13-The Two Covenants in Hebrews

The two covenants are, of course, the old and the new.1 Now, if any book in the New Testament disproves the claim of covenant theologians that the Sinai covenant and the new covenant are one and the same,2 it must be the letter to the Hebrews. The writer of this letter makes it clear beyond a shadow of doubt that these two covenants are very different – indeed, that they are contrasted, mutually exclusive. Moreover, as he argues with invincible cogency, the Mosaic covenant has been abolished, having been fulfilled by Christ. Whatever view we come to concerning the believer and the law, therefore, we have to take full account of what the letter to the Hebrews says on the two covenants. In particular, all who hold to John Calvin’s threefold use of the law must get to grips with what the inspired writer says here; or, rather, let his letter get a grip on them and their thinking.