What and Where are the Terms of the New Covenant?

Here is my attempt at a summary without making this post extremely long. A lot of good points were made throughout this thread, so don't miss out on reading them.Answers offered:1. Wherever Jesus says "believe in Me" or any variation of this option IS the terms of the New Covenant.
2. The New Covenant is Galatians 2:20
3. The gospel/way of faith.
4. Hebrews 10:15-18
5. For me the basic Covenant in the New Testament revolves around Jesus reduction of the vast host of Laws in the OT to two, and in the fact that the Covenant is in reality, Bilateral.
6. John 3:16
7. Matthew 5:17-20
8. Jeremiah 31:31-34 (which is what Hebrews 10:15-18 pulls from)Thoughts offered:The LAWs mentioned in the NT boil down to two. The first is what is needed for you to fulfill your half of the Covenant, "Thou shalt love the Lord thy God". The second is how you should lead your life and exist in the kinship of man, "Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself". Message 8Personally, I think the entire post-Temple "Christian" movement was a revolutionary movement in reaction to Pharisiacal/Rabbinical Judaism; and that there is no specific "Contract" between the parties to the agreement, rather the terms continue to evolve at the whimsy of the "Church." Message 15The New Law is found in Matthew 5. You mentioned that maybe it was sort of a "renewal." Very good. That is exactly what Yeshua said. "I did not come to abolish the Law, but to make it complete (Gr. pleroo)." He used the word pleroo as though it meant expand... Message 20There is no contract as seen in the OT.
The OT contract is between GOD and a people. It seperates that People from all others. The Covenant in the NT however is between God and the individual, a personal relationship. It is not with a people, it is not with a place, it is not even with a religion or sect. Message 8My thoughts:A. The covenants of God in the OT had no end dates.B. Matthew 5 - Contained teachings of Jesus which reflected the Talmud teachings of the age. Since these teachings were already present, there wouldn't be a need for a new contract.C. Boiled down to two: These existed before Jesus.
Lev 19:18 Love neighbor as self..
Deut 6:5 Love God with all your heart...Hillel summarized Torah as "What is hateful to you, do not unto your neighbor: this is the entire Torah." (A History of the Jews, by Paul Johnson)Our own legal system can be summarized the same way, but that doesn't negate the laws.D. Hebrews 10 and Jeremiah 31"I will put my law in their minds and write it on their hearts..."This is the one most people refer back to for the "new covenant", but when I ask what law will be put in their minds and on their hearts, no one answers.E. The Jewish fence around the Torah was stifling, especially to the poor classes. I can understand rebeling against the excessive additions.This is my best effort at a summary. It is still long, but it was much longer. Don't miss reading the complete thread though.

---

A gentle answer turns away wrath, But a harsh word stirs up anger.

quote:

---

Purpledawn: A. The covenants of God in the OT had no end dates.

---

There was ONE O.T. covenant: The Law of God from Genesis to Malachi.
This covenant promised eternal life to anyone who fulfilled it perfectly. Nobody ever did except Jesus Christ - as the N.T. says it was, in essence, "shoes" created just for Him. This O.T. covenant expired on the cross with Jesus. God manifested the law in His Son then killed it so He now can relate to mankind through the New Covenant of the gospel which is the way of faith "apart from the works of the Law (Mosaic). (Romans 3:20, 21) This is the good news of the gospel - that God will accept faith in place of the Old Covenant of works of the law.

quote:

---

Purpledawn: C. Boiled down to two: These existed before Jesus.
Lev 19:18 Love neighbor as self..
Deut 6:5 Love God with all your heart...

---

But Jesus Himself validated these two laws in the N.T. so there is no descrepancy here.However, Jesus confirmed that these two laws are the sum of the entire O.T. body of laws.When the Law said to "love your neighbor as yourself" it/God was attempting to make you see and conclude that you CANNOT possibly fulfill this law.When the Law said to "love the Lord thy God with all your strength, all your mind, and all your heart......" This was intended to make us conclude HOW ? How in the fuck are you supposed to love a God that you cannot see, touch, or feel ?The O.T. covenant said He is loved via performing the works of the Law. The N.T. covenant says you demonstrate love for God by living the life of faith in His promises/the gospel."Love" is a synonym for faith/trust. If you love this invisible God then you will want to do what pleases Him. The N.T. is clear: ONLY faith/gospel pleases God. (Hebrews 11:6) Thus when you are trusting God you are loving God and subsequently fulfilling the first and great commandment.

quote:

---

Purpledawn: "I will put my law in their minds and write it on their hearts..."

