The relationship between the Old Covenant and the New Covenant finds its significance in the Gospel, which is the fulfillment of God’s plan. The Gospel is not an addition to the plan, but its fulfillment, throwing light on the Old Covenant’s purpose and preparing the way for Christ.
The Old Covenant, established through Moses, laid the foundation of God’s covenant with Israel, with laws, sacrifices, and ceremonies that distinguished Israel as God’s chosen people. However, it was limited in its ability to permanently deal with sin, serving as a pointer to the ultimate goal – Jesus Christ.
The New Covenant, promised in Jeremiah 31:31-34, is fulfilled in Christ’s Gospel, offering permanent salvation, forgiveness, and internal transformation. The law is now written on believers’ hearts, and a universal priesthood is established, allowing direct access to God.
The Gospel highlights both continuity and discontinuity between the covenants. While God’s nature remains unchanged, the administration of His covenant changes, with the Old laws written on stones and the New law written in hearts. Salvation has always been by grace through faith, and both covenants form a continuous redemption plan.
The Gospel transforms priesthood, making it accessible to all believers, and enhances direct access to God, rendering rituals and sacred places unnecessary. The Old Covenant paved the way, and the New Covenant completes it, uniting the story and revealing God’s full redemptive purpose for humanity in Christ Jesus.
Through Christ, both covenants converge into a unified redemption narrative, revealing God’s original intent for worship, marriage, and holy living. The Gospel fulfills the shadows, bringing substance and reality to God’s plan, and believers can now approach God with confidence, empowered by the Spirit.
Written by Michael Ntumy Asamoah-Boakye (Madina English Assembly & PENSA-KNUST)
