A New Covenant, Part 1: The Meaning of the New Covenant

A NEW COVENANT, PART 1:
THE MEANING OF THE NEW COVENANT
TEXT: Hebrews 8:6-13

SUMMARY: Because the relationship between the two covenants is necessary for interpreting the Bible properly, the New Covenant as presented in the book of Hebrews should be carefully studied in terms of its meaning, its newness, and its implications for the church of God.

I. FORESHADOWS OF THE NEW COVENANT.
A. The Need for Grace. “The first covenant made with man was a covenant of works, wherein life was promised to Adam, and in him to his posterity, upon condition of perfect and personal obedience” (Westminster Confession of Faith, ch. 7, “Of God's Covenant,” para. 2).

1. The “covenant” of grace.
2. The “covenants of promise.”

B. The “Old” Covenant.

II. THE ESSENCE OF THE NEW COVENANT.
A. Its Beginning.

B. Its Promises.

1. First provision: the implanting of God's law in their hearts:
2. Second provision: the knowledge of God as a matter of personal experience:
3. Third provision: the new covenant promises the blotting out of their sins.