InstaStudy

The New Covenant: God's Plan of Redemption

This study explores the nature of God's New Testament covenant, revealing His singular plan for humanity's salvation and the transformative power of His grace.

1. The One God Revealed in Jesus Christ

1.1 God is One

Verses: Deuteronomy 6:4; Isaiah 43:10-11; Mark 12:29
  • There is only one true God.
  • This one God is the Creator and Sustainer of all things.
  • He alone is worthy of worship.

1.2 Jesus as the Fullness of God

Verses: Colossians 2:9; John 1:1, 14; 1 Timothy 3:16
  • In Jesus, the entire being of God dwells bodily.
  • Jesus is God manifested in flesh.
  • He is both fully God and fully man.

1.3 Father, Son, and Holy Spirit as Manifestations

Verses: John 14:9; John 4:24; 2 Corinthians 3:17
  • "Father" refers to God's role as Creator and source.
  • "Son" refers to God's manifestation in human flesh for redemption.
  • "Holy Spirit" refers to God's indwelling presence and power.

2. The Need for a New Covenant

2.1 The Old Covenant and its Limitations

Verses: Hebrews 8:7; Romans 8:3; Galatians 3:21
  • The Old Covenant, given through Moses, revealed sin but could not remove it.
  • It was a shadow of the good things to come.
  • Humanity's inability to perfectly keep the law necessitated a new way.

2.2 The Problem of Sin

Verses: Romans 3:23; Romans 6:23; Isaiah 59:2
  • All have sinned and fallen short of God's glory.
  • Sin separates humanity from God.
  • The penalty for sin is death.

3. Jesus' Atoning Work: The Foundation of the New Covenant

3.1 His Perfect Sacrifice

Verses: Hebrews 9:12; Hebrews 10:10; 1 Peter 2:24
  • Jesus offered Himself as the perfect, once-for-all sacrifice for sin.
  • His blood cleanses us from all unrighteousness.
  • Through His sacrifice, the old covenant was made obsolete.

3.2 His Resurrection and Ascension

Verses: Romans 4:25; Acts 2:36; Philippians 2:9-11
  • Jesus' resurrection demonstrates His victory over sin and death.
  • He ascended to the right hand of God, exalted as Lord and Christ.
  • His resurrection is the guarantee of our own future resurrection.

3.3 The Mediator of a Better Covenant

Verses: Hebrews 8:6; Hebrews 9:15; 1 Timothy 2:5
  • Jesus is the mediator of a superior covenant, established on better promises.
  • He serves as our High Priest, interceding for us.
  • Through Him, we have direct access to God.

4. Entering the New Covenant: The New Birth Experience

4.1 Repentance

Verses: Acts 2:38; Acts 3:19; Luke 13:3
  • Repentance is a change of mind and heart, turning away from sin.
  • It is a necessary first step for salvation.
  • God grants repentance, leading to life.

4.2 Water Baptism in Jesus' Name

Verses: Acts 2:38; Acts 8:16; Acts 19:5; Colossians 2:12
  • Baptism is for the remission of sins.
  • It is performed by immersion in the name of Jesus Christ.
  • It symbolizes our death to sin and resurrection to new life in Christ.

4.3 Receiving the Holy Spirit

Verses: Acts 2:38-39; Acts 10:44-46; Acts 19:6; John 7:38-39
  • The Holy Spirit is the promise of the Father, poured out on believers.
  • It is God Himself dwelling within us.
  • The initial evidence of receiving the Spirit is speaking in other tongues.

5. The Blessings and Responsibilities of the New Covenant

5.1 Forgiveness and Righteousness

Verses: Hebrews 8:12; Romans 5:1; 2 Corinthians 5:21
  • Under the new covenant, sins are completely forgiven and remembered no more.
  • We are declared righteous through faith in Christ.
  • We have peace with God.

5.2 God's Law Written on the Heart

Verses: Hebrews 8:10; Jeremiah 31:33; Ezekiel 36:26-27
  • God's laws are no longer external commands but are written on our hearts and minds.
  • The Holy Spirit empowers us to live according to God's will.
  • We are given a new desire to obey and please God.

5.3 Intimate Relationship with God

Verses: Hebrews 8:11; John 14:23; 1 John 4:13
  • We no longer need intermediaries to know God.
  • God dwells in us, and we dwell in Him.
  • We have a personal and intimate relationship with our Creator.