​

This is the one most people refer back to for the "new covenant", but when I ask what law will be put in their minds and on their hearts no one answers

---

When a person trusts God by faith/the gospel, He promises to dwell inside of them via His Spirit. This Spirit will propel the christian to conform to God's laws by miracle power of God. This is what the N.T. born-again convesion is about. God will put His Spirit within the person who trusts Him and that Spirit will Divinely enable this person to walk according to God's law.

quote:

---

There was ONE O.T. covenant: The Law of God from Genesis to Malachi.
This covenant promised eternal life to anyone who fulfilled it perfectly.

---

Scripture please. I don't see eternal life mentioned in the OT.

quote:

---

But Jesus Himself validated these two laws in the N.T. so there is no descrepancy here.

---

Didn't say there was a descrepancy. Said it wasn't new. How did he validate?

quote:

---

This Spirit will propel the christian to conform to God's laws by miracle power of God.

---

What are God's laws? Not the summary version please.

---

A gentle answer turns away wrath, But a harsh word stirs up anger.

quote:

---

Scripture please. I don't see eternal life mentioned in the OT.

---

Its by interpretation and implication and of course word meanings. When "life" is promised/spoken of in the O.T. it means in this life and the next one - eternally. The same goes for "death"; in this life and the next one - eternally. This is Bible 101 stuff.Matthew 19:16,17

​

And, behold, one came and said unto him, Good Master, what good thing shall I do, that I may have ETERNAL life? And he said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God: but if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments.The commandments Jesus was speaking of was every commandment contained in the O.T.The Apostle Paul, who Jesus Himself converted on the Damascus Road, which means he speaks for God/Jesus said this in Galatians 3:10:

​

For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse: for it is written, Cursed is every one that continueth not in ALL things which are written in the book of the law to do them.That curse is the curse of death in this life and the next (eternal).This is the message of the entire Bible: Sin is any violation of the O.T. law of God/Moses, whether it was intentional or not. The wages of sin is death. BUT Jesus fulfilled the O.T. law every "jot and tittle" THEN God crucified Him/that Law. NOW God can relate to mankind by the gospel/New Covenant - way of faith to relate, which replaces the Old Covenant way of the works of the Law which NOBODY could keep except for Jesus.Then what was the purpose of the O.T. law ?Galatians 3:19-25

​

What purpose then does the law serve? It was added because of transgressions, till the Seed should come to whom the promise was made; and it was appointed through angels by the hand of a mediator. Now a mediator does not mediate for one only, but God is one.
Is the law then against the promises of God? Certainly not! For if there had been a law given which could have given life, truly righteousness would have been by the law. But the Scripture has confined all under sin, that the promise by faith in Jesus Christ might be given to those who believe. But before faith came, we were kept under guard by the law, kept for the faith which would afterward be revealed. Therefore the law was our tutor to bring us to Christ, that we might be justified by faith. But after faith has come, we are no longer under a tutor.The purpose of the N.T. is to explain the O.T.

quote:

---

Didn't say there was a descrepancy. Said it wasn't new. How did he validate?

---

This was your comment about Jesus quoting the first two great commandments.The commandments we are discussing were validated by Jesus when He quoted them in the gospels.The only issue is what does it mean ?I already gave the meaning in my previous reply so I will not repeat it again.Thanks,WT

Simply for the purpose of information:The only reference to "new covenant" in the Hebrew Bible is found at Jeremiah 31:31, which uses the Hebrew words "chadash" (adj. "new") "b'riyth" (n. "covenant" or "alliance").Paul, in direct reference to Jeremiah 31:31 used the Greek "diaqkhn kaihn" ("kainos" adj. for "new" and "diatheke" n. for "compact" or "covenant") when speaking directly to a Jewish audience whom he was attempting to convert or convince.Draw your own conclusions on these two connected references.The only other references to "new covenant" are found in the Christian Bible at:Luke 22:20;
1 Corinthians 11:25;
2 Corinthians 3:6;
Hebrews 8:13;
Hebrews 9:15; and
Hebrews 12:24.The only Christian Bible "new covenant" reference attributed directly to Jesus is the Luke 22:20 reference from the "Last Supper." All the rest can be attributed to Paul. Some will argue that Luke worked for Paul, and that the Luke reference may be attributed to Paul as well.The purpose of this post, however, is simply to provide the location of biblical references to a "new covenant" for others to consider.Peace. Ab.

