Troublesome Topic: Preliminary Questions about the New Covenant

The theme of God’s covenant relationship permeates all of Scripture. A covenantal relationship is how God has chosen to relate to man throughout all of human history. The terms “Old Testament” and “New Testament” actually mean “Old Covenant” and “New Covenant,” for the same Greek word is used for both ideas. Every time we mention the New Testament, we are referring to the New Covenant.

Just like the Former Covenant, this new one is based on the same desire on God’s part to reconcile man to a healthy relationship with Him. We will once again see the use of that phrase so familiar to us now, “I will be your God, and you will be my people.”

What Kind of Covenant Is This?

Like the covenant at the time of Moses, this is a suzerain/vassal covenant. The formula for establishing this covenant is basically the same as during the time of Moses, with a few changes.

However, it also shows elements of a royal grant covenant, because in the New Covenant, God gives us things we don’t deserve.

Therefore, this is a combination of two types of covenants; it is a suzerain/vassal covenant mixed with a royal grant covenant. However, it is not a covenant between equals because we are not God’s equals!

How Well Does the New Covenant Fit the Pattern of a Suzerain/Vassal Covenant?

The New Covenant does indeed fit the pattern of suzerain/vassal covenants, albeit with a few uniquenesses.”

The summary of The New Covenant was written down in a special place.

The New Covenant shows the identity of the one cutting the covenant.

The New Covenant reveals the accomplishments of the lord of the covenant.

The New Covenant includes conditions.

The New Covenant includes blessings and curses.

The New Covenant includes signs.

The New Covenant includes 2 witnesses.

Now we will take a quick look at each of these aspects of the New Covenant individually.

The next lesson in all three series on Covenants is: The Written Summary of the New Covenant