A Better Covenant, Jesus

March 31st, 2026

SCRIPTURE: ”For if that first covenant had been faultless, then no place would have been sought for a second. 8 Because finding fault with them, He says: “Behold, the days are coming, says the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah— Now the first covenant also had regulations for ministry and an earthly sanctuary. (Hebrews 8:7-8) “Then indeed, even the first covenant had ordinances of divine service and the earthly sanctuary .” (Hebrews 9:1)

The Old Testament and the Old Covenant could not change people, nor could its sacrifices perfect a person’s conscience. While God prescribed external acts to temporarily deal with sin, following those acts could not bring about an internal change (Hebrew 9:9). This covenant, a special agreement that God made with His people, was made with the Nation of Israel and it was good; yet, conditional while dependent upon man for its effectiveness. This covenant included sacrifices, which had a one-year warranty (Hebrews 9:12). A divinely created relational bond through which God revealed Himself and administered His kingdom plan. There was no provision for lasting redemption for the people. For the wages of sin is death (Romans 6:23). The sin debt has to be paid.

The Old Covenant was good, yet temporary; burdensome, strict, onerous (hard), written on stones and to be ministered by earthly priests following the letter of the Mosaic Law. Yes, this covenant was rigid, and it was confined to only the Israelites, its’ School Master, to teach them about sin. While The Old Covenant sacrificing cleansed the outside, but was never meant to rid the people of their sins. Recognized as a covenant of works which covered theological practices, health and dietary, social practices and criminal laws, the people made sacrifices for their sins: intentionally and unintentionally. The Lord God issued promises of blessings for obedience and curses for disobedience. When Israel agreed to obey the covenant laws, the nation spoke in unison saying, “We will do everything the Lord has said” (Exodus 19:8). The Bible bears witness to what resulted.

The law was a shadow of things to come, because God had something better in store for His peoples, which involved His Son for all peoples, tongues and nations. Man would no longer be responsible for the effectiveness of the law. Christ Jesus’ coming fulfilled the law. In Him are better promises. God promised, saying “I will be their God, and they shall be My people, I will shepherd My peoples; I will write My law on their hearts and in their minds” (Hebrews 8:10). “I will never again remember their sins “ (Hebrews 8:12b).

PRAYER: Lord You are so amazing in all Your ways. I know You love me, for Your Word says; “You so loved the world, (billions and billions of peoples) that You gave Your only Son to give his life on the cross for me.” Not me only, but for all people, tongues and nations. You are love. What amazing love! All of my life, You have been faithful and so good. In Christ Jesus, Amen
By Novella D. Carpenter