until the day He calls everyone to give an account.

I was hoping that you or others would distinguish between old and new convenant or post text that labels them as such. (OC or NC)

I find the details are being confused by those who dont want people to apply God's word to understanding.

Since noone want to post text, I will, when I have time to do so.
I expect some people to use the usual techniques used to reject bible lesson by saying, "what's wrong with God's law?" or "He wrote it with His finger." Why did Cain knew killing was wrong?", why did Joseph knew not to commit adultry?" Why did Abraham keep god's commandments and laws?

When we try to unfold each one of those arguments one at a time, these people dont want answers, they're just want you to read between the lines. They have tons more questions to lead us away from whatever we're trying to study. Their understanding come from reasoning with what's not written rather than what thus sayeth the lord by the mouth of His prophets.


The OP owe it to us to give some understanding about the new covenant.


It was God who promised a New Covenant, so being the one true God. He announced His future plan by His prophets. Whoelse but God can tell what will come to pass without making an error?

CRIB

 

[Loveaboveall]

God doesn't change, but do His requirements, or laws if you please, change for different peoples or for different times in history?
Thanks! Ricker

God's requirement has always been for us to be holy. What is holiness? Righteousness, without sin. We have failed God's requirements! but that doesn't mean we are doomed because of JESUS!

When we say that God's law reveals God's character it means that it is what defines holiness and righteousness. This cannot change, or God would change.

Here is a simple yet complex breakdown....

God expects perfect obedience to the law---- We all failed( we have a sin problem)---- God puts in place a way for us to be saved even though we are condemend to die. (He takes care of our sin problem)

Apply this to the 2 covenants...

OC--- People disobeyed God's law, which means they sinned against God(they have a sin problem)--- God chooses to point them to Jesus by the use of animal sacrafices and ceremonies(God takes care of there sin problem)

NC--- People disobeyed God's law, which means they sinned against God (They have a sin problem)... God sends Jesus to die, We confess and repent to Jesus and he forgives us of our sin problem.


What are the constants here? Sin and God's mercy and grace to take care of our sin problem for us. What is sin? Can this change? You see it is not God's law that changed, the law that defines sin. (and yes it is different then the "law of Moses" because God deemed it to be separate. That is why He gave only the 10 commandments. By that very simple act he set those 10 apart from any other commands.) What changed is how our sin problem is dealt with. Before there were specific acts and ceremonies of the sanctuary that must be done, and the killing of an animal. We now do not do this because Jesus was our perfect sacrafice.

Sin does not change, How God takes care of our sin problem does.

 

[ricker]

God's requirement has always been for us to be holy. What is holiness? Righteousness, without sin. We have failed God's requirements! but that doesn't mean we are doomed because of JESUS!

When we say that God's law reveals God's character it means that it is what defines holiness and righteousness. This cannot change, or God would change.

Here is a simple yet complex breakdown....

God expects perfect obedience to the law---- We all failed( we have a sin problem)---- God puts in place a way for us to be saved even though we are condemend to die. (He takes care of our sin problem)

Apply this to the 2 covenants...

OC--- People disobeyed God's law, which means they sinned against God(they have a sin problem)--- God chooses to point them to Jesus by the use of animal sacrafices and ceremonies(God takes care of there sin problem)

NC--- People disobeyed God's law, which means they sinned against God (They have a sin problem)... God sends Jesus to die, We confess and repent to Jesus and he forgives us of our sin problem.


What are the constants here? Sin and God's mercy and grace to take care of our sin problem for us. What is sin? Can this change? You see it is not God's law that changed, the law that defines sin. (and yes it is different then the "law of Moses" because God deemed it to be separate. That is why He gave only the 10 commandments. By that very simple act he set those 10 apart from any other commands.) What changed is how our sin problem is dealt with. Before there were specific acts and ceremonies of the sanctuary that must be done, and the killing of an animal. We now do not do this because Jesus was our perfect sacrafice.

Sin does not change, How God takes care of our sin problem does.

Thank you, I asked an honest question.

I find it interesting that in the time of the Israelites as a nation God told them to kill whole nations of people, man women, and children. It seems like many of the "clean and unclean" rules given to them seem arbitrary and really no Christians follow them. Many of these laws don't seem to have a fulfillment in Christ.

I see the point you are making about the ten being set apart. In a way they obviously are. I think Tall73 had an excellent study on the significance of the Sabbath command in his thread "The Sabbath and Suzerainty Covenants, the Sign of Loyalty". ( I don't know how to copy links).

I believe the Sabbath was given in the ten commandments as the sign of the old covenant with the Israelites. This ceremonal sign given to the Israelites did not transfer with the moral laws to new covenant Christians. I know we don't agree on this subject. I just want you to know that all people who don't believe that Sabbath keeping is still required are antinomian.
God bless! Ricker