Thanks Ab !I was aware of them and I decided not to introduce them until actually needed.Purpledawn did ask for all references so I am glad someone did finally cough up.late,WT

quote:

---

This covenant promised eternal life to anyone who fulfilled it perfectly.
When "life" is promised/spoken of in the O.T. it means in this life and the next one - eternally.

---

Where does the OT covenant promise eternal life for anyone who fulfilled it perfectly?
Show me the scripture that uses the word life to refer to eternal life.

quote:

---

NOW God can relate to mankind by the gospel/New Covenant - way of faith to relate, which replaces the Old Covenant way of the works of the Law which NOBODY could keep except for Jesus.

---

Give me some examples of what you call works of the law.

---

A gentle answer turns away wrath, But a harsh word stirs up anger.

quote:

---

The only Christian Bible "new covenant" reference attributed directly to Jesus is the Luke 22:20 reference from the "Last Supper." All the rest can be attributed to Paul. Some will argue that Luke worked for Paul, and that the Luke reference may be attributed to Paul as well.

---

That's why I wanted to know what Jesus said about the new covenant. Paul had a vision, but then so did John Smith and he was told everything was wrong.All new covenant roads lead to Paul.

---

A gentle answer turns away wrath, But a harsh word stirs up anger.

quote:

---

All new covenant roads lead to Paul.

---

Absolutely correct !I will pick up right here with my next post ASAP.

That's what I was afraid of.Per my OP, I am not looking for Paul's presentation of the new covenant. I'm quite aware of what Paul says about the NC. That was the focus of the covenant study in the NT.I am looking for the terms of the new covenant that Jesus supposedly instituted at the last supper.What did Jesus say were the terms of the new covenant?

---

A gentle answer turns away wrath, But a harsh word stirs up anger.

In Message 37, Purpledawn asks: "Give me some examples of what you call works of the law."Maimonides extracted 613 "commandments" from Torah. The following are some examples of "works required by the Law," "good deeds," etc.:Building a sanctuary for God;
Removing the ashes from the Altar;
Rejoicing on the festival days;
Bringing two loaves to Shavout;
Blowing trumpets in the santuary;
Heeding the Prophets;
Destroying all idol worship;
Including a digging tool among war implements;
Giving to charity;
Paying wages on time;
Unloading a tired beast of burden;
Returning property to its owner;
Honoring scholars;
Honoring and fearing one's parents;
Being fruitful and multiplying;
Circumcising one's sons;
Marrying a maiden that one has "violated;"
Removing yeast from one's house on Passover;
and much, much more.According to Luke 10, Jesus basically reduced the 613 commandments of of the covenant to two major commands which the remaining appear to reinforce: Intense and devout love of God, and the treatment of other humans as you would have them treat you. And good ol' Paul even waived the requirement for circumcision to seal the covenant since Jesus purportedly said (at Luke 20) that the covenant was sealed by drinking wine from the cup at Passover.Now you probably have noted that Luke 20 goes on to explain how the new covenant kind of turns the status quo topsy turvy (the greater of you shall become the lesser, and the master shall become the servant); and, therefore, one should refer back to some of the earlier Gospel teachings regarding divesting oneself of material possessions and becoming a pietistic pacifist after entering into the covenant. Seems some folks have overlooked that particular aspect, huh?Peace. Ab.

In Acts chapter 9 Jesus converts Paul.Who speaks for Jesus ?Paul.

quote:

---

What did Jesus say were the terms of the new covenant?

