New Covenant in the Bible

QUESTION: Where can I find the New Covenant in the Bible?

ANSWER:

The New Covenant in the Bible can be found any time you open the New Testament of the Bible. New Testament actually means New Covenant as it is the new contract between God and His people. (It is from the Greek word drathēkē.)

After the Old Covenant (Law) had been broken by mankind, God provided a new way (a Covenant of Grace) for man to be redeemed and brought into relationship with Him. People who lived before the time of Jesus could only have access to God through a priest and offering by way of animal sacrifice (the shedding of blood).

Jesus shed His blood for us at the crucifixion; His sacrifice did away with the need for animal sacrifice and was to atone for the sins of the world. His provision brought us the promise of forgiveness (to all who accept it) and an assurance of eternal life in God’s Kingdom. The promise of this was foretold in the Old Testament of Jeremiah 31:31-34. (Also stated in Hebrews 8:8.)

New Covenant in the Bible – The Verses
New Testament verses about the New Covenant begin with Jesus’ words to His disciples at the Passover Meal (sometimes called the Lord’s Supper or Last Supper) in Matthew 26:28. “This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. I tell you, I will not drink of this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it anew with you in my Father’s kingdom.”

Other verses include:

• Luke 22:20 - “…This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you.” (also in 1 Corinthians 11:25)
• 2 Corinthians 3:6 - “He has made us competent as ministers of a new covenant – not of the letter [the Law] but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.”
• Hebrews 9:15 - “For this reason Christ is the mediator of a new covenant, that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance – now that he has died as a ransom to set them free from the sins committed under the first covenant.”
• Romans 11:26-27: “And in this way all Israel will be saved. As it is written: ‘The deliverer will come from Zion; he will turn godlessness away from Jacob. And this is my covenant with them when I take away their sins.’”
• Hebrews 13:20-21 - “Now may the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.”

The New Covenant contrasted to the Old Mosaic Covenant is clear. The Old Covenant was placed upon stone, based on the Law, had to be taught, and was a legal relationship with God. The New Covenant was placed upon people’s hearts, based on desire to love and serve God, could be known by all and was to provide a way for personal relationship with God. Jesus was the mediator, the way, the truth and the sacrifice for your sake and mine to access God’s promise for forgiveness and entry into His kingdom forever.