The Covenants Contrasted

              Old Covenant

1.      Authoritarian

2.      Backed by reward and punishment

3.      Rules and laws

4.      For those who do not trust the wisdom and goodness of God

5.      Wrath and judgment

6.      Self-justification

7.      Conditional acceptance

8.      Conscience dominated

9.      Constraint for the need driven life

10.  Authority is positional

11.  Empowers the conscience

12.  Establishes moral responsibility to restrain evil and as a foundation for insight and grace.

13.  Trying to please God by measuring up.

14.  For the rebellious, morally uncommitted and immature

 

15.  External control

16.  Focuses on what you should do

17.  Law and order for a theocracy

18.  Obligating

19.  Blessings for obedience

20.  Condemnation

      New Covenant

1.      A free relationship

2.      Backed by faith and love

3.       Rules and laws now seen as truth and reality

4.      For those who trust God

5.      Separation and consequences

6.      Justification by grace

7.      Unconditional acceptance

8.      Dominated by mercy, understanding and redemptive love

9.      Freedom for those who trust God’s provision

10.  Authority is intrinsic

11.  Places the conscience under grace

12.  Nurturing Guidance for those who accept their moral responsibility.

13.  Experiencing the freedom and under- standing necessary to have the room we need to grow.

14.  For those committed to growth

15.  Internal control

16.  Focuses on how you can do it

17.  A personal connection for the spiritual

18.  Freeing

19.  The Blessing of obedience

20.  Encouragement

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