---

There isn't any verse that has Jesus saying "this is the terms of the New Covenant: A)...........B).........C)..........etc.etc.etc.The Last Supper has Christ revealing that the cup of wine SYMBOLIZES His blood.Christ's blood is not ordinary blood. His blood was/is the blood of a perfect man; a man who never sinned or violated the O.T. law. His blood was spilled on the cross for payment of sins. Every O.T. day of Atonement sin offering was a type or a shadow of the crucifixion event. The High Priest (type of Christ) killed a first born lamb without spot or wrinkle (type of Christ's sinlessness) and then took the blood into the Holy of Holies and sprinkled it upon the hilasterion/kaporeth/mercy seat. This once a year act paid for the sins of the people for the previous year. IF the High Priest offered an acceptable sacrifice (as just outlined) then he would not be killed by God. Bells at the bottom of his robe indicated if he was still alive in the Holy of Holies. When Christ died on the cross the scripture says the Temple Veil was torn from "TOP TO BOTTOM".
This means God accepted Christ's sacrifice for sins as adequate payment for every sin ever committed.Now here is the point:Everything hinges upon the blood of Christ - the only foundation of the New Covenant. The blood and the forgiveness that is available is only available BY FAITH.All sins are paid for but that payment is not appropriated to the individual until he or she receives it by faith based upon the blood of Christ.The New Covenant is: God will erase all of your sins IF you look to Jesus by faith and receive His forgiveness.God's part: Keep His promises based on the blood of Christ.Our part: Receive it by faith, which is the good news of the gospel, God will accept faith in place of the works of the law.This is why Jesus gave two distinct options woven through out the gospels.Option 1) best typified by the Sermon on the Mount/impossible standard of righteousness OR......Option 2) "believe in Me" or any variation of this option.When you "believe in Jesus" this is called faith/the gospel, which is man's part of the New Covenant.God's part of the New Covenant is a promise to keep His word IF we keep relating to Him by faith.Jesus chose Paul to explain all of this in his epistles, namely; Romans, Galatians, and Hebrews.This message has been edited by WILLOWTREE, 06-11-2004 06:59 PM

quote:

---

refer back to some of the earlier Gospel teachings regarding divesting oneself of material possessions and becoming a pietistic pacifist after entering into the covenant.

---

You are clearly insinuating that the activities listed above are necessary to comply with the (New?) covenant.The New Covenant is based upon the blood of Christ.The blood of Christ is appropriated to the individual by faith alone.Your insinuation is a misinterpretation of things demonstrated and taught by Jesus. You wrongly assume that those things are absolutely necessary to the New Covenant. They are, sometimes, things, some people do in response to having their sins forgiven by Christ.

Willowtree:Let me take this up later. It may be Monday. I have to go to cardiac rehab right now. Meanwhile, I will only say that it appears evident from Luke 22, verses 20 through 30 that immediately after Jesus offers his "new covenant" the apostles begin bucking for rank in the kingdom to come. Jesus explicitly tells them that there will be no ranking as in an earthly kingdom ...This is why I am referring back to some of his earlier teachings regarding divestment of earthly fortunes to attain entry to heavenly rewards. The thing about it being harder for a rich man to enter heaven than for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle, etc.Anyway, don't take offense. I gotta go now, but will discuss this next week.Peace. Ab.

What I see is Jesus summarizing the laws, just as Hillel before him did. See Message 9I'm not advocating that we are still under the Jewish Laws. Many of the laws that dealt with health, civil and legal areas are part of our own society rules. Some of the religious rules have also worked their way into various religions. So they really haven't been done away with.From what I read I don't see that Jesus did away with them. It looks like Paul did that. God gave rules for a nation of people that sets them apart from other nations, just like our laws today are different between nations. I think someone had mentioned that the new covenant was an individual covenant and not something between God and a nation. Unfortunately, I don't see Jesus presenting that either.What I don't see is, as WT proposes, God stating that the people were required to obey all the laws perfectly.Like we had discussed in Message 15 and Message 16, the poor were suffering the most from the excessive additions and the cost the temple and sacrificing. Many clergy have done that same today.I find it interesting that according to NT Jesus died as a final sacrifice which then ended the sacrificial system. When the Temple was destroyed the system stopped anyway.

quote:

---

regarding divesting oneself of material possessions

---

You mean like the preachers that promise if you tithe enough you will receive back more money or possesions or something to that effect?

---

A gentle answer turns away wrath, But a harsh word stirs up anger.